Minister Byrne in Madrid for pre-EU Presidency discussions

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, will today (4 November) begin an official visit to Spain to strengthen bilateral co-operation ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency. During the visit, Minister Byrne will also mark the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Spain.

Minister Byrne will meet with the State Secretary for Security and Defence, Amparo Valcarce García, and the State Secretary for EU Affairs, Fernando Sampedro. The Minister will also address the European Affairs Committee of the Spanish Parliament, outlining Ireland’s vision and priorities, for the upcoming EU Presidency.

Minister Byrne will visit the EU Satellite Centre in Torrejo, where he will receive a briefing on the Centre’s role in supporting EU decision-making through geospatial intelligence and discuss how European co-operation delivers concrete capabilities that enhance collective security.

Minister Byrne will also join Ireland’s Ambassador to Spain in marking 90 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Spain.

Speaking ahead of the engagements, Minister Byrne said: “My visit to Spain takes place against the backdrop of our preparations for Ireland’s EU Presidency next year. Spain has been an invaluable EU partner for Ireland and I look forward to engaging with State Secretary Amparo Valcarce García, on matters relating to security and defence, and with my counterpart, the State Secretary for EU Affairs, Fernando Sampedro. I also look forward to engaging with members of the Spanish parliament at its EU Affairs committee.”

Minister Byrne continued: “I am delighted to mark 90 years of our diplomatic relations during my visit to Madrid as part of our pre-EU Presidency engagements. Our people are joined together by bonds of history, culture, politics, business, education and a sense of kinship. As we celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Span, our friendship has never been stronger.”

ENDS

Press Office

4 November 2025