Minister Byrne to attend EU General Affairs Council in Brussels

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, will represent Ireland at the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels today (26 May). Ahead of the discussion of the EU’s next long-term budget 2028-34, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework, Minister Byrne emphasised the Government’s strong focus on the EU budget negotiations during Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency.

Minister Byrne said: “Against the backdrop of economic and global instability, it is imperative that we show citizens, across the EU, that we can reach agreement on an EU budget, which delivers for our people into the future. Negotiation of the next EU budget is a key focus for the EU General Affairs Council, which I will chair, during the Irish EU Presidency. The next EU budget will play a central role in boosting EU competitiveness and supporting the Single Market and the ‘One Europe One Market Roadmap’. Compromise will be required in reaching agreement on the next EU budget and I look forward to working with my counterparts, at the EU General Affairs Councils, during the Irish EU Presidency.”

Commenting on Ukraine, the Minister said: “As Russia continues its illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine and its people, the EU must maintain its steadfast support for Ukraine. The next meeting of the European Council is an opportunity for EU leaders to come together in continued support of Ukraine. Supporting Ukraine’s EU candidacy is a commitment of the Irish EU Presidency. Ukraine has made huge advances, in its accession journey, and we are determined to support their progress.”

On the situation in the Middle East, the Minister said: “I welcome the discussion on the crisis on the Gulf, and its ongoing impact on the European households and businesses, particularly our energy prices. We also cannot lose sight of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advancing towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine.

EU-UK relations will also feature on the Council agenda. Minister Byrne said: “We want to see progress in advancing the next EU-UK Summit, particularly the agreed ambition on both sides, to conclude negotiations on a Youth Experience Scheme, the common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area and on linking Emission Trading Systems. We have the opportunity to deliver clear and balanced benefits for both EU and UK citizens. We must also remain clear on the importance of the continued implementation of the Windsor Framework agreement, including for Northern Ireland, which is a close, mutually beneficial partnership with the UK that is in the interest of the Union, and all of our citizens.”

The Minister will also engage in a wider series of engagements on 26 and 27 May, including two events, focused on the Irish EU Presidency. The first will be hosted by the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics, on 26 May entitled “Competitiveness in an Age of Geoeconomics: in conversation with Minister Thomas Byrne.” The Minister will then speak at the Bruegel think tank on 27 May at the event “Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency: a conversation with Minister Thomas Byrne.”

ENDS

Press Office

26 May 2026

A livestream of the press conference following the General Affairs Council can be found here: General Affairs Council - Press conference - 2026-05-26