Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

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

Heated tobacco products heat tobacco and produces an aerosol or smoke which contains nicotine (stock pic)

EC within rights to ban flavoured HTPs - court

Irish tobacco company PJ Carroll has received an adverse opinion from the European Court of Justice regarding a legal challenge over heated tobacco products.

Ireland • 31 Jan 25

Ursula von der Leyen speaking at the launch of the EU's new Competitiveness Compass initiative

EU launches Competitiveness Compass to boost productivity

The European Commission has launched a broad initiative to boost EU competitiveness and productivity across multiple fronts amid growing concern about what the new Trump administration will mean for Europe's economy.

Business • 29 Jan 25

The case originally relates to the processing of user data from Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp

DPC loses challenge against EU's data protection board

The European Court of Justice has found against the Irish Data Protection Commissioner following a case taken by the EU's main data protection board.

Europe • 29 Jan 25

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the integrity of energy infrastructure supplying Member States is a matter of EU security

Hungary drops threat to stall EU sanctions against Russia

Hungary has dropped its threat to prevent EU sanctions against Russia from being rolled over for another six months.

World • 27 Jan 25

Simon Harris said the President 'rightly mentioned the situation in the Middle East' (file pic)

President 'right' to mention Middle East at event

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said President Michael D Higgins was "right" to mention the Middle East during his speech at the Holocaust commemoration in the Mansion House yesterday.

Ireland • 27 Jan 25