Minister of State Thomas Byrne is set to hold a series of high-level engagements in London focused on strengthening relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
During his visit, Byrne will meet Hamish Falconer, the UK minister responsible for intergovernmental and European relations, before delivering remarks at Chatham House on the future of EU-UK cooperation.
Irish Presidency Pushes for Closer Partnership
The discussions come as Ireland holds the presidency of the EU General Affairs Council, giving Dublin a prominent role in efforts to deepen engagement between Brussels and London.
Byrne said he was pleased to meet Falconer in person following a phone conversation between the two ministers last week.
He described the meeting as an opportunity for detailed discussions on the direction of EU-UK relations.
The Irish minister said Ireland welcomed the UK government’s desire to develop a constructive and positive relationship with the European Union.
Second EU-UK Summit Sought
Byrne also highlighted the importance of building on the first EU-UK Summit, which took place in May 2025.
He said Ireland wants a second summit to be held in the near future, arguing that a successful meeting between EU and UK leaders could provide fresh momentum for the relationship.
According to Byrne, any future summit should be positive and balanced while producing tangible benefits for people on both sides of the Channel.
Geopolitical Challenges Add Urgency
The minister stressed that closer cooperation has become particularly important amid growing geopolitical instability.
He described the UK as a vital like-minded partner for the European Union and said maintaining strong ties was in the interests of both sides.
Byrne pointed to several areas where closer cooperation could benefit citizens, including trade, people-to-people links, foreign policy and security.
Ireland Signals Commitment to EU-UK Cooperation
Ireland’s EU presidency is expected to continue supporting efforts aimed at developing a stable and productive relationship between the EU and Britain.
Byrne said the goal should be a strong partnership capable of delivering practical results for citizens while supporting wider European cooperation at a time of significant international uncertainty.
The London engagements are therefore set to provide an opportunity for Ireland to reinforce its support for closer EU-UK relations and encourage further progress following last year’s landmark summit.
