Taoiseach to meet President of the European Commission and Prime Minister of Belgium
- Published on: 7 May 2025
- Last updated on: 8 May 2025
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will meet with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever, as part of a two-day visit to Belgium beginning today (Wednesday).
The Taoiseach will later visit the port of Antwerp-Bruges, a key point of entry for Irish goods to the EU single market and wider global economy.
While there he will hear first-hand about developments in global trade flows, the port’s plans to support offshore wind infrastructure, and meet with representatives of Irish businesses in Belgium.
This evening, the Taoiseach will meet with members of the Irish community, including people working in the EU institutions and from cultural and sporting organisations.
The Taoiseach’s meeting with the President of the European Commission on Thursday will focus on economic issues, including the EU’s response to US tariffs, potential impacts on Ireland and the European economy, and efforts to find a negotiated solution.
The leaders will also discuss efforts to strengthen European competitiveness, international issues including Ukraine, EU-UK relations, and the dire humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza.
The Taoiseach will brief President von der Leyen on Ireland’s preparations ahead of its presidency of the Council of the European Union next year.
The meeting with Prime Minister De Wever of Belgium tomorrow will focus on EU and international issues, including trade, as well as bilateral relations and cooperation between Belgium and Ireland on energy issues.
Speaking ahead of his visit, the Taoiseach said:
“I look forward to meeting with the President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of Belgium to discuss the challenges and opportunities we face.
“A key focus will be the impacts of tariffs on the Irish and European economy and Europe’s response. I will emphasise the importance of working towards a negotiated solution.
“We will also discuss international issues, including the appalling situation in Gaza. There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and the resumption of unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and at an unprecedented scale. It has been over fifty days since food, medicines and other essential supplies entered Gaza. Israel’s continuing humanitarian blockade is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis. This must be lifted immediately.
“We will discuss our strong support for Ukraine and its people, and EU-UK relations ahead of the Summit on 19 May when I hope good progress can be made towards a stronger, closer EU-UK relationship.
"My first bilateral meeting with Prime Minister De Wever of Belgium will focus on EU and international issues, including trade and the impact of US tariffs, and I will take the opportunity to brief the Prime Minister on Ireland’s preparation for our EU Presidency in the second half of next year. We will also discuss the strong ties between Ireland and Belgium and cooperation on energy and other issues.”