Threats to Europe’s critical infrastructure must be better identified, Defence Minister Helen McEntee said
Irish Defence Minister Helen McEntee told MEPs on Tuesday that maritime security will be a priority during Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU, citing growing risks to Europe’s critical infrastructure.
“We are determined to do more in critical areas where we are seeing new and emerging risks, in particular in the maritime space,” McEntee told lawmakers in the European Parliament as she outlined the Irish Presidency’s defence priorities.
The minister highlighted the need to better identify threats to Europe’s critical infrastructure. Around three-quarters of Northern Hemisphere subsea cables pass near or through Irish waters, making Ireland a key hub for European connectivity.
“We need to be proactive in identifying the risks in being able to work with the defence industry, with our defence forces and as member states to mitigate those risks and to be able to pre-empt the challenges before they emerge.”
