Dublin: The Irish government has officially marked the six-month countdown to its 2026 EU Presidency. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, confirmed today that preparations are “well under way” following extensive public consultation.
Ireland will chair the Council from July to December 2026, succeeding Poland, Denmark, and Cyprus as part of a new “presidency trio” with Lithuania and Greece.
Key Features of the 2026 Presidency:
- Large-Scale Events: Ireland will host over 270 meetings, including a high-level European summit and an informal gathering of EU leaders.
- Public Engagement: A record 450+ submissions were received during a recent public consultation, helping define Ireland’s focus areas.
- Core Priorities: Key themes include housing, energy security, climate action, and digital trade. There is also a strong emphasis on “strategic autonomy” and strengthening EU-US relations.
- Economic Impact: The government has allocated approximately €282 million for the presidency, aiming to showcase Ireland’s regional cities by hosting events across the country, not just in Dublin.
Minister McEntee highlighted that this presidency is an opportunity to put a “distinct Irish imprint” on Europe’s work programme during a period of significant global geopolitical shifts.
