Minister Paschal Donohoe opens new Consulate General office in Frankfurt

The Minister for Finance and President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe TD, has formally opened the new office of the Consulate General of Ireland in Frankfurt am Main.

The office and event space, located in the heart of the city, will act as a hub to advance Ireland’s interests in the German federal states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, an economically vibrant region of over 11.5 million people.

Global Ireland Strategy

The opening of the Consulate General in 2019 formed part of the Government’s Global Ireland strategy to double the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. Ireland’s Mission network overseas now includes 22 Consulates, in addition to our Embassies and multilateral Missions.

This includes a new Consulate General in Munich, which was opened last year to deepen Ireland’s impact in the German states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg.

Minister Donohoe said: "The opening of these new offices marks the next chapter of Ireland’s diplomatic engagement in Frankfurt, Hesse and the wider region. It is a clear signal of the Government’s commitment to deepening its impact throughout Germany."

“A number of European financial institutions, including the European Central Bank, are located in Frankfurt. The new Consulate office will further support the work of my Department and the Government in the financial capital of the euro area.”

“This region is home to almost 3,500 Irish citizens. Many of them are employed in the financial services, high-tech construction and pharmaceuticals sectors. They contribute to Germany being our third-largest trading partner, as well as adding significantly to cultural and social life here."

Deeper collaboration

"The new Consulate office will support deeper collaboration between our diplomatic team and our economic state agencies. It will provide a platform to unlock new opportunities that will benefit both Ireland, Hesse, and Germany overall, with two-way trade now standing at over €60 billion each year.”

“This new showcase premises is part of Ireland’s continuing investment in deepened and integrated diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagement in Frankfurt, Hesse, and across this part of Germany. This is a region with a significant Irish and affinity diaspora and strong and mutually beneficial economic relationships with Ireland.”

Representing the government of the state of Hesse at the opening event, State Secretary for European and Internationals Affairs Karin Mueller said:

“The Government of Hesse enjoys a particularly warm and trusting relationship with the Consulate General of Ireland in Frankfurt. I am delighted that the decision for a new premises is also a clear commitment to Frankfurt – a wonderful sign of the close friendship between Ireland and Hesse.

Events organised by the Consulate and mutual visits have long become a valued part of our annual calendar. They are not only about the wonderful celebrations around St Patrick’s Day, but also about a genuine and constructive cooperation within Europe.

We greatly value this vibrant partnership and the open, personal exchange it fosters – and we look forward to many more years of close relations here in the heart of Europe.

Minister Donohoe welcomed the strong endorsement from Frankfurt’s Lord Mayor Mike Josef, who commented:

"Frankfurt is extremely proud that Ireland chose the city for the site of its first consulate general on the European continent in 2019. Frankfurt is an excellent choice.

As a European metropolis with a strong economic and financial sector we welcome the opportunity to strengthen European ties and to foster the strong bonds that exist between our citizens.

The Irish Consulate general makes a significant contribution to Frankfurt’s international flair and its cultural life."

The programme of Minister Donohoe in Frankfurt also includes a keynote address at the ECB Forum on Banking Supervision.