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An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar will attend the European Council meeting in Brussels today and Friday to discuss a range of current EU challenges, the Future of Europeagenda and the ongoing Brexit negotiations with fellow leaders from across the continent.

The principle issues at the two-day Council meeting are likely to be the Future of Europe and the ongoing Brexit negotiations. Other issues on the agenda include migration and the digital single market.

Some progress has been made in the Brexit negotiations on issues relating to Ireland, including preserving the Common Travel Area and associated rights. However, more work needs to be done on protecting the Good Friday Agreement, and avoiding the return of any border on the island. Further progress is also required on the financial settlement and rights of EU citizens in the UK, before the talks can move on to transition arrangements and the future relationship.

The Taoiseach will continue to strive for the best possible outcome for Ireland by using every opportunity to engage with other leaders, emphasise the importance of the issues at stake for Ireland, and determine how progress can be made on the Brexit negotiations ahead of the next council meeting in December.

On the Future of Europe agenda, the Taoiseach will support an ambitious work programme that prioritises areas that deliver tangible benefits for citizens and businesses, particularly in areas like the Single Market, the digital economy and banking union.