Brussels, July 17, 2026 – The Europe Today: Irish Defence Minister Helen McEntee has said that maritime security will be a central priority during Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, citing increasing risks to Europe’s critical infrastructure.
Addressing members of the European Parliament, McEntee reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to strengthening European cooperation to counter emerging maritime threats and enhance the protection of critical infrastructure.
She highlighted Ireland’s strategic importance to European connectivity, noting that approximately three-quarters of subsea cables in the Northern Hemisphere pass near or through Irish waters, making maritime security a matter of significant regional importance.
The minister said Ireland is working closely with its defence industry, armed forces and fellow EU member states to identify potential risks, improve resilience and address security threats before they materialise.
McEntee also pointed to Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy, launched in February, as a key milestone in enhancing the country’s maritime capabilities. She added that legislation granting Ireland’s naval forces authority to board and investigate shadow fleet tankers operating in Irish waters is expected to be finalised later this week.
Looking ahead to Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, McEntee said the country expects the long-awaited EU Security Strategy to be presented during its term and stressed that the document should reflect the security priorities of all EU member states.
She noted that EU foreign ministers reached a common understanding of the bloc’s evolving security challenges during their meeting on Monday, laying the groundwork for closer cooperation on shared threats.
Reaffirming Ireland’s longstanding policy of military neutrality, McEntee emphasised that collaboration with EU partners on addressing common security risks does not signify support for the creation of a European defence union.
Ireland remains one of the European Union’s three militarily neutral member states, alongside Austria and Malta.
