Europe is rapidly rearming. Will that leave neutral Ireland defenceless? | Brigid Laffan

Donald Trump's Maga policy challenges Ireland ’s political economy, which relies on extensive US investment.

As one of the three remaining EU member states that are neutral, Ireland is out of sync with most of Europe .

Ireland will hold the presidency of the EU council of ministers during the second half of 2026 but it is an outlier because of its low spend on national security.

Ireland needs to deepen engagement with the EU ’s defence initiatives and cooperate more closely with Nato if it is to enhance its defence capability.

But domestic opposition could limit or prevent both.

If there is an enduring transatlantic rupture, stand-alone European security structures will be created and Ireland will have to decide on its place in these structures.