Minister Byrne attends General Affairs Council in Brussels

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, is attending a meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels today (Tuesday, 25 February).

At the General Affairs Council, Ministers will prepare the agenda for the European Council on 20-21 March, against the backdrop of rapidly evolving developments. It is currently expected to focus on Ukraine, European competitiveness, the EU’s post 2027 financial framework and the Middle East.

Ministers will participate in a discussion on fundamental values in Europe, including democracy and the rule of law, issues on which Ireland has taken consistently strong positions.

Ministers will also hold their first discussion on the Commission Work Programme for 2025, which includes a number of key legislative initiatives, including the important new Omnibus package on simplification, which is due to be published tomorrow (Wednesday, 26 February).

Minister Byrne commented: “This meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels will focus on planning ahead for the meeting of the European Council in March against the backdrop of the current challenging international context.

"I look forward to engaging with my colleagues on the importance of fundamental European values as well as on the Commission’s work programme for 2025. Ireland has a strong interest in a number of key proposals, including the new simplification package.

"I also look forward to meeting with the Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, to discuss rule of law issues and his policy priorities.”