Polish-Irish consultations in Warsaw

27.04.2026

Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski met in Warsaw with Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee. The two heads of diplomacy discussed Polish-Irish economic cooperation and the priorities of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Dublin assumes the EU presidency on 1 July.

In the photo, there is a woman in a pink blazer and a man in a black suit. They are looking toward the camera and shaking hands, Behind them are the flags of Irleand, Poland, and the EU.

Competitiveness, values, and security are the three pillars of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council that were discussed today in Warsaw by the foreign ministers of Poland and Ireland. Minister McEntee emphasised that EU member states should increase their defence investment.

As minister of defence, I want to be more ambitious—not only in Ireland, but also at the EU level—so that together we ensure our defence is strong, that we invest in the security and defence industry, and that we also address new and emerging challenges, whether hybrid threats or maritime security, which has come to the forefront

- said Minister Helen McEntee. She added that new challenges have an impact on both Europe’s security and its economic stability.

The ministers also discussed the situation in Ukraine. Both stressed that they unequivocally condemn Russian aggression and agree that continued assistance for Kyiv is necessary. The heads of diplomacy noted that supporting Ukraine also means safeguarding the EU’s security.

Poland and Ireland support Ukraine also on its path to European Union membership. Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski recalled that the countries have joined Ukraine2EU, the EU programme which supports integration.

Poland advises Ukrainian public administration institutions in their efforts to conduct EU-related reforms and align legislation with EU acquis. We also support Western Balkan countries on their accession path

- said Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski.

The foreign ministers of Poland and Ireland also discussed opportunities to develop economic cooperation. Trade between the two countries in 2025 exceeded EUR 4.5 billion, representing a 24% increase compared with 2024. Poland’s top diplomat pointed out that construction companies in particular are highly valued for their contribution to improving the situation on the Irish housing market.

Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski emphasised that the Polish diaspora serves as a natural bridge between Poland and Ireland. It is composed of around 120,000 people who are viewed positively due to their professionalism, significant contribution to the Irish economy, and openness to integration.