Taoiseach Micheál Martin will travel to Versailles, France today (Thursday) for an Informal Meeting of the European Council.
The 2-day summit of EU leaders will discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU’s response to it, and the evolving humanitarian crisis.
They will also consider the wider implications for Europe, including in the areas of defence and energy, and the significant impacts of high energy prices being felt across the Union.
On Friday Leaders will be joined by the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, and the President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, to discuss how to support economic growth and investment in the challenging period ahead.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, “I look forward to discussing with my fellow European Leaders the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, which has provoked the biggest humanitarian crisis in Europe since the Second World War. Ireland will play its full part in bringing pressure to bear on Russia to end its illegal invasion, in offering solidarity to Ukraine, and in doing everything we can to support its people – those who have stayed and those forced to leave.
“That there are people in Europe today living in fear, without food, water and heat is unconscionable.
“I also look forward to our exchange of views on how to manage the consequences of the invasion, especially the dramatic rise in energy prices that is having a serious impact across the Union.