The Taoiseach will today hold talks on a range of EU issues with the European Commission in Brussels.
Bertie Ahern will hold talks with Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso and later address the College of Commissioners.
A Government spokeswoman said the EU Constitution, competition issues and designation of the Irish as an official EU working language on January 1st next year will be discussed.
"This meeting and address provides a unique opportunity for the Taoiseach to set out specific Irish concerns while reiterating our fundamentally positive and constructive approach to the success of the Union and Ireland's support for the role of the Commission."
Today's visit to Brussels is part of a series of EU engagements in coming weeks.
Mr Ahern is due to address a plenary session of the EU Parliament later this month. He will also join other EU leaders at the European Council summit in Brussels on December 14th.