Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is in Brussels today for what is likely his last attendance at a European Council meeting.
The discussions will focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, the killing of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, along with other defence issues and migration.
Mr Varadkar will update European Union leaders on his recent meetings with US President Joe Biden.
Discussions will also focus on agriculture, the situation in Belarus and EU enlargement.
The two-day meeting starts with a working lunch with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Varadkar said there must be a strong, united EU voice on the crisis in the Middle East.
He said he will repeat Ireland’s message that the people of Gaza cannot be subject to collective punishment for the appalling crimes of Hamas, and call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and a massive increase in aid.
“Israel must not launch a ground offensive in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have fled for safety.
“Recent initiatives to get more aid into Gaza by sea and by air are essential, but it’s vital that more aid is allowed into Gaza by road to end the looming famine.
“Aside from an immediate ceasefire, the best chance we have for peace and justice is if the US and Europe lead a process towards a two-State solution resulting in a Palestinian State,” Mr Varadkar said.
He also said he will thank Mr Guterres for the vital role that UN agencies are playing in the Middle East and express strong backing for the UN’s relief agency, UNRWA.
Mr Varadkar said: “The European Council will also re-state our unwavering support for Ukraine and its brave people for as long as it takes.
“Russia’s imperial war is existential for Ukraine and fundamental for European and global security. We know that Putin potentially threatens the EU’s borders, especially if he is successful in Ukraine.”
