Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

EC has 'no powers' to intervene in Sweeney appointment

The European Commission has said that it has no powers to intervene in the appointment of Niamh Sweeney as the third commissioner of the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC).

Business • 28 Oct

Volodymyr Zelensky participates in the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, Italy

EU faces rethink on frozen Russian assets for Ukraine

Ukraine's survival depends hugely on Volodymyr Zelensky finding favour with US President Donald Trump, but such favour is an on-again, off-again mystery. However, EU leaders continue to rally behind the Ukrainian President.

Analysis and Comment • 25 Oct

Negotiations on how to support Ukraine both financially and militarily are at a delicate stage

Neutrality must be acknowledged in Ukraine loan - EU

Senior EU figures have acknowledged that Ireland's neutrality constraints must be taken into account as the European Union edges closer to converting €140 billion in frozen Russian assets into a loan for Ukraine.

Europe • 23 Oct

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

Offaly's Séamus Boland elected president of EESC

Irish farmer and civil society activist Séamus Boland has been elected as president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the first Irish president of an EU plenary body since Pat Cox was elected president of the European Parliament in 2002.

Leinster • 22 Oct

Digital euro: Benefits and pitfalls of tapping ECB cash

Could the digital euro be a reality within four years? There is certainly momentum building, even if consumers remain sceptical.

Analysis and Comment • 20 Oct

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 • 16 Oct

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 • 17 Oct

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