During discussions about the upcoming Irish presidency of the EU Council, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, conferred on the European Union’s multi-year financial framework and strategies to boost competitiveness. Following their meeting on Thursday, Merz stated that “we agree on the central themes of the Irish Council presidency”. He added that a modernized medium-term financial plan is necessary, one that places the EU’s ability to act at the core, especially regarding industrial competitiveness and defense capacity. The CDU politician emphasized that setting priorities also implies reducing focus on other areas. Furthermore, Merz suggested that political leadership requires communicating to the public that everything cannot be addressed at once. He confirmed that he has pledged his support to the Irish Council presidency for the finalization of the next multi-year financial framework by 2026. Martin echoed these points, noting that he has since gained insight into Germany’s priorities for the Irish EU Council presidency. The Irish Prime Minister stressed that the EU must double its efforts to create a competitive environment for businesses, focusing on deepening the internal market while also advancing the ‘Savings and Investment Union’ and supporting small enterprises and startups.
Merz and Irish PM Discuss EU Competitiveness Amid Ireland’s Presidency
