merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny  will today attend a meeting of the European Council in Brussels, where he will take part in discussions on a number of important and pressing issues including economic and social development, migration, security, Russia and Ukraine, and the situation in Syria.

The discussions on economic and social development will address the Single Market and Digital Single Market, as well as the European Fund for Strategic Investment, Energy Union and the Youth Employment Initiative.

In advance of the meeting, the Taoiseach, joined by 15 other EU leaders, has written to President Tusk, emphasising the importance of pressing ahead with full implementation of the EU Digital Single Market. He highlighted the vast potential of the Digital Single Market as a major opportunity to boost the dynamism and competitiveness of the European economy, significantly reduce transaction costs for business, and provide a real dividend for consumers.  

At the European Council, the Taoiseach will also highlight the related importance of completing the Single Market for services, including pressing for a high level of ambition for the forthcoming Services Package expected from the Commission in January.

The European Council will be followed by a meeting of the EU 27 Member States which will focus on EU preparations for the Brexit negotiations.

The Taoiseach will be accompanied by European Affairs Minister Dara Murphy.