Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Russian embassy warns EU about converting frozen assets

The Russian embassy to Ireland has warned that the "Western economy" risks collapse should the EU press ahead with plans to convert tens of billions of frozen Russian assets into a loan for Ukraine.

Europe • 3 hrs

EU presents roadmap for defence readiness by 2030

The European Commission has proposed a roadmap towards deepening defence readiness by 2030 with an initial focus on drone defence as well as air, space and maritime defence.

Europe • 5 hrs

Farmers have 'nothing to fear' over Mercosur deal - Hogan

Ireland's former EU Commissioner Phil Hogan has said Irish farmers had nothing to fear from the EU-Mercosur trade deal and that the dairy and grain sectors would benefit from it.

Europe • 15 Oct

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen walking to the podium at the EU Commission headquarter.

Von der Leyen's tightrope walk after failed censure moves

European Correspondent Tony Connelly takes a look at the tightrope-esque situation that Ursula von der Leyen finds herself in after surviving two no confidence motions in the European Parliament.

Analysis and Comment • 13 Oct

Men and boys look happy as they wave their hands in the air in a dark outdoor area

Long-term peace in Middle East requires tenacious effort

The Israel-Hamas peace agreement could be far-reaching, not just ending the war in Gaza, but also opening a pathway towards a long elusive settlement to the Middle East conflict.

Analysis and Comment • 10 Oct

European Court of Auditors warns on EU debt levels

The European Court of Auditors has warned that the European Union's debt level has increased significantly and that within two years borrowing could stand at ten times the level that prevailed before the Covid pandemic.

Business • 09 Oct

A Danish vessel patrols the water and airspace at Copenhagen Airport

EU leaders back plan for 'drone wall' to counter Russia

European Union leaders have backed plans for a new defence network against Russian drones following recent incursions into European airspace.

Europe • 02 Oct

This combination of pictures created on shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin

Hope for glide path on how EU uses frozen Russian assets

Just days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the US administration worked with G7 countries to freeze some $300 billion in Russian assets kept in various holdings from foreign currencies to government bonds.

Analysis and Comment • 01 Oct

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

EU leaders discuss defence, Ukraine support at meeting

EU leaders are continuing to discuss European defence and ongoing military support for Ukraine at an informal summit in Copenhagen.

Europe • 01 Oct

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a press conference at the Prime minister’s office in Jerusalem

Crisis in Israel could shape country for generation

As Israel becomes more isolated internationally, with 150 countries now recognising a Palestinian state, the country is in the grip of an internal and external crisis that could shape it for a generation, writes Tony Connelly.

Analysis and Comment • 28 Sep