Ireland takes over Council presidency

Source: European Union 2 Published on: 2026-06-30

Welcome message from Taoiseach Micheál Martin

We commit to doing a good job for the EU and its citizens, and we will work throughout our term to make the Union more prosperous and more secure, and to uphold our shared fundamental values.

Welcome message from Tánaiste Simon Harris

For the next six months, we will work in partnership with Member States, the European institutions and our international partners to help advance a stronger, safer and more competitive European Union – one that delivers for citizens, protects our shared values, and is equipped to meet the challenges of a changing world.

Message from Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee

Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. We take on this responsibility at a significant moment for Europe and the wider international community.

Message from Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne

Ireland’s eighth Presidency of the Council of the European Union is an opportunity to drive meaningful progress across Europe through partnership, ambition and action.

The Presidency in numbers

Informal Ministerial meetings

other events in Ireland

• Competitiveness

In order to deliver a secure economic future, which meets the needs and expectations of its people, Europe must act urgently to enhance its competitiveness and productivity. The One Europe, One Market Roadmap, agreed by the Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, provides a blueprint to achieve decisive progress in 2026. We will treat the Roadmap’s objectives as core priorities for the Irish Presidency.

• Values

Our Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, as reflected in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. Our shared values, including those contained in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are the bedrock, which makes Europe a good place to live and work, and they underpin our competitiveness and our security.

• Security

Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflicts in the Middle East and the Gulf, and the evolution of new threats and new forms of warfare present serious challenges. We must work together to address these challenges, which have highlighted the need for Europe to invest in all dimensions of our own security and develop our defence capabilities.