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From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, has arrived in Budapest today (10 September) for a series of meetings focused on Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

During his two-day visit, Minister Byrne will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Anita Orbán, State Secretary for Policy Coordination and EU Affairs, András Bíró-Nagy, and State Secretary for Multilateral Affairs, Krisztián Mészáros.

Minister Byrne will hold discussions with government counterparts on the Multiannual Financial Framework, EU enlargement, Ukraine, competitiveness, and the rule of law.

Commenting on his visit to Budapest, Minister Byrne said: “Having visited the majority of EU capitals as part of my Irish EU Presidency engagements with member states, I am very glad to visit Budapest for meetings with the Hungarian government. Since it took office just a few short months ago, we are encouraged by the constructive engagement of the Hungarian government to date.”

Minister Byrne continued: “As chair of the EU General Affairs Council, I want to see progress made on competitiveness, EU enlargement, protecting the rule of law, and advancing negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. In the interest of EU citizens, we need to reach an agreement on the next EU budget this year and through continued dialogue and negotiation, I am confident that we can meet the moment. EU enlargement is in the strategic interests of our union, and while there can be no shortcuts, nor can we afford to lose the momentum in this process at this critical time for our continent. I look forward to discussing these topics and others during my visit to Budapest.”

While in Budapest, Minister Byrne will also meet the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Chair of the European Affairs Committee at the Hungarian Parliament. Bilateral relations will also be on the agenda, with this year marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Hungary.