O’Callaghan meets counterparts in Prague and Warsaw

Jim O’Callaghan

Mr O’Callaghan travelled to Prague to meet with his Czech counterparts Lubomir Metnar, minister of the interior and Jeroným Tejc minister for justice.

He is also meeting Waldemar Żurek, the Polish minister of justice and prosecutor general and Marcin Kierwiński, minister of the interior and administration.

While in Poland Mr O’Callaghan will visit the EU’s eastern border with Belarus where he will receive a briefing on the border security situation.

His visit to Czechia and Poland comes ahead of Ireland assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July. Discussions will focus on preparations and priorities for the Irish presidency and areas of mutual interest, including migration, organised crime and the rule of law.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “I look forward to meeting with my Czech and Polish counterparts and building on the already strong relationship Ireland has with both nations.

“During the Irish Presidency, our relationships with other Member States will be crucial to advance our priorities of competitiveness, values, and security. This visit will also provide me with an opportunity to hear first-hand how Belarus has instrumentalised migration, unacceptably exploiting human beings for political purposes.”

Mr O’Callaghan will conclude his week in Luxembourg at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on Thursday and Friday, where he will continue his series of bilateral engagements with a range of other member states.