The Tánaiste is set to call for “calm” and “measured” EU collaboration ahead of a significant tariff announcement by US President Donald Trump, which is expected on Wednesday, reports Breaking News.
Simon Harris is scheduled to have discussions with Dutch trade minister Reinette Klever and Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen on Monday morning.
Mr Harris – who also serves as the minister for foreign affairs, trade, and defence – will later host Croatian foreign minister Gordan Grlic-Radman in Dublin on Monday afternoon, reports Breaking News.
Mr Harris is anticipated to stress the importance of the European Union working together in a “calm, strategic and measured” manner while continuing to engage “positively” with the United States.
“The response of Ireland and the EU in the coming days and weeks will influence not only the future months and years but our economic model and wellbeing for the next generation,” the Tánaiste will state, reports Breaking News.
Several ministers have voiced concerns over Ireland’s vulnerability to possible double-digit tariffs on exports.
Mr Trump and his commerce secretary Howard Lutnick have indicated that US pharmaceutical companies based in Ireland could face tariffs.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin noted that tariffs on pharmaceutical exports would harm the economic prospects of US companies in Ireland, while Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe warned that tariffs could prevent the creation or retention of 50,000 to 80,000 jobs in Ireland over the next five years, reports Breaking News.
Other EU nations are also at risk from Mr Trump’s tariff threats. Germany and Slovakia are particularly vulnerable to a 25 percent tariff on cars that is set to take effect in April.
During Mr Harris’s discussions on Monday, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is also expected to be addressed, reports Breaking News.
The defence minister will highlight the need for a peace agreement and the importance of Ukraine being included in any peace talks.
He will further state that Ireland is “strongly in favour” of Ukraine joining the European Union and will underscore the importance of closer cooperation to support Ukraine’s accession plans, reports Breaking News.
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