Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

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

Crowds gather to attend a virtual address by Donald Trump in Davos on Thursday

Davos: Fear and exuberance collide as Trump returns

As delegates gathered for champagne at a US stock market hub on the Davos Promenade to watch Donald Trump's inauguration, there was a frisson of excitement.

Analysis and Comment • 25 Jan 25

Michael McGrath said the EU was determined to ensure a continued strong and close trade and investment relationship with the US

EU ready for closer ties with US administration - McGrath

Ireland's EU Commissioner Michael McGrath has said the EU is ready to bring forward plans to buy more US oil and gas as a way to build closer ties with the new Trump administration.

Business • 23 Jan 25

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos

UN chief praises Trump's 'robust diplomacy' over Gaza

The UN Secretary General has praised the contribution of US President Donald Trump for "robust diplomacy" in helping to bring about the Gaza ceasefire.

World • 22 Jan 25

Intel executives said the company remains concerned about the high cost of energy in Ireland when producing semiconductors

Intel's Irish facility 'critical' to European operations

Senior Intel executives say the manufacturer's Irish facility will remain critical to its European operation for at least the next seven years, and should not be at risk as the company presses ahead with its global cost cutting drive.

Business • 21 Jan 25