Micheál Martin: Ireland's EU presidency to focus on security and competitiveness 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said security and competitiveness will be a "key focus" of Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU following talks with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.

Mr Martin said collectively they will “work to advance the One Europe One Market roadmap, [which] aims to secure a step change in Europe’s economic performance”, deepening the single market and driving AI transformation.

“Competitiveness will be a key focus for us. Without a strong and competitive economy, Europe will not be able to improve the living standards of the people we represent,” said Mr Martin.

He said the Government is committed to “working for agreement on the union’s future budget by the end of the year”.

“This will inevitably be a complex task, as we seek to mobilise the budget in support of new priorities, including security and competitiveness, while recognising the enduring importance of established spending in agriculture, and food production, all at a time of significant economic challenge”.

“We are committed to giving this our best shot,” said Mr Martin.