Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

EU ambassadors have been holding 'confessional' meetings in Brussels with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to share their own thoughts on how to respond to a possible Donald Trump victory

EU prepares for Donald Trump to retake US reins

The shadow of a possible Trump comeback had fallen over so much EU policy-making in the past two years, that the US election was virtually a more important calendar event than any European summit or electoral transition, writes Tony Connelly.

US Election 2024 • 07 Nov 24

Only two of the political groups declined to support Michael McGrath in his bid to become European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law

McGrath confirmed as European Commissioner for Justice

Ireland's nominee for the European Commission Michael McGrath has been confirmed following his three-hour hearing this morning, RTÉ News understands

Europe • 05 Nov 24

Maros Sefčovič was responding to a question from Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan during his hearing at the European Parliament as trade commissioner-designate

'Unanimous support' needed to review EU-Israel trade ties

The EU's next trade commissioner has said any review of EU-Israel trade can only come as a result of the unanimous support of EU member states.

Middle East • 04 Nov 24

Spain floods a 'sudden, catastrophic experience for many'

The question of whether the Spanish population was alerted to the devastating floods on time or with sufficient gravity is becoming a real political issue.

Europe • 31 Oct 24

Today's decision brings to an end a long running dispute between Intel and the European Commission over allegations that it abused its dominant position by awarding rebates to computer makers in exchange for using its microprocessors

Europe's top court rules for Intel in long-running case

The European Court of Justice has upheld the annulment of a €1.06 billion fine against Intel levied by the European Commission in 2009.

Business • 24 Oct 24

Micheál Martin is one of 70 delegates at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty in Paris (File image)

Tánaiste pledges €5m in funding for Lebanon

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has told an international donor conference for Lebanon in Paris that Israel must be held accountable for any breaches of international law.

Middle East • 24 Oct 24

Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez and Simon Harris attempted to re-start efforts to use EU trade to make an impact on Israel

Ireland's gambit on EU-Israel trade sanctions

Ireland and Spain have revived their campaign to use EU trade in order to bring Israel to heel over its actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

Analysis and Comment • 20 Oct 24

Migrants on a wooden boat in the Mediterranean Sea earlier this year

EU leaders seek new laws to speed up migrant returns

European Union leaders have called for the speeding up of deportations of failed asylum seekers following a long debate on migration during a summit in Brussels.

Europe • 17 Oct 24

Simon Harris met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

Harris discusses UNIFIL attacks with Spanish, Italian PMs

Taoiseach Simon Harris has spoken with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for discussions on Israel's attacks on UNIFIL positions in south Lebanon.

Middle East • 17 Oct 24

Simon Harris said he sought the advice of the Attorney General in August (file pic)

AG to advise on unilateral trade measures against Israel

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the Attorney General will advise the Government next week if the ICJ's advisory opinion on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories gives Ireland the option of taking unilateral measures against Israel, possibly including trade, which is an EU competence.

Politics • 16 Oct 24