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The Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, T.D., will discuss Covid-19 Coordination and the Conference on the Future of Europe, at a meeting of the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels on Tuesday 11 May.

Ministers will also prepare for the special European Council meeting on 25 May 2021. At that meeting, leaders will discuss Covid-19, climate change and hold a strategic debate on Russia. At the GAC on 11 May, Ministers will also focus on the Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process, as well as EU-Switzerland relations.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Byrne said:

“I look forward to engaging with my ministerial colleagues on our agenda, including preparing for the meeting of the European Council on 25 May where leaders will have an important discussion on Climate Change and EU relations with Russia.

The Portuguese Presidency will also provide an update on the Conference on the Future of Europe. I am pleased that the Conference is now formally underway and through the interactive Digital Platform is providing citizens all over Europe with a valuable opportunity to have a greater say in shaping the future direction of EU policies and priorities at this pivotal time.

On 14 May, we will have our national launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe in Ireland. Our aim is to have an inclusive conversation with Irish and other EU citizens living across the island of Ireland, to ensure that all of our voices are heard during this process.”