Tánaiste confirms opening of five new diplomatic missions

The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, has confirmed that Ireland is on course to open five new diplomatic missions in the coming months. This follows a government decision in March 2024, approving the opening of embassies in Belgrade, Chisinau and Sarajevo, as well as consulates general in Málaga and Melbourne.

The Tánaiste said: “I am delighted to provide this update on the continued expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic network. One of the core aims of Global Ireland 2025 and indeed this government is to expand our Team Ireland footprint globally.

“Opening new missions in Belgrade, Chisinau and Sarajevo represents a clear statement of Ireland’s commitment to EU enlargement as we take up the presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026. Our expanded presence in the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood will reinforce links with countries who look to Ireland as an example of how a country can benefit from, and contribute to, the European Union. The missions will begin operations in the autumn.

“New consulates general in Málaga and Melbourne will deliver services to our growing Irish diaspora and holiday makers in both regions. Plans are at an advanced stage for these new missions, with both due to become operational in 2026.

“Taken together, and with the mission already opened as part of the Global Ireland strategy, these five new missions will further strengthen Ireland’s global presence and influence.”

ENDS

Press Office

2 August 2025

Under Global Ireland 2025 - a whole government strategy with the aim of doubling Ireland’s influence and footprint in the period 2018-2025 - 22 missions have been opened to date. The five missions due to open will bring this total to 27.

The 27 missions are: embassies in Kyiv, Rabat, Wellington, Bogotá, Amman, Monrovia, Santiago de Chile, Tehran, Manila, Dakar, Islamabad, Belgrade, Chisinau and Sarajevo; and consulates general in Vancouver, Mumbai, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Cardiff, Manchester, Lyon, Miami, Toronto, Milan, Munich, Málaga and Melbourne.

This expansion has been complemented by the strengthening of strategically important missions, including by the assignment of additional staff from several government departments.