Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Iranian families gather behind the ruins of a building in Tehran, Iran, on March 18, 2026. The building was destroyed during a U.S.-Israeli military operation. The gathering takes place on the eve of the Iranian New Year. (Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPh

Europe seeks fresh momentum amid multiple crises

EU policy advances that have languished for years as a result of member state resistance are being accelerated, in part thanks to the kind of chaos US President Donald Trump creates, writes Tony Connelly.

Europe • 12 hrs

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R) speaks with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

EU leaders fail to convince Orban on Ukraine loan

European Union leaders have failed to convince Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to lift his blockade on a vital €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine, officials have said.

Europe • 19 Mar

stock image of electronic devices with eu flag on the screens

Commission proposes 'EU Inc' company status to lure firms

Ireland's EU Commissioner Michael McGrath has launched a proposed new system whereby any company can set up across every member state within 48 hours using a single, digital legal framework.

Business • 18 Mar

Oil pump with an Iran flag in the background

Crude awakening: Europe reels from Trump's Gulf war

The US-Israeli attack on Iran presents a cascade of political and economic problems, our Europe Editor Tony Connelly examines the matter of sky-rocketing oil and gases on EU members states.

Analysis and Comment • 14 Mar

Pedro Sanchez (right), receives Micheal Martin (left), at the Moncloa complex

Taoiseach discusses Middle East and trade with Spanish PM

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government needed to maintain the focus on renewable energy in order to ensure energy security and cheaper prices.

Ireland • 10 Mar

An employee pumps gasoline into the vehicle of a customer at a gas station in Hanoi on March 9, 2026. Vietnam is considering a plan to scrap tariffs on fuel imports, the government said, as the US-Israeli war with Iran disrupts oil supplies and pushes pri

Govt keeps all options 'under review' as fuel costs rise

Minister for Finance Simon Harris has said the Government will keep everything under review in terms of intervening in the economy as a result of high energy prices caused by the Iran War.

Ireland • 09 Mar

Home heating oil reaches €880 for 500 litres

Home heating oil prices have reached €880 for a fill of 500 litres.

Ireland • 09 Mar

A female utility worker operates at the scene of a Russian strike drone hit on a residential high-rise in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Four years on: Kharkiv's blend of anguish and defiance

Kharkiv locals mark fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin's war with blend of anguish and defiance, as the skies echo with air-raid sirens each hour, writes our Europe Editor Tony Connelly from Ukraine.

Analysis and Comment • 28 Feb

Hurry up and wait: The struggle to boost Europe's economy

When it comes to removing barriers to the internal market, the results are, indeed, mixed, writes Europe Editor Tony Connelly.

Analysis and Comment • 14 Feb

Martin: Ireland ready to progress with EU Savings Union

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said Ireland is ready to move ahead with the EU's proposed Savings and Investments Union despite the Government's concerns over how a single EU supervisor might impact Ireland's financial services sector.

Business • 12 Feb