Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Donald Trump seen meeting Vladimir Putin during a summit in Finland in 2018

EU persists with Russia sanctions despite Trump overtures

The EU is embarking on its 17th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, but the ground on which the West has maintained economic pressure on Moscow has been shaken by US President Donald Trump.

Analysis and Comment • 19 Apr

The Tánaiste said he had made this suggestion to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick when they met in Washington last week

'Inappropriate' for US to hit pharma amid talks - Harris

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said it would be "inappropriate" for the US to hit the pharmaceutical sector with tariffs while it was at the same time negotiating with the EU on the trade relationship.

Business • 15 Apr

A Ukrainian rescue worker takes a break at the site of the missile attack in Sumy

Call for 'maximum pressure' on Russia after Sumy strike

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for "maximum pressure" on Russia to end its war in Ukraine, a day after a missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy that killed 34 people, according to officials.

Ireland • 14 Apr

Civilian cars lie burned out at the site of a Russian ballistic missile strike on the city centre in Sumy, Ukraine

Russia claims deadly Sumy strikes hit army meeting

Russia's defence ministry has said the two ballistic missiles it fired at the Ukrainian city of Sumy yesterday were aimed at a meeting of Ukrainian military officers.

World • 14 Apr

The total EU response to Donald Trump's tariffs could amount to duties on US goods worth €400 billion

Targeting tech firms would be 'extraordinary escalation'

It would be an "extraordinary" escalation for the European Union to target US tech companies in retaliation for US President Donald Trump's blanket tariffs on European goods, the Tánaiste has said.

Politics • 07 Apr

The EU is already concerned about a flood of electrical goods from China and Vietnam after they were hit by higher tariffs than expected

Europe poised between reflection and attack on tariffs

Following President Trump's tariff announcement, the EU finds itself delicately poised between calm, worry and assertiveness.

Analysis and Comment • 05 Apr

The European Commission estimates that the US will collect €81 billion in tariffs from European imports

70% of EU exports to be impacted by tariffs - officials

EU officials have said some €380 billion worth of EU exports will be hit by US President Donald Trump's array of tariffs, amounting to some 70% of all EU exports to the United States.

Europe • 03 Apr

Targeting of EU by ally follows litany of insults

This latest assault on the transatlantic relationship has prompted many to assume that relationship is over, writes Tony Connelly.

Analysis and Comment • 03 Apr

Roberta Murray has been attending pro-Palestine protests since 2023 (Credit: Wael Eskandar)

Any restriction of free movement must be 'justified' - EU

The European Commission has declined to comment on the case of two Irish nationals who face deportation from Germany due to their participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Europe • 02 Apr

Ireland would suffer disproportionately, a report by a UK business school suggests

Ireland's trade may be caught in tariffs 'battle' - study

Ireland will be highly exposed in the event of a retaliatory trade war following US President Donald Trump's expected tariffs, according to two leading international trade experts.

Business • 01 Apr