The Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to attend an informal gathering of EU leaders in Cyprus, where discussions are expected to focus heavily on three major crises: rising energy costs, the situation in the Middle East, and the war in Ukraine, reports RTE.
Cyprus currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, before Ireland assumes the six-month role in July, reports RTE.
EU leaders will be briefed this evening on developments in the Middle East and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, but equal emphasis is expected on the economic consequences of the الأزمة for the EU.
Much of this focus follows the European Commission decision yesterday to ease state aid rules, aimed at helping governments cushion the impact of rising costs on households and businesses—potentially paving the way for measures such as price controls, income supports, and tax incentives, reports RTE.
Other key topics likely to be discussed include Russia’s war in Ukraine and the recently approved €90 billion EU aid package, which had previously been delayed due to opposition from Hungary’s former leader Viktor Orbán.
That move is expected to be welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has travelled to Cyprus to address leaders directly amid ongoing appeals for financial assistance and accelerated EU membership, reports RTE.
Earlier today, Mr Martin held a bilateral meeting in Athens with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, where he emphasised the strong financial links between Ireland and Greece.
The informal EU summit will continue tomorrow, with Ireland expected to prioritise discussions around the EU’s multi-annual financial framework, which is likely to be a central issue during Ireland’s upcoming six-month presidency beginning on 1 July, reports RTE.
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