UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin signed a renewed joint defence agreement on Friday (13 March) at the second annual UK-Ireland summit in Cork, strengthening security cooperation between the neighbouring nations. Talks also covered business and energy collaboration.
The updated pact, originally established in 2015, now emphasises maritime security, cyber defence, intelligence sharing, and joint procurement. Ireland’s Defence Minister Helen McEntee highlighted additional provisions for “training, education and staff exchanges” under the agreement.
Key developments:
• Ireland plans a record €1.7 billion defence investment over five years, a 55% increase from previous spending.
• The agreement targets cyber security and protection of undersea infrastructure, including cables.
• The pact signals improved Anglo-Irish relations, following tensions during Brexit over the Irish Sea border.
ℹ️ Bloomberg
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