Taoiseach Micheál Martin held talks in Berlin on Thursday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as part of a series of meetings with European Union leaders ahead of Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the EU Council.
The visit forms part of Dublin’s efforts to build consensus before it assumes the rotating presidency on July 1. Officials said the discussions focused on Ireland’s priorities for the six-month term, alongside broader European and global challenges.
At the German Chancellery, Mr Martin outlined key areas Ireland plans to emphasise during its presidency. These include strengthening Europe’s economic competitiveness, advancing EU enlargement, and addressing security and defence concerns. The Taoiseach has been engaging with counterparts across the bloc in recent weeks to align positions and gather support for these goals.
The meeting comes at a time when Europe is facing renewed economic pressure linked to rising energy costs. The ongoing conflict involving Iran, despite a fragile ceasefire, has disrupted global fuel supplies and driven up prices across the continent. Both leaders discussed the impact of these developments, as well as the continuing war in Ukraine and its implications for regional stability.
Energy policy is expected to feature prominently in upcoming EU discussions. The European Commission is due to present a new set of proposals next week aimed at tackling fuel prices. These measures will be considered by EU leaders at an informal summit in Nicosia, scheduled to take place under the current Cyprus presidency.
Chancellor Merz used the meeting to outline Germany’s expectations for Ireland’s term at the helm of the Council. Berlin is seeking progress on economic reforms and measures to strengthen the EU’s single market. While both countries share an interest in boosting competitiveness, differences remain on certain policy approaches, including the supervision of a potential EU-wide capital markets union.
Despite these differences, officials described the talks as constructive, with both sides expressing a willingness to cooperate closely in the months ahead.
Following his meeting in Berlin, Mr Martin joined a virtual discussion with other EU leaders. The call, organised by French President Emmanuel Macron, focused on online safety and measures to protect children in the digital space.
Ireland’s presidency begins at a critical moment for the European Union, as member states navigate economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and internal policy debates. The government has indicated that building unity and advancing practical solutions will be central to its approach.
