Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

President Vladimir Putin has intensified attacks on Ukraine amid a growing consensus that Russia's economy could be vulnerable

EU and US sanctions on Russia: Timing is everything

As G7 leaders converge on Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies this weekend, the prospect of decisively tougher sanctions on Russia will loom large.

Analysis and Comment • 14 Jun

Harris urges tariff exemptions for key sectors

Tánaiste Simon Harris has urged the EU's trade commissioner to exempt sectors key to the Irish economy, such as aviation, medical, agrifood and the equine industry, from any retaliatory tariffs the EU could impose on a range of US products should the current trade negotiations fail.

Europe • 11 Jun

Heap of medical pills in white, blue and other colors. Pills in plastic package. Concept of healthcare and medicine.

EU exploits Trump anti-science climate for medicines deal

The EU's sweeping new rules on the regulation of medicines has been one of the most bitterly contested pieces of legislation in recent times, with fierce lobbying by the pharma sector, writes Europe Editor Tony Connelly.

Analysis and Comment • 05 Jun

The new laws will broadly reform the regulation of medicines and, critically, the issue of when to give generic drug makers access to clinical data, which tends to make certain medicines cheaper

EU states adopt new controversial medicine regulations

EU member states have adopted a controversial set of new measures governing the regulation of medicines at European level, following two years of deadlock and "unprecedented" lobbying by the pharma sector, particularly in Ireland.

Europe • 04 Jun

Issam Younis from the Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights said the advisory opinion last July of the International Court of Justice was clear

Calls for suspension of EU-Israel Association Agreement

The head of a leading Palestinian human rights organisation has urged the European Union to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement in light of Israel's deepening military campaign in Gaza and the planned expansion of illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Middle East • 03 Jun

rAecent protest against the LGBTQ+ policy of Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest

Ireland frustrated by Hungary LGBTQ+ measures - minister

Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne has said that, as a net contributing EU member state, Ireland is increasingly frustrated at Hungary's crackdown on fundamental rights and its alleged erosion of the rule of law.

Europe • 27 May

On Friday, Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on goods coming from the EU

EU and US to fast track trade talks after phone call

The European Commission has said that President Ursula Von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump have agreed to fast track trade negotiations and to stay in close contact following last night's phone call.

World • 26 May

17 EU foreign and development ministers supported a proposal for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement

EU-Israel deal: Why Dutch succeeded where Ireland failed

Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief will instruct the EU's diplomatic arm to carry out a review of the EU-Israel agreement, a small step in relative terms. But why did the Dutch request succeed where Ireland and Spain previously failed?

Analysis and Comment • 24 May

17 EU foreign and development ministers support a proposal for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement

EU to review cooperation deal with Israel over Gaza

The European Union has agreed to review its cooperation deal with Israel, after a clear majority of member states supported a Dutch proposal to do so.

Europe • 21 May

Ursula von der Leyen and Keir Starmer in London today

Deal signals solidarity in face of Trump's NATO hostility

Brussels and London will be largely satisfied with the Brexit reset deal, announced with some fanfare at Lancaster House, and the direction of travel towards a closer relationship is now clear.

Europe • 20 May