LAST UPDATE | 10 Mar

THE TAOISEACH MET with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez today – a vocal critic of the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.

Micheál Martin met with Sánchez in Madrid today ahead of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU.

Following the meeting, the Taoiseach said the two leaders discussed the preparations for the EU Presidency; competitiveness, trade, energy and the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. 

Speaking to RTÉ after the meeting, Martin said: “We would have a good exchange of views on current issues and our desire that we would have a de-escalation, and a cessation of hostilities, and that we can get a resolution to the outstanding issues.”

A pleasure to meet with PM @sanchezcastejon in Madrid today.

We had much to discuss as Ireland prepares for the EU Presidency; on competitiveness, trade, energy and the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. @IrlEmbMadrid pic.twitter.com/8CUrHB3Egb

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 10, 2026

Sanchez has condemned the war in Iran and refused to let US planes use its bases to attack Iran.

“The position of the government of Spain can be summed up in four words: no to war,” Sanchez said in a televised address, a day after US president Donald Trump threatened to sever all trade with Spain.

“We will not be complicit in something that is harmful to the world and contrary to our values and interests, simply out of fear of retaliation,” he added.

Trump called Spain a “terrible” ally on Tuesday as he met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Over the weekend, President Catherine Connolly said the war in the Middle East constitutes “deliberate assaults on international law” - but members of government have refused to say that the attack is illegal.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has faced increasing pressure from Opposition to boycott the annual St Patrick’s Day visit to the White House over the war.

Speaking ahead of the meeting today, the Taoiseach said the success of our Presidency will rely on the goodwill of our EU partners, and therefore it is important that he hears from his fellow EU leaders on what their priorities and concerns are on the range of issues that Ireland will be seeking to progress during the six months of our Presidency.

“Improving Europe’s competitiveness, enhancing our security, and promoting and protecting our shared values will be the priority issues for our Presidency. Across these areas, there are many detailed and complex files which we will be tasked with advancing, not least the EU’s next multiannual budget.

“Ireland and Spain share excellent bilateral relations, built on strong historical links and close cultural affinity, and I look forward to discussing how we can work together to further strengthen cooperation on trade, investment, energy, education, research and culture.”

The Taoiseach plans to visit a number of other EU capitals in the coming months ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency.

With additional reporting from Christina Finn and AFP.