An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for defence will take place on 31 August and 1 September in Wicklow.
Ireland’s Minister for Defence and for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, in cooperation with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, will host an informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers.
The informal meeting provides an opportunity for defence ministers to engage in a confidential forum to exchange views and prepare upcoming decisions related to the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy.
Discussions are expected to focus on security issues, recently including military support to Ukraine, EU defence readiness, capability development, and EU–NATO cooperation.
The informal format of the meeting will support open strategic dialogue ahead of formal Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) meetings scheduled for October and November.
Media notice:
Media accreditation and screening for any journalists attending FAC Defence and Gymnich will take place at the main presidency media centre located at Werburgh St, near Dublin Castle.
Accredited and screened media will then be transported to the meeting venue where any media opportunities will take place. There will be no other access to the meeting venue other than via this route.
Media intending to attend FAC Defence and/or Gymnich should book accommodation in Dublin City Centre and plan for an early departure from the media centre at Dublin Castle on the morning of both FAC Defence and Gymnich and an evening return.
Transport and refreshments in the meeting venue will be provided.