Republic of Ireland
The European Commission will propose rules for short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb to counter the social crisis of affordable housing. The EU's first housing commissioner, Dan Jørgensen, noted that this issue is within the EU's competence.
The 11th meeting of the IT Coalition in Stockholm will accelerate technology procurement for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and increase funding for digital projects. Since September 2023, the coalition has raised over 1.2 billion euros for the development of technological capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Former French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu considers new elections unlikely, discussing concessions with parties for budget support. The politician confirmed the goal of keeping the state deficit below 5%.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs deported over 170 foreign nationals and eco-activist Greta Thunberg, who attempted to break through to the Gaza Strip as part of the so-called "Global Flotilla of Sumud. "
A 27-year-old Irish citizen fell overboard a private vessel near Odesa and survived in the open sea for over three hours. The man was hospitalized with hypothermia after being rescued.
The Russian warship "Yantar" repeatedly entered British and Irish waters from autumn 2023 to November 2024, stopping over key communication cables. The vessel, equipped with underwater vehicles, is capable of connecting to cables to intercept data or plant explosives.
Yaroslava Mahuchikh has been included in the top 10 nominees for the title of best European athlete of 2025. The winners will be announced on October 25 in Batumi, Georgia.
Microsoft and Asus have officially opened pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which will go on sale on October 16. Prices for the consoles range from $499 to $1599 depending on the model and region.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha thanked his Irish counterpart Simon Harris for Ireland's additional funding of 35 million euros to support people in Ukraine. The parties discussed bilateral contacts, diplomatic efforts for peace and security guarantees, and support for Ukraine's European integration.
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.
The 80th session of the UN General Assembly has begun in New York and will last until September 29. It will bring together about a hundred presidents and over 40 prime ministers to discuss global challenges and strengthen international cooperation.
Ireland is providing assistance to Ukraine in the form of vehicles and demining equipment. Two convoys of vehicles have already arrived in Poland for further transfer.
Spain has joined the countries threatening to boycott Eurovision-2026 if Israel is allowed to participate. This is the first country from the "Big Five" to put forward such a condition, which could influence the organizers' decision.
September 16 marks World Barber's Day, established in 2017 by the McAlister brothers from Ireland. Barbershops raise money for charity, supporting UNICEF.
Eurovision organizers have suggested that Israel withdraw from the 2026 contest in Austria or perform under a neutral flag. This is due to boycott threats from several countries over the war in Gaza.
Conor McGregor has withdrawn his candidacy from the Irish presidential election, citing a "fixed" democracy that only allows "establishment-approved candidates. " He did not receive public support from any member of parliament or local councils.
Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ stated that the country might withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. The decision is linked to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the deaths of civilians.
The European Commission is considering introducing age restrictions on social media use for teenagers under 16. This follows Australia's example, where similar rules will come into force in December.
Conor McGregor announced his intention to run for President of Ireland in the 2025 elections. He called on citizens to contact MPs to support his nomination and promised not to sign laws without public review.
President Zelenskyy discussed further support for Ukraine with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. The parties are working on strengthening sanctions against Russia and security guarantees.
Actor Mark Hamill considered moving to London or Ireland after Donald Trump's re-election as US president. His wife convinced him to stay in the country, noting that he should not let Trump drive him out of his own country.
From October 12, the European Union is implementing a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace passport stamping and add biometric registration. This innovation will affect hundreds of millions of tourists and business visitors from outside the EU.
July 2024 was the third hottest month on record globally. The temperature was 0.27°C cooler than the record-breaking July 2023 and 0.23°C cooler than July 2024.
An international coalition, led by Canada and Ukraine, called on Russia to unconditionally return abducted Ukrainian children. 38 countries, the Council of Europe, and the EU signed a joint statement, emphasizing the violation of international law.
France and 14 other states signed a joint statement calling on the world to recognize the Palestinian state. This happened after a conference in New York aimed at reviving the two-state solution.
The UN conference in New York concluded with a call from 17 countries for an end to Hamas's rule in the Gaza Strip. The signatories condemned the attacks by Hamas and Israel, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops and a halt to settlement construction.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize a Palestinian state in September, becoming the first Western member of the UN Security Council to do so. This move came after Great Britain and Canada refused to join the initiative due to their unwillingness to anger the United States.
The Irish media regulator is pressuring the X platform over non-compliance with new age verification rules to protect minors. The company risks a fine of up to 500,000 euros and is challenging the code in court.
The European Commission has sent warning letters to 18 EU member states for failing to notify the full implementation of the Directive on criminalizing the violation of EU restrictive measures. Countries have two months to respond and complete implementation.
A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.