Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Ursula von der Leyen speaking at the launch of the EU's new Competitiveness Compass initiative

EU launches Competitiveness Compass to boost productivity

The European Commission has launched a broad initiative to boost EU competitiveness and productivity across multiple fronts amid growing concern about what the new Trump administration will mean for Europe's economy.

Business • 29 Jan 25

The case originally relates to the processing of user data from Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp

DPC loses challenge against EU's data protection board

The European Court of Justice has found against the Irish Data Protection Commissioner following a case taken by the EU's main data protection board.

Europe • 29 Jan 25

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the integrity of energy infrastructure supplying Member States is a matter of EU security

Hungary drops threat to stall EU sanctions against Russia

Hungary has dropped its threat to prevent EU sanctions against Russia from being rolled over for another six months.

World • 27 Jan 25

Simon Harris said the President 'rightly mentioned the situation in the Middle East' (file pic)

President 'right' to mention Middle East at event

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said President Michael D Higgins was "right" to mention the Middle East during his speech at the Holocaust commemoration in the Mansion House yesterday.

Ireland • 27 Jan 25

Crowds gather to attend a virtual address by Donald Trump in Davos on Thursday

Davos: Fear and exuberance collide as Trump returns

As delegates gathered for champagne at a US stock market hub on the Davos Promenade to watch Donald Trump's inauguration, there was a frisson of excitement.

Analysis and Comment • 25 Jan 25

Michael McGrath said the EU was determined to ensure a continued strong and close trade and investment relationship with the US

EU ready for closer ties with US administration - McGrath

Ireland's EU Commissioner Michael McGrath has said the EU is ready to bring forward plans to buy more US oil and gas as a way to build closer ties with the new Trump administration.

Business • 23 Jan 25

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos

UN chief praises Trump's 'robust diplomacy' over Gaza

The UN Secretary General has praised the contribution of US President Donald Trump for "robust diplomacy" in helping to bring about the Gaza ceasefire.

World • 22 Jan 25

Intel executives said the company remains concerned about the high cost of energy in Ireland when producing semiconductors

Intel's Irish facility 'critical' to European operations

Senior Intel executives say the manufacturer's Irish facility will remain critical to its European operation for at least the next seven years, and should not be at risk as the company presses ahead with its global cost cutting drive.

Business • 21 Jan 25

The organisers of the World Economic Forum have described this year's gathering as a highly consequential moment in global history

Davos participants process Trump's inauguration address

World leaders and global chief executives have been descending on the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the first full day of the World Economic Forum today, with participants processing US President Donald Trump's inauguration address and his initial executive orders.

Business • 21 Jan 25

Donald Trump will address the form via video link on Thursday

Trump inauguration adds multiple layers to Davos forum

The organisers of the annual snowbound gathering in Davos say this year's event comes at a "highly consequential moment for the world", an understatement if ever there was one, writes Europe Editor Tony Connelly.

World • 20 Jan 25