Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Smoke rises from a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike at the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in central Gaza

Watch: A look back at 15 months of war in Gaza

The 7 October attack by Hamas left hundreds of Israelis massacred, and 250 taken hostage. It triggered an overwhelming response. The Israeli military unleashed a devastating air campaign, followed by a fuel and food blockade, followed by a land invasion.

Middle East • 15 Jan

Elon Musk has recently involved himself in European politics after emerging as a major backer of Donald Trump in the US

Elon Musk, Europe and the battle for online truth

Having helped re-elect Donald Trump with a $250 million donation and generous boosting on his X platform, Elon Musk has turned his gaze to Europe, notably the UK and Germany.

Analysis and Comment • 13 Jan

The World Economic Forum gets under way from 20-24 January (file image)

Era of increased cooperation 'definitely ended' - WEF CEO

The head of the World Economic Forum (WEF) has said the era of increased post-Cold War cooperation between countries on a range of global challenges has "definitely ended", ahead of the annual gathering in Davos.

World • 07 Jan

People walk past the European Commission headquarters building in Brussels, Belgium

Years of Living Dangerously: Europe looks ahead to 2025

As 2024 slips through its twilight days, the events of the past fortnight have been characteristic of a very turbulent year.

2024 in Review • 28 Dec 24

Many EU foreign ministers, including Tánaiste Micheál Martin, are attending a meeting in Brussels

EU foreign ministers discuss new Syrian leadership

The European Union should be ready to ease sanctions on Syria if the country's new leadership takes "positive steps" to establish an inclusive government, and respect women's and minority rights, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said.

Europe • 16 Dec 24

Following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, over one million refugees fled into Europe (file image)

Decisions over Syrian asylum must comply with rules - EU

The European Commission has said that the decision to return Syrian refugees and asylum seekers is the preserve of individual member states, but that under EU law, return procedures must be based on individual assessments of asylum applications.

Middle East • 10 Dec 24

President of the Italian Young Farmers' Organisation Enrico Parisi holds a sign reading 'Stop Mercosur' during a protest in Brussels

Govt to scrutinise EU-Mercosur deal, says McConalogue

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has said the Government will carefully scrutinise the detail of the EU-Mercosur trade deal before concluding whether or not Ireland will support or oppose the agreement.

Europe • 09 Dec 24

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shaking hands with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

EU-Mercosur: Breakthrough trade deal but at what cost?

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement has landed at a heightened moment in European politics. French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement saying the deal in its current form was "unacceptable". So with anger among many, what will the deal mean for the bloc and at what cost has it been agreed?

Analysis and Comment • 07 Dec 24

Ursula von der Leyen pictured giving a press conference after her new European Commission was voted through

New European Commission takes hold in a polarised EU

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her new commission won a clear majority in Strasbourg on Wednesday but rarely has the political mood in the chamber felt so fractious, writes Tony Connelly

Analysis and Comment • 30 Nov 24

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised a proposal on the future of European defence

Von der Leyen's new commission gets green light

MEPs have voted to approve a second term for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her new college of commissioners by a comfortable majority.

Europe • 27 Nov 24