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From:Department of the Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will meet the Prime Ministers of Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary in Bratislava today, 10 September 2026.

The meeting takes place in the context of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and discussions will include a focus on the next EU budget, European competitiveness, EU enlargement and support for Ukraine.

The Taoiseach will also meet bilaterally with Prime Ministers Fico and Magyar while in Bratislava.

“Moving negotiations forward on the Union’s new multi-annual budget is an important task for us as EU Presidency. I very much look forward to exchanging views with leaders of the Visegrád Four and to hearing from them the most pressing concerns facing this region. Reaching agreement by the end of the year will not be easy, but it can be done if people approach the negotiations with the right spirit of compromise.

“I also look forward to discussing how Europe can best meet the competitiveness challenges it faces. As we mark the second anniversary of the Draghi report, it is more important than ever that we implement the One Europe, One Market Roadmap. This will continue to be a priority for the Irish Presidency.

“High energy prices, a particular concern for the Visegrád countries, must be part of that discussion. A competitive Europe needs sustainable, secure and affordable energy.

“I will also discuss EU enlargement, both in my meeting with the V4 leaders and in my bilateral meetings.

“I believe there is an historical opportunity to bring some of the candidate countries closer to EU membership if we are ready to seize it. That is a priority concern for us as Presidency.”