27 April 2026 European Movement Ireland and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung today held Irish German Perspectives on Europe’s Path Ahead at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin. With preparations underway for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the discussion provided a timely update on German Irish relations with Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, and German Minister for Europe, Gunther Krichbaum.
Germany and Ireland have a strong bilateral relationship which supports a rules-based international order, multilateralism and contributing to a more competitive and secure Europe, shaped by values. Germany is Ireland’s largest export market in the European Union with two-way trade worth over an estimated €70BN. Today almost 20,000 Irish people live in Germany and over 15,000 people born in Germany are living in Ireland.
Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne TD said, “Today’s discussion provided a welcome opportunity to reflect on the strong bilateral relationship enjoyed by Ireland and Germany. Today, thriving business links have seen two-way trade between Ireland and Germany triple since 2015, to exceed €77 billion, and Ireland has expanded our footprint in Germany with Consulates in Frankfurt and Munich. I know that Germany will be a vital partner for advancing a positive European agenda, during the Irish EU Presidency. I very much valued the visit undertaken by my German counterpart, Minister Gunther Krichbaum, and the opportunity to gain the German government perspective, including on issues such as the EU’s long-term budget, improving European competitiveness, and driving simplification, as well as advancing enlargement and the rule of law across Europe.”
Minister for Europe at the German Federal Foreign Office Gunther Krichbaum said, “Ireland will soon assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during challenging geopolitical times. Whether it’s the negotiations on the multiannual financial framework or strengthening the European Union’s competitiveness and security—important tasks lie ahead, and the world won’t wait for Europe. I highly welcome the opportunity to engage in serious dialogue with Minister Byrne and attendees on Ireland and Germany’s place in Europe’s future, and to explore how we can work together throughout Ireland’s EU Presidency and beyond with the aim to strengthen even further our close and facetted relations in the years ahead.”
CEO of European Movement Ireland, David Geary said, “Ireland’s EU Presidency presents a timely opportunity to reflect on Germany and Ireland’s shared goals and how we can work together to deliver benefits for all EU citizens and promote a more democratic and inclusive EU. Germany is a key strategic partner for Ireland within the EU; our relationship, which dates back to the early years of our state, remains as important as ever. Today serves as a valuable reminder of the strength and significance of our relations.”
Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung UK & Ireland, Dr. Canan Atilgan said, “In light of the forthcoming Irish EU Presidency, this event underlined how closely Ireland and Germany collaborate on an EU level and how important this cooperation is for Europe’s path ahead. Aligning agendas between likeminded partners is at the very heart of a strong European Union that stands its ground on the global stage and continues to deliver for its citizens today, as well as in the years to come. As Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, we are proud to contribute to this process with our activities in Ireland and beyond.”
Irish German Perspectives on Europe’s Path Ahead was jointly organised by European Movement Ireland and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung UK & Ireland.