EU Fisheries Ministers Convene in Cork to Chart Sustainable Future for Sector
EU fisheries ministers are convening in Cork today for a two-day informal meeting held under Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The plenary session, scheduled for tomorrow at Cork City Hall, will be chaired by Martin Heydon, Ireland's Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
EU Unblocks €90 Billion Loan for Ukraine as Zelensky Arrives in Cyprus
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the European Union's formal approval of a €90 billion support loan for Ukraine, after months of deadlock caused by Hungary's veto.
The funding package, which had been stalled by outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, was formally adopted by EU leaders alongside a new sanctions package targeting Russia.
Largest security operation in the city since Queen Elizabeth II's 2011 visit underway as UCC locks down
CORK CITY — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Cork alongside the full College of Commissioners — all 27 EU commissioners — for a high-profile two-day visit marking the opening of Ireland's six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Mercosur Deal: A Direct Threat to European Farmers and Democratic Accountability
The EU–Mercosur trade deal represents a fundamental threat to European farmers, food standards, and democratic accountability. By opening EU markets to agricultural imports produced under weaker environmental and welfare rules, the agreement creates an uneven playing field that places family farms at risk. The decision to refer the deal to the European Court is a necessary step in challenging a trade policy that many believe sacrifices rural communities and food security in favour of multinational interests.
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; January 21, 2026
Ireland’s Upcoming EU Presidency Set to Cost Over €400 Million Official Figures Released
Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 is expected to cost the State in excess of €400 million, according to official figures. Budget 2026 has allocated €282 million to support the six month presidency, with a further €125 million earmarked for Garda security operations and €11.7 million set aside for Office of Public Works upgrades to key State venues. The significant expenditure reflects the scale of security, logistics and infrastructure required to host dozens of EU summits and high level diplomatic meetings, but has already prompted scrutiny over value for money and priorities amid ongoing pressures on public services.