Minister Byrne in Prague to discuss Irish EU Presidency

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, is today (Wednesday, 1 April) visiting Prague as part of an ongoing series of visits to European capitals, ahead of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which begins in three months.

In Prague, Minister Byrne will meet with the Czech Prime Minister’s Chief Diplomatic Adviser or ‘Sherpa’ on EU Affairs, Milena Hrdinková. Ms Hrdinková represents the Czech Republic at the EU’s General Affairs Council, which Minister Byrne will chair, during Ireland’s 6-month EU Presidency. The Minister will also meet with Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marie Chatardová.

Commenting on his visit, Minister Byrne said: “I am looking forward to having a comprehensive exchange on key EU policy areas, with Milena Hrdinková, including in relation to competitiveness, EU enlargement and the next long-term EU budget. We will discuss the Rule of Law, which is of central importance to the EU’s single market, and the basis for our shared prosperity. I will also take the opportunity to reaffirm our shared determination to safeguard Europe’s democratic resilience.”

“In my meeting with Minister Chatardová, we will discuss regional issues in Central Europe and Ukraine, including security and defence. Ireland and the Czech Republic have strong bilateral relations, which encompass our cultural and education links, people-to-people connections and our economic, trade and investment relationship. Trade and investment between our two countries continues to grow, with two-way bilateral trade reaching over €4 billion annually. I am keen to see further growth in this trade.”

Minister Byrne continued: “With less than 100 days to go until our EU Presidency term begins, I have visited the majority of EU member state capitals, to set out our policy priorities and listen to the concerns and perspectives of EU member states. I believe that such visits, including to Prague, are very valuable and will make a significant contribution to delivering a successful Irish EU Presidency.”

ENDS

Press Office

1 April 2026