Minister Byrne in Bratislava for EU Presidency discussions

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, is in Bratislava today (19 January) for meetings focused on Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Minister Byrne is due to meet with Slovakia’s State Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs, Marek Eštok. The Minister will also have a meeting with the Slovak Parliament’s European Affairs Committee.

Speaking about the visit to Bratislava, Minister Byrne said: “My meetings in Bratislava with the Slovak State Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs, and with the Parliament’s European Affairs Committee, provide the opportunity to exchange views and perspectives in-person on European and international issues. I look forward to setting out Ireland’s plans and ambitions for our EU Presidency, which gets underway in just over five months’ time.”

Minister Byrne and State Secretary Eštok will discuss the EU’s long-term future budget which will run from 2028-34. Negotiations on the budget are expected to be a key focus under the Irish EU Presidency.

The Minister commented: “With State Secretary Eštok, I will discuss matters on the EU agenda, including boosting competitiveness, support for Ukraine, the Rule of Law, and enlargement of the Union. Our positions in support of advancing the accession process are close. During Ireland’s EU Presidency, I will chair the EU General Affairs Council, and I expect EU enlargement to be a significant priority. Strong EU unity, based on shared values, is of greater importance than ever.”

On bilateral relations, Minister Byrne said: “While our two countries are geographically far apart, lying at opposite ends of the EU, trade, educational and cultural links are flourishing. I am particularly keen to see further growth in two-way trade and investment, while our shared love of culture and sport is a bridge between our peoples”.

ENDS

Press Office

19 January 2026