Taoiseach Simon Harris acknowledged heightened risks of a transatlantic trade shock following Donald Trump’s election as US president. Speaking at the European Political Community summit in Budapest, Harris described Trump as ‘transactional’ and emphasized the importance of a two-way trade relationship between the US and EU. He affirmed Ireland’s readiness to collaborate with the new administration, despite concerns over potential shifts in US support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. Harris also reiterated Ireland’s commitment to military neutrality while acknowledging the need for increased defense spending in the face of European threats.