Minister Byrne in Switzerland to strengthen partnership ahead of EU Presidency

Minister Byrne in Switzerland to strengthen partnership ahead of EU Presidency

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 9 February 2026
• Last updated on: 9 February 2026

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, is today (9 February) commencing a visit to Switzerland in advance of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026.

Minister Byrne will meet counterparts in the Swiss Foreign Ministry, including Patric Franzen, Switzerland's chief negotiator with the EU, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Alexandre Fasel, and Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy.

The Minister will also visit Novartis, one of Switzerland's largest investors in Ireland and engage with the Chair of the new Swiss-Irish Parliamentary Friendship Group as well as members of the Irish community in Switzerland. In Berne, Minister Byrne will deliver remarks to the Swiss Society for Foreign Policy.

Speaking before the visit, Minister Byrne said: "Switzerland is an important partner for the European Union. As we prepare for our upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, I look forward to learning more about Swiss perspectives, including on the new package of bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU. I also look forward to exchanging security and defence perspectives as two militarily neutral states.

"Ireland and Switzerland have a rich and historic bilateral relationship. I look forward to renewing these ties of friendship, including through meeting with the new Swiss-Irish Parliamentary Friendship Group and with my counterparts in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs."