Update following Trade Ministers Meeting on EU-US Trade Relations
- Foilsithe: 12 Feabhra 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris took part today in a virtual meeting of EU Trade Ministers with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to discuss EU-US Trade Relations.
There was a strong consensus amongst Trade Ministers on the need for EU unity and solidarity on trade issues. Ministers expressed clear support for the Commission’s strategy of engagement with the US in the coming days and weeks. It was agreed that EU Trade Ministers and the Commission will continue to remain in close contact and work together on a European response.
Speaking after the meeting, the Tánaiste said:
"I welcome this essential cooperation and information-sharing with my EU counterparts and the Commission. This is an evolving situation and we will be keeping in close contact in the coming days and weeks.
"It was encouraging to hear about the engagement with the US that has started and to know that further meetings are planned. There is a window for negotiation ahead of the 12 March deadline.
"Ireland is keenly aware of the perils of further escalation. We consider that it is in our collective interests that we seek to work with the new administration and to highlight the powerful, mutual benefit of the transatlantic relationship.
"Most importantly, EU Member States are united and the EU Commission is fully mobilised to protect European economic interests.”