Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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168. To ask the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the informal EU leaders meeting in February. [5759/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I attended an Informal Leaders’ Retreat on 3 February hosted by the President of the European Council António Costa in Brussels.

The main focus of our discussions was European security and defence. The meeting was an important opportunity for Leaders to offer strategic guidance ahead of the publication of a White Paper on the topic by the European Commission in coming weeks.

Issues discussed included how best to mitigate some of the threats and challenges the EU collectively faces, and the capabilities needed to address these challenges.

We also discussed how new priorities within the security and defence area can be financed. Leaders also considered how to strengthen our strategic partnerships, including with NATO and the UK.

Continuing support for Ukraine, as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s brutal, illegal and immoral invasion, was an important aspect of our discussions.

Leaders had an exchange of views with President of the European Parliament Metsola and were joined for lunch by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

I am pleased that Prime Minister Starmer joined us for part of our discussions, the first time a UK Prime Minister has met with the European Council since Brexit.

The UK is an important partner for the EU and there is much we can collaborate on in terms of defence and addressing global challenges.

Following the meeting, I had a short bilateral meeting with PM Starmer at which we discussed EU-UK relations and the upcoming British-Irish Summit.