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Irish Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Tánaiste to discuss Trump tariffs with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels
TÁNAISTE Simon Harris is in Brussels today to meet with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and trade ministers from fellow EU nations. Discussions are due to tackle the impending trade tariffs set to be imposed on inports from the EU into the US. 'Ireland's consistent position remains that we need to get into a substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States,' Mr Harris said ahead of the visit. 'Negotiations remain the main focus for both the EU and Ireland,' he added. 'At the same time, we understand the need for the EU to undertake further internal preparations in case negotiations are unsuccessful. 'This is a sensible and measured approach. I look forward to engaging with Commissioner Šefčovič and my European counterparts this morning where I will re-affirm Ireland's commitment to EU unity on this issue.' Following the Tánaiste's will bilateral meeting with Commissioner Šefčovič a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade will take place. This will allow EU trade ministers to 'exchange policy views on EU trade relations with the US and the Commission will update Ministers on the negotiations to reach a balanced and mutually acceptable solution', Mr Harris' office explains. 'There will also be a discussion on the EU's list of possible countermeasures, published last week, to defend its consumers and industry only in case negotiations with the US fail,' they added, before confirming that the Tánaiste will 'set out Ireland's position as it seeks to avoid any unintended consequences for the Irish economy'. 'Europe must take a balanced approach to economic security,' Mr Harris said. 'We of course must always seek to protect the EU Single Market, but at the same time we must also promote the EU's com.' While in Brussels Mr Harris will also hold bilateral talks with the Spanish Minister of Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo.
Irish Post
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
Tánaiste Simon Harris calls for review of EU-Israel trade agreement
TÁNAISTE Simon Harris has called for a review of the European Union's trade agreement with Israel. The EU is Israel's biggest trading partner, accounting for 28.8 per cent of its trade in goods in 2022, with EU imports from Israel worth €17.5bn. Earlier this week, Mr Harris and five other European Foreign Ministers issued a joint statement expressing their concerns over Israel's plans to expand its military operations in Gaza. Taking to Twitter/X today, Mr Harris has now called for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which is the basis for the EU's trade relations with Israel. In his post, the Tánaiste appeared to allude to Article 2 of the agreement, which says relations between both the EU and Israel 'shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles'. "The EU-Israel Association Agreement has clauses on human rights," wrote Mr Harris, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence. "It says relations shall be based on respect for human rights. These words must have meaning. "There must be a review of the agreement. The world is not doing nearly enough. The EU must show leadership. The EU-Israel Association Agreement has clauses on human rights. It says relations shall be based on respect for human rights. These words must have meaning. There must be a review of the agreement. The world is not doing nearly enough. The EU must show leadership — Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 11, 2025 "I intend to pursue this with European colleagues. "We are duty bound to do everything possible to bring about a cessation of violence, a major surge of humanitarian aid and the immediate release of all hostages." Article 79 of the agreement says either party may take 'appropriate measures' if it feels the other party has failed to fulfil an obligation under the agreement. Mr Harris' calls echo those of Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who also called for a review of the agreement this week. In a letter to Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr Veldkamp urged a review of Israel's compliance with the agreement. He also proposed withdrawing support for the EU-Israel Action Plan, first agreed in 2005, which aims to implement the association agreement. According to Politico, which obtained a copy of the letter, Mr Veldkamp wrote: "I withhold the support of the Netherlands for extending the EU-Israel Action Plan pending a review of Article 2." Politico adds that the EU-Israel Action Plan requires unanimous support from all 27 EU countries to renew. See More: Israel, Simon Harris
Irish Post
01-05-2025
- Irish Post
Irish passport represents ‘our identity and freedom', Tánaiste says
TÁNAISTE Simon Harris has revealed his pride in the Irish passport on the 100-year anniversary of its launch. Mr Harris claimed the document represents the 'identity and freedom' of the people of Ireland, as a new exhibition opened at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum marking its anniversary. On the Move: A Century of the Irish Passport uses archive material as well as public submissions to tell the story of the passport over the past 100 years. The Irish passport is 100 years old this year 'Our passport is a source of great pride for our citizens, it represents our identity, our freedom, and our connections to the world,' Mr Harris said. 'This exhibition is a wonderful celebration of 100 years of the Irish Passport and its impact on the lives of Irish people at home and abroad,' he added. 'I am especially delighted to see submissions from citizens who have shared their significant and historic family passport stories, which highlight the experiences that make the Irish passport so special.' In March, EPIC received an 'overwhelmingly positive response' to a public callout for personal stories to be featured in the exhibition. 'Contributions have ranged from heartwarming anecdotes about emigration to memories of receiving an Irish passport for the first time,' they explain. These stories, alongside original historical records and archival footage, now make up part of the exhibition, which opened in Dublin today. 'The Irish passport is much more than a document - it's a symbol of connection, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Irish people,' EPIC CEO Aileesh Carew said. 'As we mark 100 years of the passport, we're excited to showcase not only its rich history but also the personal stories of millions who have journeyed across the globe,' she added. 'This exhibition is a celebration of those who have carried the Irish passport with pride and the remarkable impact they've had on the world.' Visitors to the exhibition will get to explore a range of themes, including the role of the Irish passport in times of war, social change, and global mobility. The display also tackles what the passport means to Irish citizens, both at home and abroad. Catherine Healy, Historian-in-Residence at EPIC, said the the issuing of the very first Irish passport was an 'important moment in the history of Ireland'. 'A symbol of Irish identity, it provided clear evidence of a commitment to engage with the world as an independent nation,' she explained. 'Irish passports have since facilitated millions of journeys across the world, whether for work, love or intellectual freedom. 'The issuing of a passport could represent the start of a difficult departure from home, but for millions with Irish heritage it could also be a powerful reminder of family connection,' she added.
The Journal
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Harris to discuss legacy issues with NI Secretary at Hillsborough Castle
THE TÁNAISTE WILL today sit down with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability. The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference will also be attended by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Northern Ireland's Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Fleur Anderson. Advertisement Simon Harris said he is looking forward to 'continuing the intensive discussions' with Benn 'on the challenging but essential work of dealing with the legacy of the past'. Benn said: 'This will be an important meeting in developing the strong and close relationship between the UK and the Irish governments as we continue to work together on a range of issues.' The conference takes place at Hilsborough Castle in Co Down. It's the first time the conference, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006. With reporting by PA Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
