Tánaiste Harris Discusses EU Priorities and Trade with French Minister
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris met with French Minister for the Economy, Finance, Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty Roland Lescure in Paris on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, as part of his St. Patrick’s Day program in France. The discussions centered on Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the European Union, future agricultural policy, and economic competitiveness.
Key Discussion Points
- EU Presidency Priorities: Harris outlined Ireland’s priorities for its EU presidency, emphasizing “values, security and competitiveness” as intrinsically linked pillars of the agenda.
- Common Agricultural Policy: Negotiations surrounding the future of the Common Agricultural Policy were a key topic of conversation.
- EU Competitiveness and Productivity: Both ministers addressed strategies to enhance EU competitiveness and productivity, recognizing their importance for economic growth and citizen prosperity.
- Celtic Interconnector: The Celtic Interconnector, an undersea electrical cable project connecting Cork, Ireland, and Brittany, France, scheduled for completion in 2028, was discussed, along with potential future energy collaborations.
- Trade Relations: The officials acknowledged the substantial increase in two-way trade between Ireland and France, reaching record levels of over €45 billion in both 2023, and 2024.
Ireland-France Trade Growth
The Tánaiste highlighted the significant growth in trade between Ireland and France, noting the record values achieved in recent years. He emphasized that competitiveness is crucial for a thriving European economy and improved quality of life.
Looking Ahead
Harris stated that Ireland views France as a key partner in advancing its European agenda, particularly in the areas of values, security, and competitiveness. The meeting signifies a continued commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two countries and collaborating on shared European goals.