Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

EU launches measures to address impact of energy crisis

The European Commission has launched a series of measures designed to tackle the short and medium-term impacts of the energy crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran.

Europe • 22 Apr

People walk past homes destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Gaza

'No support' over suspension of EU-Israel agreement

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said there was no unanimity at a meeting of foreign ministers for a full suspension of the EU Israel Association Agreement.

Europe • 21 Apr

GAZA CITY, GAZA - OCTOBER 27: A view of the heavily damaged Jabalia neighborhood, where Palestinians have hard times trying to make a life amid the rubbles following the ceasefire agreement in Gaza City, Gaza on October 27, 2025. Many buildings were destr

Reconstruction of Gaza will cost $71 billion, says Kallas

The cost of reconstructing Gaza will run to $71bn, according to the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Middle East • 20 Apr

Helen McEntee speaks to press prior to EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels.

McEntee urges EU action over Israel's death penalty law

Ireland has joined Spain and Slovenia in formally calling for the EU to take action against Israel over a new law that would impose a mandatory death sentence on Palestinians accused of carrying out deadly attacks on Israelis.

Middle East • 18 Apr

Close up image of an oil delivery driver filling up a residential oil tank.

Harris: Response to energy crisis must be 'responsible'

The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris has said government responses to the energy crisis must be "fiscally responsible" amid warnings from the IMF about growing global indebtedness and the risk of higher public spending to offset rising fuel costs.

Europe • 16 Apr

EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath talks to media in Brussels

McGrath to meet senior tech executives during US visit

Ireland's EU Commissioner Michael McGrath will meet senior US tech executives, including Open AI chief executive Sam Altman, as well representatives of Apple, Google, Meta, Netflix and YouTube during a visit to California this week.

Politics • 14 Apr

three european union flags on flag poles outside a building

Govt seeking energy tax derogation to tackle fuel crisis

The Irish Government is looking for a range of flexibilities under EU law in order to help tackle the fuel crisis, RTÉ News understands.

Ireland • 13 Apr

Trucks and tractors block O’Connell Street in Dublin city centre

Fuel protests to be raised at European Commission meeting

Ireland's EU Commissioner Michael McGrath will raise the issue of the fuel protests at an emergency meeting of the European Commission tomorrow morning.

Ireland • 12 Apr

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