Tánaiste to discuss economic resilience and energy security with EU Finance Ministers ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency
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From: Department of Finance
- Published on: 11 June 2026
- Last updated on: 11 June 2026
Tánaiste to discuss economic resilience and energy security with EU Finance Ministers ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency
Tánaiste Simon Harris will travel to Luxembourg today for a two-day meeting of EU Finance Ministers where discussions will focus on the impact the Middle East conflict is having on energy markets and supply chains.
The Tánaiste is due to hold a series of bilateral meetings with EU counterparts, as well as the Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, just three weeks ahead of Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
As well as the Eurogroup and ECOFIN meetings, the Tánaiste will also represent Ireland at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Board of Governors of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Tánaiste said:
“This is the final meeting of EU Finance Ministers before Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and it provides an important opportunity to engage with colleagues on the priorities and challenges that lie ahead for Europe.
“I would like to acknowledge the work undertaken by Cyprus during its Presidency over the last six months. Ireland now looks forward to taking on that responsibility at a particularly important moment for the European Union.
“While economic data at the beginning of the year was encouraging, recent developments in the Middle East are a stark reminder of the geopolitical uncertainty facing Europe and the potential impact this can have on economic growth, inflation, energy markets and supply chains.”
“At Eurogroup and ECOFIN, we will discuss how Europe can continue to strengthen economic resilience, support competitiveness and create the conditions for sustainable growth.
“Our objective must be to improve living standards, support businesses and ensure Europe remains an attractive place to invest, innovate and create jobs.”
The Tánaiste continued:
“Energy security and economic security are now closely linked.
“If instability continues, the consequences will be felt not only in global markets but also by households and businesses across Europe. That is why strengthening Europe’s resilience remains such an important priority.
“The lesson from recent years is crystal clear. Reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels is not only a climate imperative, it is an economic imperative.
“Investing in renewable energy, clean technologies and secure energy infrastructure strengthens Europe’s competitiveness, enhances our economic security and helps protect citizens and businesses from future shocks.”
The Tánaiste concluded:
“While in Luxembourg, I look forward to meeting ministerial colleagues from across Europe, as well as IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis, to discuss how we can work together to build a more competitive, secure and resilient European economy.
“Ireland’s Presidency comes at a time of significant challenge but also significant opportunity for Europe. Our focus will be on building consensus, delivering practical progress and ensuring the European Union is well positioned to respond to the economic, energy and geopolitical challenges of the years ahead.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
- The meetings begin with the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).
- At Eurogroup, Ministers will discuss macroeconomic and fiscal developments in the euro area and hear from IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the IMF’s annual consultation on euro area policies.
- Ministers will also discuss policy priorities to enhance European economic and energy security and resilience.
- Eurogroup will conclude with a discussion on European technological sovereignty.
- The annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) takes place on Friday morning.
- ECOFIN Ministers will discuss the Market Integration and Supervision Package, a key element of the Savings and Investment Union agenda.
- Ministers will also discuss the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, developments relating to Ukraine, the European Semester process and Recovery and Resilience Facility implementation.
- Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July 2026.