Europe needs to ‘rapidly develop’ defence capabilities, Taoiseach says

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

Europe “will not be safe” without addressing “critical capability gaps”, the Taoiseach warned, as he outlined Ireland’s priorities for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Micheál Martin said the need to enhance European security and resilience “has never been more evident”.

He said the bloc must also invest in “all dimensions” of its security and “rapidly develop” defence capabilities.

Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, he said: “We will actively take forward work on the proposed new European Security Strategy to ensure the Union can respond dynamically to today’s geostrategic challenges.

“We will not be safe unless we address critical capability gaps.

“We will support deep collaboration to build European resilience, particularly in the face of sophisticated hybrid threats, and to advance our maritime and cyber security.”

Meanwhile, Martin said there would be a continued “unwavering support to Ukraine” while Ireland would also work to agree stronger sanctions on Russia.

He said: “Political, financial, military and humanitarian support for Ukraine must be coupled with ever-increasing pressure on Russia so that its cruel and morally indefensible war can no longer be sustained.”