Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Ahead of the meeting, Micheál Martin described the ongoing targeting of UNIFIL positions in south Lebanon as reprehensible and completely unacceptable (File image)

Tánaiste accuses Netanyahu of undermining UN peacekeepers

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has accused Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining the United Nations and the international rules-based order after Mr Netanyahu called on UNIFIL peacekeepers to withdraw from combat areas in south Lebanon.

Middle East • 14 Oct 24

There has been an increase in the level of error in the spending of EU funds by member states

EU's financial watchdog warns of growing budget risks

There are growing risks to the EU budget due to a record amount of debt, Russia's war against Ukraine and high inflation, according to the annual report of the EU's financial watchdog.

Europe • 10 Oct 24

Keir Starmer at a press conference during his visit to the European Commission headquarters in Brussels this week

The EU-UK reset - short on detail, big on tone

If Keir Starmer was hoping to keep the vaunted EU-UK reset a low-exposure affair, he would have been gratified by the news conference in Brussels. On the substance of his meeting with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he was short on detail, but big on tone, writes Tony Connelly

Analysis and Comment • 07 Oct 24

In a letter to the Irish Government, the European Commission said that shortcomings in Irish law meant the courts were not in a position to factor in racist or xenophobic motivation as an aggravating factor in a criminal offence

Govt told to bring racism legislation in line with EU law

The European Commission has ordered the Irish Government to bring its legislation into line with an EU law on combating racism and xenophobia, stating that Irish courts were not considering racist hatred or xenophobia as a motive by those carrying out crimes, including Holocaust denial.

Ireland • 03 Oct 24

Mr Starmer met Ursula von der Leyen before holding talks with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and outgoing president of the European Council, Charles Michel

Starmer meets Commission President ahead of EU-UK talks

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for talks in Brussels as part of a post-Brexit reset between the EU and UK.

UK • 02 Oct 24

Officials said Ireland was among those singled out in the investigation because of the size of our farming sector and dairy production

Ireland not compliant with CAP funding rules, probe finds

An investigation into how member states are using EU agriculture funds to meet climate goals has concluded that Ireland has not complied with new CAP funding requirements, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to the full extent possible.

Ireland • 30 Sep 24

Emily O'Reilly transformed the role of European ombudsman

'Priceless legacy' of O'Reilly as EU role nears end

European commissioners, MEPs and the leading lights of civil society this week hailed the legacy of outgoing European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly at a farewell celebration in Brussels.

Analysis and Comment • 30 Sep 24

Carles Puigdemont refused to take an oath pledging to respect the Spanish constitution

ECJ dismisses action by two Catalan MEPs over exclusion

The European Court of Justice has dismissed an action taken by two leading Catalan separatist MEPs against their exclusion from the European Parliament in 2019.

Europe • 26 Sep 24

The move would mean Ireland's incoming commissioner Michael McGrath only having two Irish nationals on his team

Push to reduce 'own nationals' working for Commissioners

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has sought to reduce the number of "own country" nationals working for the 27 new EU Commissioners when they take up their roles later this year, RTÉ News understands.

Politics • 24 Sep 24

Michael McGrath will be responsible for ensuring consumer protection for the EU's 450 million citizens

What are Commissioner McGrath's new responsibilities?

Michael McGrath's headline responsibilities come under the Rule of Law concept and that includes strengthening European democracy, making sure elections are free and fair and cracking down on corruption, writes Europe Editor Tony Connelly.

Analysis and Comment • 17 Sep 24