Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

EU trade ministers will take stock of President Trump's executive order to hit all steel and aluminium products entering the US with tariffs (Stock image)

Trump readies reciprocal tariffs as trade war fears mount

Donald Trump's trade advisers are working on plans for the reciprocal tariffs the US president has vowed to impose on every country that charges duties on US imports, ratcheting up fears of a widening global trade war.

Europe • 12 Feb 25

Micheál Martin said the EU risked being left behind if the only regulation of AI was emanating from Europe

AI innovation needs balance with regulation, says Martin

The Taoiseach has compared AI to the arrival of the printing press and the Industrial Revolution, warning that Europe needed to balance innovation with regulation.

Europe • 11 Feb 25

Micheál Martin was speaking after meeting President of the European Council António Costa in Brussels

Martin: US tariffs will have secondary effects on economy

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said there would be some "secondary effects" on the Irish economy as a result of US president Donald Trump's announcement of 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium products entering the US.

Europe • 10 Feb 25

Micheál Martin's visit comes amid heightened fears about US President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on European goods

Taoiseach to meet senior EU figures ahead of AI summit

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will meet senior EU figures in Brussels today before travelling on to Paris where he will attend the Artificial Intelligence summit tomorrow.

Ireland • 10 Feb 25

Ryanair had launched over 20 lawsuits against the European Commission for approving billions of euros in state aid to airlines during Covid, saying the support gave those carriers an unfair advantage

Ryanair loses EU court battle over aid to Portugal's TAP

Ryanair has lost a case at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over its complaint about Portugal's bail-out of the airline TAP during the Covid pandemic.

Business • 05 Feb 25

European Council President Antonio Costa (C) speaks alongside Poland's PM Donald Tusk and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

EU leaders agree to boost spending on defence

EU leaders have agreed to boost defence spending in order to counter the threat posed by Russia and to fill critical gaps in military capabilities.

Europe • 04 Feb 25

Donald Trump complained repeatedly about the EU, saying it 'treats us very, very unfairly'

Trump's EU tariff threats raise concern among leaders

EU leaders were relieved when Donald Trump failed to mention tariffs on European goods during his inauguration speech on 20 January.

Analysis and Comment • 04 Feb 25

Trump's EU tariff threats raise concern among leaders

EU leaders were relieved when Donald Trump failed to mention tariffs on European goods during his inauguration speech on 20 January.

Analysis and Comment • 04 Feb 25

European Council President Antonio Costa (L) greets Taoiseach Micheál Martin as he arrives for an informal EU leaders' retreat in Brussels

Martin 'not opposed' to EIB defence financing plan

The Taoiseach has said Ireland is "not opposed" to giving the European Investment Bank the flexibility to finance defence spending.

Business • 03 Feb 25

Micheál Martin pictured as he arrived for the informal meeting of EU leaders in Brussels

European unity essential - Taoiseach on Trump response

The Taoiseach has cautioned against any premature response to US President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on EU exports to the United States, saying that European unity was essential.

Ireland • 03 Feb 25