Minister Byrne to hold talks with new German counterpart in Berlin

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, is in Berlin today (27 June) to meet with his new German counterpart Gunther Krichbaum, Minister of State for Europe. Their discussions will focus on bilateral relations, including the Ireland-Germany Joint Plan of Action, the Multiannual Financial Framework, competitiveness, security and defence, trade, and Ireland’s EU Presidency.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Byrne commented: “I greatly look forward to meeting with Minister Krichbaum. Our meeting comes at a crucial moment, just one day after the European Council in Brussels, where I accompanied the Taoiseach. That summit saw a very important discussion on the current situation in the Middle East, as well as European defence and security and Ukraine, and I look forward to discussing these with Minister Krichbaum.”

“I will also be setting out Ireland’s priorities for the next EU multi-annual budget and, as fellow net contributors to the budget, I look forward to discussing how we can work together to shape EU funds into the future.”

The Ministers will also discuss strengthening of Irish-German relations. Minister Byrne commented: “The importance of the German-Irish bilateral relationship cannot be understated. Our connections are wide-ranging, from people-to-people links, culture, economic, trade, and as steadfast partners in the EU and globally. Germany is one of our largest trading partners, with a combined two-way trade in goods and services of almost €70bn.”

The Minister will also mark the recent receipt of an award by the Zeitgeist Irland 24 project. He said: “I look forward to meeting with the award-winning team behind the exceptional Season of Irish Culture - Zeitgeist Irland 24 last year. The programme revitalised and expanded the image of Ireland in Germany, involving over 140 projects which generated 350 individual events. It is fitting that Zeitgeist Irland was recently recognised with a Civil Service Excellence Award, a testament to the stellar work of the cultural team in Embassy Berlin.”

ENDS

Press Office

27 June 2025