Press release
Taoiseach meeting with Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and Denmark in The Hague
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is in the Hague today [21 April 2017] for a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
The meeting is the latest in the Taoiseach's series of engagements with other EU leaders, as part of the Government's overall programme of EU engagement on Brexit.
The three leaders will exchange views on the negotiating process ahead and how best to work together, as part of the EU team, on a range of issues ahead of the European Council meeting on 29 April.
Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark share a range of common interests in relation to Brexit, including each having strong trading relations with the UK.
The Taoiseach will also highlight Ireland's specific concerns arising from Brexit in relation to our trade and economy, Northern Ireland and the Peace Process, and the Common Travel Area.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Taoiseach said:
“This meeting is part of my strategic engagement with all our EU partners, ahead of the Brexit negotiations. I know both Prime Minister Rutte and Prime Minister Rasmussen well from many years of attending European Council meetings. The Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland have common views on a wide range of EU issues. Our meeting tomorrow provides an opportunity for us to have a detailed discussion on Brexit following the UK’s triggering of Article 50 and the circulation of draft EU negotiating guidelines.
The Government's engagement on Brexit has ensured that our concerns are reflected in the draft negotiation guidelines. However this is just the start of what will be long and complex negotiations."
Ends