Taoiseach Micheál Martin to undertake pre-presidency visits to Helsinki and Warsaw

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Helsinki this morning where he will meet with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

He will then travel to Warsaw in the afternoon for a meeting with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.

The meetings will focus primarily on preparations for Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of the year, during which European competitiveness will be a key focus, as well as bilateral relations and international issues, including the war in Ukraine and in the Middle East.

Speaking ahead of the meetings, the Taoiseach said:

"My meetings today in Helsinki and Warsaw are important opportunities to hear from my EU colleagues on their policy priorities and interests as we get closer to Ireland's EU Presidency. We have a very busy agenda ahead of us.

"It is now less than 100 days from the start of our presidency when Ireland will take on responsibility for advancing the European Union's agenda across many important policy areas, including priority issues of competitiveness, enlargement, security, and safeguarding the EU's foundational values. We will also be working to secure agreement on the EU's budget for the next seven years.

"I will reiterate Ireland's unwavering support for Ukraine and its people in the face of continuing barbaric attacks by Russia.

"Both Finland and Poland have been resolute in their support for Ukraine and in responding to the threat from Russia.

"We will also discuss the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including impacts on the cost of energy which is of concern to families and businesses right across Europe."