A delegation of the Ministry of National Defence headed by the State Secretary for Defence Policy and Planning, Sebastian Huluban, participates in the Informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers taking place in Dublin, over12-13 February.

The meeting takes place against the general background of the preparations for the European Council meeting of December 2013 dedicated to the Common Security and Defence Policy.

The ministers will discuss the developing situation in Mali and Sahel region, the impending EU-led training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali), the stage of EUNAVFOR Atalanta and the EU-led training mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia).

The meeting agenda includes talks on EU strategic partnerships with other international and regional organizations such as UN, NATO and African Union, from the perspective of their role and contribution to crises management.

The Informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers is chaired by Mr. Alan Shatter, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence and takes place during Ireland`s Presidency of the Council of the European Union (from 1 January to 30 June, 2013).

MoND Press Office