Minister Byrne on pre-EU Presidency visit to Bucharest

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, is today (28 January) visiting Bucharest for meetings focused on Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Minister Byrne will meet with his Romanian counterpart, State Secretary for European Affairs, Middle East and Africa, Clara Staicu, and meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Oana Țoiu. The Minister will also engage with representatives of the European Affairs Committee of the Romanian parliament.

Speaking in Bucharest, Minister Byrne said: “My meetings in Bucharest with Minister Oana Toiu and with State Secretary Clara Staicu, provide the opportunity to hold comprehensive discussions on European and international issues facing us. I look forward to setting out Ireland’s plans and ambitions for our EU Presidency and to hearing the views of the Romanian government and parliament.”

Minister Byrne and State Secretary Staicu will discuss details of the EU’s long-term future budget which will run from 2028-34. Negotiations on the budget are expected to continue under Ireland’s EU Presidency. Key items on the EU agenda, including competitiveness, Ukraine, the Rule of Law, and enlargement of the EU, will also be discussed.

ENDS

Press Office

28 January 2026