Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD will meet European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, on Friday, 16th July, at the Technological University Dublin, Grangegorman.
President von der Leyen is visiting Ireland to highlight the NextGenerationEU recovery package and Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
While at Grangegorman, the Taoiseach and President will have the opportunity to visit a laboratory and meet with some researchers and students working on innovative projects.
The Taoiseach and the President will also have a bilateral meeting at which they will discuss issues on the EU agenda including: Covid19 and vaccines; EU/UK relations; and the Commission’s new ‘fit for 55’ package of measures to support climate action.
Speaking in advance of the visit the Taoiseach said:
“I very much look forward to welcoming President von der Leyen. The EU has played an important role throughout the Covid19 pandemic – in responding to the crisis, in rolling out vaccines, and in laying foundations for a strong economic recovery in Europe, driven by the digital and climate transformations.
I also look forward to discussing with her some important topics on the EU agenda including: Covid19 and how we can accelerate our efforts on vaccination; the EU’s relations with the UK, including ongoing work to implement the Protocol; and the package of measures the Commission announced this week to deliver the EU’s climate ambition.
I also look forward to visiting with her some of the exciting and innovative projects at TU Dublin, Grangegorman.
Notes for Editors:
In July 2020 EU Leaders agreed an historic Next Generation EU package to support Europe's economic recovery, and drive the climate and digital transformations. In order to avail of the EU Recovery funding each Member State must prepare a national plan.
During her visit, President von der Leyen is expected to announce the Commission’s endorsement of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), the overall aim of which is to contribute to a sustainable, equitable, green and digital recovery effort, in a manner that complements and supports the Government’s broader recovery effort.
Ireland’s draft National Recovery and Resilience Plan, containing 16 investments and 9 reform commitments, totalling approximately €1bn was submitted to the European Commission in May for consideration.
The plan has three priorities:
➢ Priority 1: Advancing the Green Transition ➢ Priority 2: Accelerating and Expanding Digital Reforms and Transformation ➢ Priority 3: Social and Economic Recovery and Job Creation
Between now and the Autumn the Council of the European Union will consider the Plan and the Commission’s assessment before making a decision allowing Ireland receive the support.