Minister Byrne represents Ireland at European Parliament plenary session
Minister of State Thomas Byrne has arrived in Strasbourg to fulfil Ireland's representative duties during the current EU Council Presidency. He will attend key policy debates and witness the annual State of the Union address by Ursula von der Leyen.
Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, has commenced a significant visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Representing Ireland in its capacity as holder of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Minister is tasked with engaging in high-level parliamentary debates, specifically focusing on the European Democracy Shield and regulatory simplification, which serve as core pillars of the Irish Presidency’s current agenda.
During his time in the city, Minister Byrne will attend the highly anticipated State of the Union address delivered by President Ursula von der Leyen. On Wednesday, the Minister is scheduled to formalise two major legislative acts alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. These measures are designed to bolster air passenger rights and establish a new European Union Customs Authority, marking a tangible outcome of the current legislative programme.
Beyond his formal diplomatic duties, the Minister will open a cultural exhibition organised by the Royal Irish Academy titled 'A History of Ireland in 100 Words'. Based on the 2019 publication by Sharon Arbuthnot, Máire Ní Mhaonaigh, and Gregory Toner, with illustrations by Joe McLaren, the display aims to showcase Irish heritage to international parliamentarians. Further details regarding the cultural initiatives of the Irish Presidency are available on the official government website.