Tánaiste calls for EU unity on US tariffs and conflicts at Global Ireland Summit

Simon Harris highlights trade, defence, and humanitarian concerns while reaffirming Ireland’s stance on neutrality and global cooperation

Tánaiste Simon Harris has emphasised the need for EU unity. Picture: PA

The Government strongly supports the approach being taken by the EU on US trade tariffs, as Tánaiste Simon Harris has emphasised the need for EU unity on the matter.

Speaking at the Global Ireland Summit 2025 on Tuesday, Mr Harris said the Government has been consistent in its message that there is no justification for the tariffs imposed by the US on its trading partners, and that it has simply driven inflation and hurt consumers on both sides.

"We want trade issues to be resolved through substantive, calm, measured dialogue with the United States," said Mr Harris.

"All sides need to engage in good faith because uncertainty and turmoil are not the way forward."

In addition to supporting efforts at EU level, the Government is developing a detailed action plan for trade diversification. This will seek to identify new opportunities and alternative markets for Irish goods.

Mr Harris said there will be a sustained focus on competitiveness and driving competitiveness domestically in support of Irish businesses, investment in Ireland, and jobs.

In a wide-ranging speech at Dublin Castle, the Minister for Foreign Affairs also spoke about global conflict, focusing on the ongoing issues in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Mr Harris said that Ireland would not stand idly by and allow the people of Gaza to continue to be starved as Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid entering Gaza continues—an action that he said left him "deeply appalled and sickened".

Humanitarian agencies operating in the region, including UNRWA, must be allowed to carry out their work unimpeded, and challenges to UNRWA's mandate must be resisted.

"In the West Bank, settlement activity is rising, and Israel is conducting its single largest military operation in 20 years, which has resulted in the displacement of at least 40,000 people," said Mr Harris.

A two-state solution is the only way to establish lasting peace, but in order to return to a political pathway to peace, Mr Harris said the violence must first stop.

In Ukraine, the continuation of Russia's illegal war risks emboldening other states who may decide that borders can be changed through the use of force, Mr Harris warned.

The increased scale and recklessness of Russia's campaign of hybrid activity indicates the contested and complex nature of the global security environment.

Mr Harris said Ireland's military neutrality "does not inherently insulate us from the impacts" of the changing and volatile international security environment.

There is a need to strengthen Ireland's defence capabilities and “significant work” is required, he said.

"Being neutral does not mean shirking our responsibility, keeping the head down and hiding in the shadows," Mr Harris said.

"We will continue to be militarily neutral. But that does not mean we shouldn’t invest properly in defence capability."