Brussels: Irish Defence Minister Helen McEntee said maritime security will be a key priority during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union, citing growing risks to Europe's critical infrastructure. Addressing members of the European Parliament, McEntee said Ireland is committed to strengthening efforts to address emerging maritime threats and improve the protection of critical infrastructure.

According to Emirates News Agency, McEntee noted that around three-quarters of subsea cables in the Northern Hemisphere pass near or through Irish waters, making the country a strategic hub for European connectivity. McEntee stated that Ireland is collaborating with its defence industry, armed forces, and EU member states to identify risks, enhance resilience, and address potential threats before they emerge.

She highlighted Ireland's first national maritime security strategy, launched in February, and mentioned that legislation to grant the country's naval forces powers to board and investigate shadow fleet tankers in Irish waters is expected to be finalised this week. Furthermore, McEntee expressed that Ireland anticipates the presentation of the long-awaited EU Security Strategy during its presidency, emphasising that it should reflect the security priorities of all member states.

The minister pointed out that EU foreign ministers had achieved a common understanding of the bloc's security threats during a meeting on Monday. McEntee reiterated Ireland's longstanding policy of military neutrality, clarifying that cooperation with EU partners to address shared security risks does not equate to creating a European defence union. Ireland is one of the European Union's three militarily neutral member states, alongside Austria and Malta.