Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Helen McEntee speaking at a press conference.

McEntee to raise issue of tariffs at EU-US meeting

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee is expected to raise the issue of US tariffs on Ireland's medical devices sector, as well as pharmaceuticals, agrifood and whiskey exports, when EU trade ministers meet senior US trade officials in Brussels today.

Europe • 24 Nov

A head and shoulders image of a man with light grey hair. He is wearing a dark suit, dark tie and a white shirt. The background is green.

Citywest example of 'best practice' - EU migration chief

EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner has said Ireland is "very well" placed to adopt the Migration and Asylum Pact, and described the Citywest accommodation centre for International Protection applicants as an example of "best practice".

Ireland • 24 Nov

Head shots of Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin

Peace plan: Capitulation to Moscow or start of a process?

Fears amid peace plan that Donald Trump's dislike of Ukraine and admiration of Vladimir Putin now at a final reckoning, writes Tony Connelly.

Analysis and Comment • 22 Nov

ICCL accepts error over letter from European Commission

The Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL) has accepted that it mistook a letter from the European Commission as pertaining to the appointment of Niamh Sweeney to the Data Protection Commission in September, when it in fact related to a separate ICCL complaint to Brussels.

Europe • 21 Nov

three european union flags on flag poles outside a building

Commission eyes measures to boost supplementary pensions

The European Commission will propose measures to boost supplementary pensions amid concerns that a shrinking workforce and ageing populations will mean that national pensions will become stretched over time.

Business • 20 Nov

Helen McEntee is in Brussels at her first meeting of the EU's foreign affairs council as foreign minister (File image)

Ireland will stand resolutely with Ukraine, says McEntee

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has said there can be no peace agreement imposed on Ukraine without its support and the support of the European Union.

Europe • 20 Nov

EU seeking information over data commissioner appointment

The European Commission is seeking further information from the Irish authorities in relation to the appointment of Niamh Sweeney as the third commissioner of the Irish Data Protection Commission.

Ireland • 21 Nov

MEPs are seen in the chamber of the european parliament

Observer status sought for NI reps in Euro parliament

A cross party group of Irish MEPs has written to the president of the European Parliament requesting that Northern Ireland political representatives be granted observer status at the Brussels and Strasbourg chambers.

Europe • 19 Nov

EU Commissioner for Economy and Efficiency, Implementation and Simplification and European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath at a joint press conference on the Digital Simplification Package in Br

EU Commission proposes simplification of digital rules

The European Commission has proposed sweeping changes to its data protection and artificial intelligence regimes in a bid to reduce the regulatory burden, boost European AI start-ups, and improve overall competitiveness in a market dominated by the United States and China.

Europe • 19 Nov

'At least a year' before agreement on EU budget - Byrne

Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne has said it will take at "at least a year" before there is agreement on the next EU budget, amid tensions between the European Parliament and the European Commission over the structure of the seven-year budget.

Europe • 17 Nov