Byrne meets Canadian PM at European Parliament

Minister Thomas Byrne met with Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, at the European Parliament amid a proposal for Canada to become the first associate member of the EU.

Minister Byrne was in the European Parliament for the State of the Union speech by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Minister Byrne was representing the Council of the European Union, in attending the speech and responding to President von der Leyen, as Ireland currently holds the EU Presidency.

Minister Byrne said: “The presence of the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, at the European Parliament is a visible reflection of the deep bond shared by the EU and Canada, a bond which continues to grow and strengthen.

"The proposal by President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to work with Canada on becoming the first associate member of the European Union is a significant moment."

He said the EU-Canada partnership is one of mutual benefit and common strength.

"Of course, the Prime Minister’s grandparents hail from Mayo, and Ireland was delighted to host him and his wife Diana in June.

"As it happens, both of our Mayo grandfathers joined An Garda Síochána in the early days of the new Irish state, over 100 years ago.

"I am deeply proud to have represented the Council of the European Union and the Irish EU Presidency, in attending and responding to, President von der Leyen’s State of the Union,” Minister Byrne concluded.