Minister Byrne in Stockholm for discussions on Ireland’s EU Presidency, Security and Defence

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, is visiting Stockholm today and tomorrow (16-17 October) to hold talks with his Swedish counterpart, Jessica Rosencrantz, Minister for European Union Affairs and Nordic Cooperation. Their discussions will focus on bilateral relations, Ireland’s EU Presidency, the current EU policy agenda, security and defence issues and the war in Ukraine.

While in Stockholm, the Minister will meet with the Sweden-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group, the EU Affairs Committee of the Swedish Parliament, and members of the Ireland-Sweden Chamber of Commerce. He will also meet with experts working on security and defence and preparedness.

Commenting on his visit, Minister Byrne stated: “I am very glad to visit Stockholm as I continue my engagement with EU counterparts on Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU. On areas such as competitiveness, the Single Market and the EU budget, Ireland works closely with Sweden to shape the EU agenda. It will be useful to have these policy discussions with my Swedish colleague, Minister Jessica Rosencrantz, about our shared priorities as Ireland moves closer towards taking up its Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year.

“I look forward to engaging with my colleague from Sweden and hearing her perspectives on the future of EU enlargement and the war in Ukraine. Both Ireland and Sweden stand in full solidarity with Ukraine. Together with our EU partners, we will continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s continuing aggression and work to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”

ENDS

Press Office

16 October 2025