Taoiseach Micheál Martin attending EU leaders’ informal retreat
- Published on: 12 February 2026
- Last updated on: 12 February 2026
- Taoiseach is joining fellow EU leaders in Bilzen-Hoeselt (Belgium) for strategic discussions on European competitiveness
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Bilzen-Hoeselt (Belgium) today (Thursday) to join EU leaders for a strategic discussion on strengthening the EU’s competitiveness. Following their respective reports on the future of European competitiveness and strengthening the EU’s Single Market, leaders will be joined for part of their discussions by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Taoiseach said:
“I look forward to joining my fellow EU leaders for very important discussions on how we strengthen European competitiveness.
“This is a vital issue for our businesses and for the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. Without a strong economy, we cannot invest in our public services and in the essential infrastructure and housing we need.
“The EU Single Market of 450 million people is the foundation stone of Ireland’s economy. Ireland has grown and prospered within the EU and its Single Market, which has enabled us to trade freely and to attract foreign direct investment, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“In an increasingly fractious, complex and uncertain world, the EU needs to ensure European companies can continue to compete globally and that Europe is the location of choice for innovation and investment. Today’s discussions must provide the political impetus for a sea change in how we deliver on the full potential of the EU’s Single Market.
“I will also highlight the need to streamline and simplify our regulatory framework. We need to remove obstacles to the delivery of critical infrastructure and housing, vital for improving Europe’s long-term competitiveness and productivity.
“It is important that we continue to invest in innovation, skills and research, and that we make best use of the EU budget through successful programmes like Horizon Europe.
“Europe must continue to diversify our trade and partnership agreements with like-minded countries. Free and fair trade delivers economic growth and jobs and improves resilience to economic shocks.
“We cannot afford to be complacent. The EU must remain vigilant to economic challenges and strengthen our resilience, especially in areas of strategic importance. But I also firmly believe that this is best served through openness. Putting up walls is not the answer – continuing to engage and build partnerships is vital for Europe’s future competitiveness.
“Competitiveness will be an important focus in Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council, which begins on 1 July.”
ENDS