The Taoiseach is in Hungary today for discussions with the prime minister in advance of Ireland's EU presidency, which commences in January.
Hungary is one of the countries which will gain entry to the EU on May 1st next year.
Mr Ahern met with the Hungarian prime minister Mr Peter Medgyessy in Budapest this morning.
His visit also coincides with an Irish trade mission to Hungary.
Together with the Mr Medgyessy, Mr Ahern will address agathering of Irish and Hungarian companies to promote trade between the two countries.
The trade mission organised by Enterprise Ireland will be attended by representatives from over 25 companies.
Many already have significant export interests to Hungary. Last year, total Irish exports to that country totalled €144 million.
Mr Ahern was in Rome last night for a meeting with the Italian prime minister, Mr Silvio Berlusconi.
The discussions centred on the Intergovernmental Conference and the forthcoming Presidency of the EU. Italy currently holds the presidency.
Mr Ahern raised Ireland's key concerns in the ongoing negotiation in the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), particularly in relation to tax, justice and defence issues, a spokeswoman said.
The Taoiseach will travel to London this evening for a function.