Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Prime Minister Luc Frieden at Senningen Castle on Thursday for nearly two hours of discussions focused on European competitiveness, renewable energy cooperation, and defence collaboration.
Frieden described the talks as “very intensive,” noting strong alignment between the two nations on multiple policy fronts. The leaders explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and defence sectors.
Both leaders emphasised the need to strengthen Europe’s economic resilience. Martin highlighted the urgency of bolstering the internal market, especially amid ongoing negotiations with the US regarding import tariffs ahead of the 1 August deadline.
A trade war would have severe consequences for all parties, Martin warned, advocating for continued dialogue. Frieden agreed, though he noted that while there should be “no red lines between friends,” clear boundaries must be established in negotiations.
Following the meetings, Frieden accompanied Martin to Echternach, paying homage to the shared heritage of St Willibrord, an Anglo-Saxon monk who travelled from Ireland to mainland Europe before establishing the Abbey of Echternach in 698.
