Ireland can act as bridge between UAE and EU, Transport Minister says

Ireland can act as a bridge between the UAE and EU, its Transport Minister has said.

Darragh O'Brien, Ireland’s Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, said his country was keen to listen to how the UAE views the EU, particularly from a trade and investment perspective.

With Ireland assuming the presidency of the Council of the EU in July and talks continuing between the UAE and the bloc over a free trade deal, Mr O’Brien said this perspective was something his country could bring to the table for discussion.

“I see Ireland very much as a bridge for the UAE into the European Union,” Mr O’Brien told The National in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

“We're very interested to receive feedback and input from the UAE in relation to how they view the EU from a trade perspective. So, Ireland [as] an investment bridge into Europe now that Britain has left the EU, but also as a partner – two countries who have a long-standing relationship of 50 years.”

In a wide-ranging interview, Mr O’Brien reflected on this long-standing relationship, how he wanted to work with the country in areas such as renewable energy, and the outcome of the Cop30 climate talks in Brazil last month. But first, he turned to trade.

Darragh O’Brien said ties between Ireland and the UAE are warm and historic. Ryan Lim for The National

A major part of his visit, with two other Irish ministers, is the first meeting of the Ireland–UAE “joint economic commission”. Signed in April, it is one of only four Ireland has agreed to, and it aims to drive growth in areas such as trade and investment, energy, food security and healthcare technology.

One area of focus is energy – particularly renewables.