Speech by Tánaiste, Simon Harris T.D. To the EPP Congress

Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished colleagues and friends,

It is a real honour to be here with you today in Valencia, standing among so many committed Europeans — united not just by shared values, but by shared purpose.

At a time when the world has never more needed a strong Europe and a strong Europe never more needed a strong EPP.

At this time of unprecedented geopolitical instability — from Russian aggression on the doorstep of Europe, to the rise of extremism and a new transatlantic trading relationship — the need for strong, centrist, pro-European leadership has never been greater.

The European People’s Party must rise to meet this moment. We must lead as the voice of stability, of economic responsibility, and of vision. A voice that does not merely react to events but shapes the future. That is the essence of the EPP — and it always has been.

As Tánaiste of Ireland, I am proud to lead my party, Fine Gael, a party that has stood shoulder to shoulder with our EPP partners since the very beginning. We were one of the founding members of this great political family in 1976. And we have remained committed ever since to the core values that bind us — human rights, democracy, freedom of the press, rule of law and an unshakable belief in the European Union.

Our former Taoisigh  — Garret FitzGerald, John Bruton, Enda Kenny, and Leo Varadkar — were proud to stand with the EPP in building a stronger Europe. They believed, as I do, that Europe is at its best when it is united, not fragmented — when it works not in narrow interests, but for the common good. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, this will be my guiding principle when Ireland assumes the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.

The EPP must now act as a bridge and lead — reaching out to other pro-European, democratic forces. We will only defend the values we cherish — and counter those who seek to undermine them — by working together, across national lines in a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism.

That is why at a time of rising populism, when the far right and the far left are gaining ground. It is vital to reassert the progressive and compassionate centre.

It is too easy to be passive, to be overwhelmed by the scale of challenge to just shake heads and shrug shoulders in disbelief at the reckless, unprincipled figures. Now more than ever we must work to defend our values.

It requires courage and commitment to call out the despicable Hamas attack of October 7^th and the horrific scenes we are witnessing in Gaza.

It requires courage and commitment not to turn away from the sheer scale of climate change.

It requires courage and commitment to stand fast when harassed by thousands – hundreds of thousands of attackers on social media.

The antidote to populism is the delivery from the centre of clear and measurable improvements to people’s lives.

It is also about showing that when the chips are down, pragmatic and experienced political leaders will show up for work and do what is necessary to come to a compromise.

This is what distinguishes the centre from the populist periphery.

That is why:

• it is the EPP that is standing up for small businesses, farmers and job creators
• it is the EPP that is putting care issues, cancer treatment, and tackling gender-based violence at the heart of the EU policy
• and it is only the EPP that is prioritising the need for the EU to be more competitive, more resilient, and more decisive in the face of rising economic threats

In Ireland, we know the power of European solidarity – we navigated Brexit with unwavering support from our European partners and for that we will be forever grateful.

We have demonstrated how a small nation, working with others, can achieve great things. That spirit — the spirit of partnership, of shared destiny — must guide the EPP in the months and years ahead.

Thank you/Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.