Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

LPG tanker Jag Vasant that arrived clearing the Strait of Hormuz seen at the Mumbai Port

Can Europe remain on the sidelines in a long Iran war?

This week it was hard not to feel the chill echoes of the Covid-19 pandemic that ravaged Europe and almost crippled its economy in 2020-21.

Analysis and Comment • 04 Apr

EU proposes changes to carbon emissions trading system

The European Commission has proposed changes to its system of carbon emissions trading in response to the soaring energy prices caused by the war in Iran.

Europe • 01 Apr

European Commission spokesperson Anour El Anouni said their opposition to the death penalty was 'loud and clear'

Applying Israel's death penalty law would be 'war crime'

The United Nations has harshly criticised the Israeli parliament's approval of a "cruel and discriminatory" new death penalty bill, warning that applying it in occupied Palestinian territory "would constitute a war crime".

Middle East • 31 Mar

No suspension of EU carbon taxes as fertiliser costs rise

The European Commission has stopped short of recommending a suspension of EU carbon taxes on imported fertilisers as a way to counter the soaring cost due to the Iran war.

Europe • 30 Mar

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 • 21 Mar

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