Update on the Tánaiste’s call with Commissioner Šefčovič

The Tánaiste Simon Harris has held further discussions with EU Trade Comissioner Maroš Šefčovič this morning as part of ongoing engagement in preparation for the expected announcement of US tariffs and the impact they will have on EU-US trade.

The Tánaiste outlined the views of Ireland and detailed the engagement he has been having with his European counterparts in recent days.

Commissioner Šefčovič updated the Tánaiste on the work ongoing at an EU level in its preparation to respond to the expected US announcement on tariffs in the coming hours.

The Tánaiste and the Commissioner stressed the importance of European unity at this crucial time when it comes to global trade.

They discussed their shared view that they would rather talks than tariffs and that ultimately negotiations will need to take place to find a way forward.

They also both highlighted the importance of the EU Trade meeting taking place in Luxembourg next Monday, which the Tánaiste will attend on behalf of Ireland.

They both agreed to keep in close contact in the coming hours and days.