Minister Byrne attends sitting of the European Parliament Plenary in Strasbourg

Ireland - Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, is in Strasbourg today (10 September) for the sitting of the European Parliament Plenary session. Minister Byrne attended the State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen, and held meetings with Irish MEPs and key contacts across the parliament.

With less than 12 months before Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU,

Minister Byrne took the opportunity to travel to Strasbourg to engage with the European Parliament and to update on the Government’s plans for the Presidency.

Speaking from Strasbourg, Minister Byrne said: “I am delighted to be in Strasbourg today to attend this first plenary session of the autumn term. I have met with some of the Irish MEPs to discuss their work in the European Parliament and to consider how we can engage more closely as we approach our Presidency.

“I have also had the chance to meet with partners from across the Parliament. As the Government continues work on identifying our priorities, it is important to hear from those present in Strasbourg on what the Parliament’s priorities are and to discuss how can work constructively together for a successful Irish Presidency in 2026.

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to hear President von der Leyen’s State of the Union Address. It is clear that as a union, we are facing many complex geopolitical challenges and Ireland’s Presidency will come at a crucial time for the EU. It will be important that we work across the EU institutions – the Commission and the Parliament – to ensure that Ireland’s Presidency delivers for all citizens of the EU, and I welcome today’s opportunity to engage closely with the Parliament, to prepare this work.”