H.E. Mr. Igor Pokojný:

There is much discussion about the strategic compass at EU level and it is all about the defence of the EU and how that will work. Ireland is a neutral country and it is providing great help to Ukraine, but not any lethal weapons. We fully understand the position of each country. For us, however, it is important to be part of NATO. The situation in Ukraine has demonstrated to other European countries that co-operation between different organisations is important, such as between NATO and the EU. It is important that we work together. I am aware there are different views on why we are trying to build military capabilities in the EU when we already have NATO. We must, however, still co-operate, because we never know what will happen next. The situation in Ukraine has shown this very clearly. Nobody expected it.