Ireland set to take presidency of EU in Dublin opening ceremony – Europe live

AI Summary

Ireland is set to take the presidency of the EU with the goal of navigating critical issues such as new Russia sanctions and the accession of Ukraine and Moldova. Prime Minister Micheál Martin indicated that Ukraine's accession could occur during the conflict with Russia based on a merit-based approach.

Ireland’s tasks at helm of bloc include helping navigate talks on fresh Russia sanctions, and Ukraine and Moldova accession Ireland’s prime minister Micheál Martin suggested Ukraine could join the EU even during the war with Russia. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Martin said the process will be conducted on “a merit-based approach,” and insisted the EU “wants the war to end,” but the accession could still happen during the conflict. “Some [member states] who want to spend more, some who want to spend less, quite a significant number who want to protect the common agricultural policy, cohesion funding, and then new areas like competitiveness funding and research, additional money for research funding, which actually is the key to new products and new ideas of the future.” Continue reading...