Minister Byrne in Lisbon for pre-EU Presidency visit

Minister Byrne in Lisbon for pre-EU Presidency visit

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, is today (09 December) on an official visit to Portugal to strengthen bilateral co-operation, ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency in the second half of 2026. As part of this visit, Minister Byrne will meet with the Portuguese State Secretary for European Affairs, Inês Domingos, and will address members of the European Affairs Committee of the Portuguese Parliament.

Speaking in Lisbon, Minister Byrne said: “Portugal is a key EU partner for Ireland and I look forward to engaging with State Secretary Domingos on areas where we can further improve our bilateral relations. In-person meetings in EU capitals form a vital part of the preparation for Ireland’s EU Presidency as we look ahead to delivering an ambitious programme for the betterment of the EU and Europe.”

Minister Byrne continued: “Portugal and Ireland share many historical connections through culture and trade. These are reflected today in the strong people-to-people links we share. Portugal is consistently one of the most popular international destinations for Irish visitors and an increasing number of Portuguese citizens are making their home in Ireland.” 

While in Lisbon, Minister Byrne will also visit the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics), where he will he will receive a briefing on the Centre’s role in tackling illicit drug trafficking by sea and air, and the assistance it provided during the seizure of the ‘MV Matthew’ by the Irish Naval Services, Irish Defence Forces, Revenue Customs Service, and An Garda Síochána National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) in September 2023. 

ENDS

Press Office

9 December 2025