Minister Byrne at EU General Affairs Council

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, is in Brussels today (16 December) to represent Ireland at the EU General Affairs Council, where EU Member States will prepare for the meeting of the European Council on Thursday, discuss Ukraine, EU enlargement, and continue negotiations on the next long term EU budget.

Speaking in advance of the meeting on Ukraine, Minister Byrne said: “At this critical juncture, Ireland is unequivocal in our support for Ukraine. I will use the opportunity at the EU General Affairs Council to repeat Ireland’s call for agreement on the reparations loan in support of Ukraine.”

At the meeting, Minister Byrne will emphasise the importance of protecting the Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy funds within the next EU’s multi-annual budget (2028-34).

Minister Byrne commented: “Changes to the structure of the next EU multi-annual budget cannot undermine the central role of a strong Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy. Our citizens and communities must be at the heart of this budget. We are determined to ensure that the agreed budget reflects Ireland’s priorities.”

On competitiveness, Minister Byrne said: “I welcome discussions on geo-economics and competitiveness. We must maintain momentum on progressing European competitiveness, particularly with respect to the Single Market.”

On EU enlargement, Minister Byrne said: “I am encouraged by the positive progress being made by certain EU candidate countries. We have a generational opportunity on EU enlargement and we need to seize it.”