Minister Byrne to meet Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of European Affairs in Vienna

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, today (3 December) will meet with Austrian Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and Austrian Minister for European Affairs, Claudia Plakolm, in Vienna. This comes as part of Minister Byrne’s ongoing programme of bilateral visits to EU capitals, ahead of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, in the second half of 2026.

Speaking in Vienna, Minister Byrne said: “My meetings in Vienna today with the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of European Affairs provide the opportunity to exchange thoughts and perspective across a broad range of European and international issues. I look forward to setting out Ireland’s plans for our EU Presidency, which gets underway in just over six months’ time.”

The meeting between Minister Byrne and Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger will focus on the broader international agenda, including Ukraine and the Middle East.

“At this critical juncture for Ukraine and following President Zelenskyy’s first official visit to Ireland this week, I welcome the opportunity to meet with Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger and discuss how the EU, and we as member states, can best support Ukraine in ensuring a just and lasting peace. Strong, credible security guarantees that ensure Ukraine can defend itself must be secured under any agreement. This is not just vital for Ukraine, it is vital for the EU, including Ireland.”

Minister Byrne and Minister Plakolm will discuss the EU’s long-term future budget which will run from 2028-34. Negotiations on the budget are expected to continue under the Irish EU Presidency.

“With Minister Plakolm, I will discuss key issues on the EU agenda, including enlargement of the EU, where our positions in support of advancing the accession process are close. During our EU Presidency, I will chair the EU General Affairs Council, and I expect EU enlargement to be a particular area of focus. Strong EU unity, including as a community of values, is more important than ever.”

ENDS

Press Office

3 December 2025