August 2, 2025 – Dublin, Ireland – The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, has confirmed that the country is on track to open five new diplomatic missions in the coming months, further expanding its global presence.
The announcement marks a significant development in Ireland’s diplomatic strategy, as outlined in the Global Ireland 2025 initiative. This whole-government approach aims to double Ireland’s influence and footprint globally over the next seven years. To date, 22 missions have been opened, and the five new ones set to open will bring this total to 27.
The expansion includes embassies in Belgrade, Chisinau, and Sarajevo, as well as consulates general in Málaga and Melbourne. These new missions are part of Ireland’s commitment to EU enlargement, with the country taking up the presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026.
The Tánaiste stated that opening these new missions represents a clear statement of Ireland’s commitment to its EU neighbors, particularly in the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood. The expanded presence will reinforce links with countries looking to Ireland as an example of how a country can benefit from and contribute to the European Union.
In addition to the new embassies and consulates general, plans are also underway for the assignment of additional staff from various government departments to strengthen strategically important missions. This expansion has been complemented by efforts to engage with the Irish diaspora in regions such as Spain and Australia.
The five new diplomatic missions set to open in autumn 2025 will further enhance Ireland’s global presence and influence, delivering services to its growing diaspora communities and holidaymakers alike.
Under Global Ireland 2025, Ireland aims to establish a network of diplomatic missions that reflects the country’s unique strengths and interests. The initiative has already led to significant progress, with 27 missions now operational across the globe.
The 27 Missions Under Global Ireland 2025:
- Embassies in Kyiv, Rabat, Wellington, Bogotá, Amman, Monrovia, Santiago de Chile, Tehran, Manila, Dakar, Islamabad, Belgrade, Chisinau, and Sarajevo;
- Consulates general in Vancouver, Mumbai, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Cardiff, Manchester, Lyon, Miami, Toronto, Milan, Munich, Málaga, and Melbourne.
The expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic network is a testament to the country’s commitment to engaging with the world and promoting its values and interests abroad.
Conclusion
The opening of five new diplomatic missions in the coming months marks an exciting development in Ireland’s global engagement. As the country takes up the presidency of the European Union, these new missions will reinforce links with EU neighbors and further strengthen Ireland’s influence on the world stage.