Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

EU Commissioner Michael McGrath said the European Commission had set out a robust bilateral safeguard mechanism for EU farmers (file image)

McGrath urges 'open mind' on Mercosur trade deal

Ireland's EU Commissioner Michael McGrath has urged member states to keep an open mind on the EU Mercosur trade agreement "based on the facts".

World • 03 Sep

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament, in Strasbourg

EU chief's plane hit by suspected Russian GPS jamming

The European Commission has confirmed that President von der Leyen's plane was subject to suspected Russian GPS jamming as it attempted to land in Bulgaria yesterday.

Europe • 01 Sep

Two soldiers watch as a car passes by them in Lebanon

Harris seeks EU support for Lebanon army training mission

The Tánaiste is to propose a new initiative to support southern Lebanon, which could see EU countries work together in the coming months to train, equip and build up the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Middle East • 29 Aug

Palestinians children, who are struggling to access food due to Israel's blockade and ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip, wait in line to receive hot meals distributed by the charity organization in Gaza City, Gaza

Sweden, Netherlands call to suspend EU trade with Israel

Sweden and the Netherlands have jointly called for the EU to suspend trade with Israel in response to what they call the "extremely disturbing and intolerable" humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Europe • 28 Aug

Injured Palestinians are carried out of the Nasser Hospital by local residents following Israeli attacks on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis

Israel's attack on Gaza hospital was 'unacceptable' - EU

Israel's attack on the Nasser hospital in south Gaza, in which at least 20 people were killed including five journalists, was "completely unacceptable", the EU Commission said.

Middle East • 26 Aug

Mr Šefčovič and his team had been in Washington DC for talks

EU diplomats downbeat as US trade deal not yet reached

EU diplomats have said there is still no trade deal with the United States, and have given a downbeat assessment of how US President Donald Trump might respond when the deadline to reach agreement expires next Wednesday and a 90 day pause on higher tariffs runs out.

Europe • 04 Jul

Ursula von der Leyen warned the EU would retaliate if necessary

EU warns of retaliation if US trade agreement not reached

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the EU is ready for a trade deal with the US, but warned that Brussels is ready to retaliate if "no satisfactory agreement is reached".

Europe • 03 Jul

EU proposes a 90% cut in greenhouse gases by 2040

The European Commission has proposed a target of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gases compared to 1990 levels by 2040.

Europe • 02 Jul

On 2 April, US President Donald Trump imposed large, across-the-board tariffs on a large swathe of global trading partners, including the EU

EU states told not to expect stable US trade relationship

EU member states have been warned not to expect a stable trade relationship with the US, especially on the issue of European pharmaceutical exports, even if both sides reach an agreement in principle ahead of next Wednesday's deadline, when a pause on the imposition of US tariffs expires.

Europe • 01 Jul

The leaders of EU countries were taking part in a summit in Brussels today

EU leaders call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

EU leaders have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, deploring the humanitarian situation there, as well as for the immediate release of all hostages.

Europe • 26 Jun