Minister McEntee visits Italy ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, will visit Italy today (25 May) for a series of political and business engagements, including a meeting with the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani.

The Ministers will discuss Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins on 1 July. Minister McEntee said: “With just over one month to go before Ireland assumes the EU Presidency, and as the geopolitical context becomes increasingly challenging, I welcome this opportunity to hear Italy’s perspective on our EU Presidency priorities. In particular, I look forward to discussing competitiveness, the EU simplification agenda, EU enlargement, the EU’s future budget and the values that underpin our Union.

“I also am delighted that Italy is paired with Meath, my own county, in the EU Presidency County Pairing initiative. This is an opportunity to reflect on our European relationship and strengthen the cultural, business and community links between Meath and Italy.”

The Ministers will also exchange views on key EU files and wider international issues, including competitiveness and security, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

On the Middle East, Minister McEntee said: “I look forward to discussing the situation in the Gulf and wider Middle East. I hope that progress will be achieved in the contacts underway between the US and Iran. Last week at the meeting of EU Trade Ministers, I joined counterparts in calling for EU action to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements, in response to the unacceptable situation in Gaza and the West Bank and to send a strong signal to Israel. Europe cannot continue to defend a rules-based international order while permitting trade with illegal settlements.”

Speaking on Ireland’s relationship with Italy, Minister McEntee noted: “Ireland and Italy have always had a positive and warm relationship, rich in historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. Our expanding diplomatic network in Italy exemplifies the importance Ireland places on this relationship. The recent opening of an Irish Consulate-General in Milan, as well as the appointment of two new Honorary-Consuls in Palermo and Venice, will serve to deepen Ireland’s footprint in those important Italian regions.”

While in Rome, Minister McEntee will engage with Irish companies doing business in Italy, as well as with representatives from the Irish State agencies operating in Italy - Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Bord Bia.

Noting the growing trade relationship, Minister McEnteestated: “Irish and Italian economic relations are going from strength to strength and that two-way trade between our two countries has shown consistent growth to over €25 billion in 2024. I am pleased to engage with businesses on the ground who are working to deepen these connections.”

ENDS

Press Office

25 May 2026