Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

EU's indictment of Israel in Gaza: the hard work starts

The review into whether Israel is in violation of its obligations under its trade relations with the European Union, due to its conduct of the war in Gaza, was shrouded in secrecy and hobbled by last minute timing. RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly looks at what reactions may be expected on Monday.

Analysis and Comment • 21 Jun 25

GAZA CITY, GAZA - JUNE 19: Palestinian residents start search and rescue efforts after the Israeli army targeted a tent used as mobile phone charging point at the Al-Shati Refugee Camp in Gaza City, Gaza on June 19, 2025. Reportedly several people were ki

Review finds Israel 'in breach' of EU trade agreement

A review of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza by the EU has concluded that it is "in breach" of the human rights obligations of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, according to an extract of the report seen by RTÉ News.

Europe • 21 Jun 25

Nine EU countries in call over Israeli settlement trading

Ireland has joined eight other member states in asking the European Commission to examine how goods produced in illegal Jewish settlements in the Occupied Territories "can be brought into line with international law."

Europe • 19 Jun 25

Paschal Donohoe, president of Eurogroup, during a news conference following a Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday, May 12, 2025. With the euro charting a course for its best year in two decades and asset managers like Amundi SA flipping from

Donohoe clear front runner to remain Eurogroup president

The process to potentially reinstate Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe for a third term as President of the Eurogroup will formally begin in Luxembourg this afternoon, as eurozone finance ministers take the first steps in assessing any candidates who come forward.

Europe • 19 Jun 25

Ireland 18th in youth political participation - study

Ireland has ranked 18th out of over 140 countries worldwide in terms of youth participation in political, economic and civic life, according to the first study of its kind.

Ireland • 19 Jun 25

Smoke billows over the building housing Iran's state media, which was hit in an Israeli strike

EU activates mechanism over evacuations from Middle East

The EU has activated its civil defence mechanism in order to help member states evacuate citizens from the Middle East, as the Israel-Iran war enters its fifth day.

Europe • 17 Jun 25

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 25

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 25

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 25

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 25