Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Members of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association protesting against the Mercosur trade deal in Brussels

Brazilian beef with banned hormones entered Irish market

Confirmation that Brazilian beef containing banned hormones entered the Irish food chain should be a "wake-up" call for the Government, the Irish Farmers' Association has said.

Ireland • 07 Jan

Four European flags fluttering against the Berlaymont building, headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels

War and shadows that will fall on Ireland's EU presidency

If January 2025 began with European trepidation about the incoming second Trump presidency, the impact of his return to the White House has been more severe on Europe than even the pessimists could have imagined.

Analysis and Comment • 04 Jan

Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a press conference in Brussels

Russian assets: A bridge too far for EU and Belgium

A so-called Reparations Loan was discussed at length by EU leaders but ultimately proved too complex and an EU joint debt plan was put into motion.

Analysis and Comment • 20 Dec 25

Photo shows Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaking to media outside Government Buildings

EU's €90bn Ukraine loan the 'price of war' - Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has welcomed the EU decision to raise a €90bn loan to fund Ukraine, which he described as the "price of war", adding that "we hope for peace" from Russia's "devastating war".

Europe • 19 Dec 25

Resolution of Mercosur issue not expected this week

The Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said he does not expect a resolution of the Mercosur issue at this week's meeting of EU leaders, which has just got underway in Brussels.

Business • 18 Dec 25

Byrne not expecting Mercosur deal vote until January

Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne has said that he did not expect a vote on the Mercosur trade deal until January.

Business • 16 Dec 25

Aftermath of a nighttime FAB-250 guided bomb attack on a residential area in the old town of Kramatorsk, Ukraine

EU sanctions needed while Russia occupies Ukraine - Byrne

EU sanctions should stay in place so long as Russia occupies Ukrainian territory, Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne has said.

World • 16 Dec 25

EU to present measures on tackling Europe housing crisis

The European Commission is set to unveil a package of measures aimed at tackling the housing crisis across Europe.

Europe • 16 Dec 25

Ukraine's President Volodymyr ZelenskY and Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska disembark at Dublin Airport.

Drones during Zelensky visit 'part of threat' - minister

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has said that drones identified over Dublin Bay last week during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit were "generated for the purpose of putting pressure on EU and Ukrainian interests".

Ireland • 08 Dec 25

A local resident and firefighters look on at a fire in a damaged private house following a drone attack to Kyiv on November 29

EU plan for €210bn in frozen Russian assets to fund Kyiv

The European Commission has brought forward a legal proposal to potentially use up to €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine in the coming years.

Ukraine • 03 Dec 25