Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

three european union flags on flag poles outside a building

Commission eyes measures to boost supplementary pensions

The European Commission will propose measures to boost supplementary pensions amid concerns that a shrinking workforce and ageing populations will mean that national pensions will become stretched over time.

Business • 20 Nov

Helen McEntee is in Brussels at her first meeting of the EU's foreign affairs council as foreign minister (File image)

Ireland will stand resolutely with Ukraine, says McEntee

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has said there can be no peace agreement imposed on Ukraine without its support and the support of the European Union.

Europe • 20 Nov

EU seeking information over data commissioner appointment

The European Commission is seeking further information from the Irish authorities in relation to the appointment of Niamh Sweeney as the third commissioner of the Irish Data Protection Commission.

Ireland • 21 Nov

MEPs are seen in the chamber of the european parliament

Observer status sought for NI reps in Euro parliament

A cross party group of Irish MEPs has written to the president of the European Parliament requesting that Northern Ireland political representatives be granted observer status at the Brussels and Strasbourg chambers.

Europe • 19 Nov

EU Commissioner for Economy and Efficiency, Implementation and Simplification and European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath at a joint press conference on the Digital Simplification Package in Br

EU Commission proposes simplification of digital rules

The European Commission has proposed sweeping changes to its data protection and artificial intelligence regimes in a bid to reduce the regulatory burden, boost European AI start-ups, and improve overall competitiveness in a market dominated by the United States and China.

Europe • 19 Nov

'At least a year' before agreement on EU budget - Byrne

Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne has said it will take at "at least a year" before there is agreement on the next EU budget, amid tensions between the European Parliament and the European Commission over the structure of the seven-year budget.

Europe • 17 Nov

The Moldovan and European Union flags are displayed on the Government House of Moldova

EU Democracy Shield: the slings, arrows of disinformation

Officials say the Democracy Shield is designed to support frontline accession countries but also to galvanise European societies into recognising the threat posed to democracies, writes Tony Connelly.

Analysis and Comment • 17 Nov

The promise of an EU-UK veterinary agreement was a key element of the EU-UK summit in May

EU gives green light for talks with UK on agri-food

EU member states have given the green light for Brussels to begin negotiations with the UK over an agri-food and animal health agreement, which could considerably ease friction on goods moving across the Irish Sea.

Europe • 14 Nov

EU Commissioner Michael McGrath stands at a podium during a media event

EU launches 'Democracy Shield' to combat disinformation

Ireland's EU Commissioner Michael McGrath has launched the so-called Democracy Shield, the EU's latest effort to combat electoral disinformation and interference, including the rise in AI deep fakes.

Europe • 12 Nov

ECJ upholds legality of EU's minimum wage directive

The European Court of Justice has upheld the legality of the EU's minimum wage directive following a legal challenge by Denmark to have the directive in its entirety annulled.

Europe • 11 Nov