Taoiseach to join EU leaders for two-day Brussels summit

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin is heading to Brussels for a crucial two-day EU summit, marking the final European Council meeting before Ireland takes over the EU presidency in July. The agenda is packed, with leaders set to deliberate on significant measures against Israel, including potential sanctions against extremist ministers and a possible EU ban on goods originating from illegal settlements in the West Bank.

“

There has been an increased focus on European competitiveness at the European Council, and leaders will return to ongoing efforts to strengthen our competitiveness in what continues to be a challenging geoeconomic context.

The summit will also tackle the complex negotiations for the next seven-year EU budget, a key focus expected to dominate Ireland's upcoming presidency. Discussions will extend to addressing trade imbalances with China and reviewing the implementation of the 'One Europe, One Market' Roadmap.

“

I look forward to our strategic discussion on the EU’s global economic and trade relations, including with China.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to attend the opening of the summit, where he is anticipated to express welcome for the recent opening of accession negotiations. Prime Minister Martin highlighted the "increased focus on European competitiveness" and the ongoing efforts to strengthen it within a challenging geoeconomic landscape. He expressed anticipation for strategic discussions on the EU's global economic and trade relations, particularly with China.

“

We will also take stock of the implementation of the 'One Europe, One Market’ Roadmap.