Ireland's taoiseach to meet European Council president in Dublin
The taoiseach is to meet the European Council President Antonio Costa in Dublin later on Thursday.
The two will discuss progress on priority areas for Ireland's presidency of the EU.
Costa is in Dublin as part of his visits to EU capitals for discussions with members of the European Council.
Micheal Martin and Costa will also discuss the agenda for next month's European Council meeting, which will touch on Ukraine, the Middle East, EU enlargement and migration.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Martin said he is looking forward to welcoming Costa to Farmleigh as he comes to the end of his 'Tour of Capitals' for discussions with EU leaders.
"I will brief President Costa on progress being made across our presidency policy programme as we approach the halfway point of our six-month term in office," Martin said in a statement.
"Since July 1, we have been working to drive the EU's policy agenda. We have been taking forward work on significant policy objectives across our core presidency priorities of competitiveness, values and security.
"President Costa and I will have an important discussion on the negotiations for the next MFF. Pursuing agreement on the next EU budget for 2028-34 is a key priority.
"Ireland is advancing negotiations at a critical juncture, working to bring member states closer to agreement on key issues, including on volume, financing and getting the right balance of expenditure across priority areas.
"I look forward to hearing President Costa's assessment of his recent conversations with other leaders on the union's next budget.
"We will also look ahead to the next meeting of the European Council in October, where we will discuss the situation in Ukraine in the face of heightened Russian aggression in recent weeks and assess developments in the Middle East.
"Leaders will also have strategic discussions on migration and EU enlargement.
"I will update President Costa on preparations for the meeting of the European Political Community summit and the informal meeting of EU leaders taking place in Dublin in November."
By Cate McCurry, Press Association
Press Association: News
source: PA
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