Ireland-Slovakia Links Flourish as Minister Byrne Visits Bratislava for EU Presidency Talks

Minister Byrne Highlights Strong Bilateral Relations in Bratislava

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, visited Bratislava, Slovakia, on January 19, 2026, where he declared that trade, educational, and cultural links between Ireland and Slovakia are 'flourishing'. The visit served as a platform for bilateral discussions and preparations for Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, scheduled to commence in the second half of 2026.

Expanding Trade and People-to-People Connections

During his visit, Minister Byrne met with Slovakia's State Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs, Marek Eštok, and the Slovak Parliament's European Affairs Committee. He emphasized his keen interest in seeing further growth in two-way trade and investment between the two nations. Despite their geographical distance, both countries share a 'love of culture and sport' which acts as a significant bridge between their peoples.

Bilateral trade between Ireland and Slovakia has shown robust growth, with annual figures reaching approximately €1 billion. Recent data indicates that mutual trade has nearly doubled in the past five years, exceeding €700 million. Key trade areas include:

• Slovak exports to Ireland: Predominantly Road vehicles, Electrical machinery, and Medicinal and pharmaceutical products.
• Irish exports to Slovakia: Notably Video and Card Games, Telephones, and Packaged Medicaments.

People-to-people connections are also strong, with approximately 15,000 Slovak citizens residing in Ireland. A vibrant Irish community in Slovakia, numbering around 350 people, is supported by initiatives like the 'Slovak Shamrocks' GAA Club, which promotes Gaelic football and handball. Direct flights between Dublin and Bratislava, as well as Košice, further facilitate these connections. Cultural exchanges are evident in the popularity of Irish literature, music, and dance within Slovakia.

Ireland's Upcoming EU Presidency and Shared European Priorities

A primary focus of Minister Byrne's discussions in Bratislava was Ireland's preparations for its upcoming EU Council Presidency, which begins in June 2026. Key topics on the agenda included:

• The EU's long-term future budget for 2028-2034.
• Strategies for boosting European competitiveness.
• Continued support for Ukraine.
• Upholding the Rule of Law.
• The process of enlargement of the Union.

Both Ireland and Slovakia share similar positions on advancing the EU accession process, with Minister Byrne stating that 'strong EU unity, based on shared values, is of greater importance than ever'. Ireland previously hosted Slovakia's delegation in Cork when Slovakia joined the EU in 2004 during an Irish EU Presidency.

Strengthening European Cooperation

The visit underscored the commitment of both nations to deepening their engagement within the European Union. Minister Byrne's meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views on critical European and international issues, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between Ireland and Slovakia as they navigate future challenges and opportunities within the EU framework.