Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin leads a fragile coalition amid debates on trade, security and the Gaza conflict; he has steered policy since taking office.
Trump’s two-day Ireland trip is underway, with meetings scheduled in Dublin and a visit to Doonbeg for the Irish Open. Authorities have prepared a large security operation as protests are planned. Irish leaders vow to discuss mutual interests, while political figures push for Gaza and Palestine discussions during meetings.
Scotland faces renewed pressure as the UK government signals possible referendums if there is majority public support. First Minister Swinney and Labour figures are discussing a legal mechanism to trigger a referendum, while Conservative critics argue Labour cannot defend the union.
Carney has visited Ireland ahead of the G7 in France, emphasising a vision of dense, ad hoc coalitions between Canada, Ireland and Europe as the post-Cold War order shifts. He has celebrated roots in Aughagower while outlining a push to diversify trade and strengthen ties beyond the United States.
EU leaders debate whether to appoint a mediator to Russia talks as Costa proposes a channel with Moscow. Some leaders back opening dialogue, others warn against rewarding Moscow’s intransigence. NATO and U.S. strategy frame the broader security balancing act.
The United States and Iran have postponed a signing ceremony for a preliminary 60-day deal on their talks, after Iran pulls out amid Lebanese ceasefire concerns. The two sides are set to continue negotiations over the next 60 days, with uncertainty over Iran’s nuclear timetable and regional tension.
The Guardian reports that Ireland has begun its rotating EU presidency with a ceremony at Dublin Castle attended by Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskiy and top EU figures. Leaders discuss Ukraine’s EU bid on a merit-based timeline and budget priorities, with emphasis on ending the war and shaping the next EU budget.
The UK government has issued a formal apology for the state’s role in forced adoptions between 1949 and 1976, acknowledging harm to mothers, children and families. A £4 million package will fund access to adoption records, reconnecting relatives, and research into long-term impacts. The apology is supported by devolved administrations and follows earlier apologies from religious institutions.
A large crowd has attended Glen Hansard’s funeral at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin after the 56-year-old musician died in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of the city. Friends and fellow musicians including Bono and Eddie Vedder have paid tribute; a public wake at IMMA and queues to sign condolence books have honoured his life and charity work.
Migrants have surged into Ceuta, Spain, prompting Spain and Italy to intensify border controls. Italy has temporarily suspended Schengen with Spain and called for stronger external borders; Spain reports most migrants have returned to Morocco. EU interior ministers will convene to address the border emergency.
Joint letter from 22 EU members urges rapid, coordinated action to secure borders as about 60,000 migrants reach Ceuta from Morocco; most have returned, but the border spike triggers a Schengen debate and political backlash.
Leaders across Europe have faced a sharp, unfolding disaster at the Ceuta border. A surge of migrants has overwhelmed coastal towns, intensifying tensions over migration policy. Spain is pushing back against criticism while calls grow for a coordinated EU response. The event unfolds today as officials assess humanitarian and strategic implications.
The Irish Open is being held at Doonbeg, with the US president's anticipated presence prompting tightened security. Rory McIlroy says crowds will be limited and the event will feel different, but players will focus on a challenging course.