Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Soldiers from the US Army during a training exercise at the US military Grafenwoehr Training Area in germany

Rutte says Europeans have 'gotten message' from Trump

Europeans have "heard" US President Donald Trump's message of frustration over the Iran war and are "stepping up", NATO chief Mark Rutte said after the US announced it would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.

World • 04 May

Participants of the 8th European Political Community (EPC) summit pose for a family photo

Taoiseach welcomes US plan over Strait of Hormuz

The meeting of more than 40 EU and continental leaders in the Armenian capital has concluded. Speaking in Yerevan, the Taoiseach welcomed a US plan to escort ships from the Strait of Hormuz.

Politics • 04 May

Hogan's run: Could Italy, Spain complicate Irish UN bid?

Phil Hogan's bid to become the next head of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is facing some strong headwinds, writes Europe Editor Tony Connelly.

Analysis and Comment • 02 May

Meta criticised over measures aimed at under-13s

The European Commission has issued a preliminary finding against US tech giant Meta for allegedly failing to prevent minors under 13 from using Instagram and Facebook.

Europe • 29 Apr

EU launches measures to address impact of energy crisis

The European Commission has launched a series of measures designed to tackle the short and medium-term impacts of the energy crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran.

Europe • 22 Apr

People walk past homes destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Gaza

'No support' over suspension of EU-Israel agreement

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said there was no unanimity at a meeting of foreign ministers for a full suspension of the EU Israel Association Agreement.

Europe • 21 Apr

GAZA CITY, GAZA - OCTOBER 27: A view of the heavily damaged Jabalia neighborhood, where Palestinians have hard times trying to make a life amid the rubbles following the ceasefire agreement in Gaza City, Gaza on October 27, 2025. Many buildings were destr

Reconstruction of Gaza will cost $71 billion, says Kallas

The cost of reconstructing Gaza will run to $71bn, according to the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Middle East • 20 Apr

Helen McEntee speaks to press prior to EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels.

McEntee urges EU action over Israel's death penalty law

Ireland has joined Spain and Slovenia in formally calling for the EU to take action against Israel over a new law that would impose a mandatory death sentence on Palestinians accused of carrying out deadly attacks on Israelis.

Middle East • 18 Apr

Close up image of an oil delivery driver filling up a residential oil tank.

Harris: Response to energy crisis must be 'responsible'

The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris has said government responses to the energy crisis must be "fiscally responsible" amid warnings from the IMF about growing global indebtedness and the risk of higher public spending to offset rising fuel costs.

Europe • 16 Apr

EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath talks to media in Brussels

McGrath to meet senior tech executives during US visit

Ireland's EU Commissioner Michael McGrath will meet senior US tech executives, including Open AI chief executive Sam Altman, as well representatives of Apple, Google, Meta, Netflix and YouTube during a visit to California this week.

Politics • 14 Apr