{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/6a9a918dc5b9ba845d1f7f01?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Meath Minister Thomas Byrne on the Fight for Europe’s Next Budget - 04/09/2026","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/1788510760403-fbc00fc4-5210-4298-b887-dc8475f3af78.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>An informal meeting of European Affairs Ministers has been taking place at Dublin Castle, with Ireland continuing its work as President of the Council of the European Union.</p><p><br></p><p>One of the major challenges facing the Irish Presidency is reaching agreement on the EU’s next multi-annual budget — a hugely important financial package which will determine how funding is allocated across the bloc over the coming years.</p><p><br></p><p>Ireland has been tasked with trying to secure agreement on the budget by the end of this year. There are a number of competing priorities for member states, including agriculture, defence, migration, climate and regional development.</p><p><br></p><p>Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne says progress is being made and he remains confident that an agreement can be reached before the end of the year.</p><p><br></p><p>Minister Byrne joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the talks and what Ireland hopes to achieve.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"lmfm "}