Polish-Irish consultations on European affairs
13.03.2026
During their meeting in Warsaw on 13 March 2026, Secretary of State Ignacy Niemczycki and Minister of State for European Affairs of the Republic of Ireland Thomas Byrne talked about development of the European Democracy Shield, simplification agenda, and the priorities of Ireland's presidency of the EU Council.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation between Poland and the Republic of Ireland within the European Union. Discussed were, among other issues, support for the EU enlargement process and the EU legislation simplification package, which offers an opportunity to enhance EU’s competitiveness on the global arena.
Minister Byrne also outlined the program priorities of the Irish Presidency of the Council for the second half of 2026. The main focus will be on the Union’s security, boosting competitiveness, and closer coordination of their activities within the EU. Minister Niemczycki stressed Poland’s support for the planned initiatives, particularly in the areas of economic resilience and continued support for the struggling Ukraine.
Other issues raised during the discussion were the rule of law and the initiative to establish a European Centre for Democratic Resilience. Poland and Ireland support the establishment of the Centre dedicated to safeguarding democratic institutions, strengthening civil society, and combating disinformation.
As regards the peace process in Ukraine, Minister Niemczycki reiterated the need for European countries to take part in the current negotiations. Ukraine’s security remains crucial to the future of this continent. Both sides expressed their deep concern with the situation in the Middle East.