Martin meets Merz in Berlin, discusses EU Presidency starting July 1

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Berlin today for a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, continuing his series of discussions with EU leaders in anticipation of Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the EU Council. The leaders are expected to discuss preparations for the Irish presidency, bilateral relations between Ireland and Germany, and a range of international issues.

Mr. Martin is engaging with EU leaders individually as Ireland prepares to assume the presidency on July 1. At the Chancellery in Berlin, he will outline Ireland's priorities, which are anticipated to include competitiveness, EU enlargement, and security and defense.

Amidst the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, exacerbated by the Iran war despite a fragile ceasefire, Mr. Martin and Chancellor Merz are also expected to address rising fuel costs, the situation in the Middle East, and the war in Ukraine. Next Wednesday, the European Commission is scheduled to present a new package of measures concerning fuel prices, which leaders will discuss the following day at an informal EU summit in Nicosia under the Cyprus presidency. Chancellor Merz will also outline Germany's hopes and expectations for the Irish presidency.

While both leaders share a commitment to boosting European competitiveness and strengthening the EU's single market, differences exist, particularly regarding the supervision of an EU-wide capital markets union. Following the meeting, the Taoiseach will participate in a video call with other EU leaders, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, to discuss online safety and the protection of children.