European Union defence and foreign ministers are set to gather in Wicklow, south of the Irish capital Dublin, for talks focusing on Ukraine and the Middle East.
After meeting over dinner on Monday, defence ministers are due to discuss the bloc’s support for Ukraine on Tuesday morning.
The talks are expected to centre on the implementation of the EU’s €90 billion ($104 billion) aid loan for Kiev and further support for the Ukrainian armed forces, as well as closer cooperation between the defence industries of Ukraine and the EU.
Defence ministers are also expected to discuss the growing importance of space in modern defence and the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on Lebanon and maritime security.
EU foreign ministers are due to arrive in Wicklow on Tuesday evening before holding talks on further support for Ukraine on Wednesday.
With Kiev’s financial needs mounting, the question of what to do with around €210 billion in Russian central bank assets frozen in the EU under sanctions is expected to return to the agenda.
The foreign ministers are also expected to discuss further sanctions against Moscow over its war against Ukraine.
Turning to the Middle East, the talks are likely to focus on the broader situation in the region and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, as well as whether to impose sanctions over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.