UK and Ireland leaders discuss EU ties and budget negotiations

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin met in Manchester to discuss deepening UK-EU ties and reaffirming commitments to the Good Friday Agreement. During the meeting, Burnham expressed a desire to move closer to the European Union, particularly as Ireland holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. The leaders also reiterated support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

Simultaneously, European Council President António Costa met with Martin in Ireland to discuss the bloc’s next multiannual budget. Costa stated he is working toward reaching an agreement on the 2028-2034 financial framework by the end of the year, noting he has received “unanimous support” for this goal. The negotiations focus on balancing budget distribution, national contributions, and new own resources.

In a related diplomatic effort, British Chancellor John Healey met with EU finance ministers in Dublin to lobby for exemptions from the European Commission’s “Made in Europe” procurement plans, which prioritize European suppliers for public contracts.