Taoiseach Micheál Martin will meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Dublin today to discuss some of the European Union's biggest priorities, while also expressing Ireland's solidarity with the victims of the recent attack at the Berlin Pride festival.
The meeting will take place at Farmleigh House during Ireland's six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The talks come just days after the attack in Berlin, which left one person dead and at least 29 others injured.
The attacker drove a van into a crowd before carrying out a knife attack with a machete. The suspect, Abdul Ballout, was later shot dead by police after being on the run for almost 24 hours. Authorities said he had reported links to the so-called Islamic State group.
Ahead of the meeting, Micheál Martin said he would express the Irish people's support for those affected by the attack.
"I will express the solidarity of the Irish people with the victims of the horrific attack on the Pride parade in Berlin at the weekend."
The Taoiseach said the European Union is built on values including respect for human dignity, equality and minority rights, adding that the attack went against those principles.
The talks between the two leaders will also focus on the EU's future plans, including negotiations on the bloc's next long-term budget.
Germany is among a number of countries pushing for a smaller settlement than the proposed €2 trillion spending plan.
Martin said he would listen to Chancellor Merz's position on the budget and discuss how compromises can be reached.
The leaders are also expected to discuss strengthening Europe's competitiveness, including simplifying rules, deepening the single market, expanding trading links, addressing energy costs and preparing for climate and digital changes.
EU enlargement will also be on the agenda, as Ireland continues its work as holder of the Council presidency.
"The European Union has a full and busy agenda ahead of it in the coming months, and I look forward to discussing some of the biggest challenges with the chancellor."
The EU Presidency is also having a direct impact on Dublin.
Dublin Castle has closed to the public for most of 2026 as it hosts events connected to Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The site will remain closed until 31 December 2026, with access to the Chester Beatty Library, the 1926 Census Exhibition and the Dubh Linn Gardens still available through the Ship Street gate.
The closure is expected to affect tourism in the city centre, as Dublin Castle is one of the capital's most visited heritage sites.
Areas surrounding Dublin Castle will also remain closed to both traffic and pedestrians for the duration of Ireland's EU Presidency, which runs until the end of the year.
