Varadkar to become first Taoiseach to attend Munich Security Conference

James Cox

Leo Varadkar is in Germany today where he will become the first Taoiseach to attend the Munich Security Conference in its 60-year history.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin will also attend the gathering over the weekend.

The wars in Gaza and Ukraine are set to dominate, while top US politicians - including vice president Kamala Harris - will try to reassure Europe that America remains committed to Nato.

At the weekend, Donald Trump revealed he wouldn't protect alliance members who don't spend enough on defence.

The comments from the former US president have sparked widespread condemnation, with fears that European security will be in peril if he wins the 2024 presidential election in November.

The Munich Security Conference is seen as the leading global forum for debating international security policy.

It will run from Friday, February 16th to Sunday, February 18th.

Mr Varadkar is expected to hold bilateral meetings this evening, and will take part in a discussion on neutrality, hosted by academic Dame Louise Richardson, on Saturday.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Varadkar said: “On the terrible events that are happening in the Middle East I will push hard for the release of all hostages, an immediate ceasefire, and urgent access to humanitarian supplies. I also hope to raise the prospects for a permanent political solution based on two States side by side, living securely and in peace with each other.”