Press release – EP leaders in Ireland ahead of the EU presidency

Source: European Parliament

In Dublin, President Metsola and EP political group leaders discussed priorities and laid the groundwork for strong cooperation ahead of Irelandâs Council presidency from 1 July.

The Conference of Presidents â political group leaders as well as the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola â were in Dublin on 23 June to discuss priorities ahead of the Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The EP leadership also held meetings with Irelandâs President Catherine Connolly and had the opportunity to visit Ãras an UachtarÃ¡in in Dublinâs Phoenix Park.

Together with An Taoiseach MicheÃ¡l Martin, government ministers and lead members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Conference of Presidents discussed a number of priorities for both the Parliament and the forthcoming Irish presidency â including competitiveness and the One Europe, One Market roadmap, the next EU long-term budget, external relations, enlargement and broader issues relating to EU values and security. The fruitful first exchanges with the Members of DÃ¡il Ãireann and Seanad Ãireann pave the way for important interparliamentary meetings planned during the Irish Presidency.

In Dublin Castle these matters and the importance of the Irish Presidency were further discussed with Government Ministers.

The members also engaged with young people at Croke Park, the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), where they were welcomed by a GAA committee and learned about the cultural significance of national games for communities across Ireland and the world.

At a joint press conference, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and the Taoiseach both underlined Irelandâs ambition to deliver on competitiveness and our commitment to shared values.

âOur discussions in Dublin confirmed that Ireland takes over the Council Presidency at a decisive moment for Europe. With a strong focus on prosperity, security and our fundamental values, Ireland is well placed to help Europe deliver where it matters most: strengthening our competitiveness, advancing enlargement and agreeing on a budget fit for a new era,â President Metsola said.

âWorking closely and cooperatively with the European Parliament is essential to delivering a successful Presidency. I was delighted to welcome President Metsola and political group leaders to Dublin to discuss the priorities for Irelandâs Presidency of the Council of the European Union which starts on 1 July. We discussed the ambitious âOne Europe, One Marketâ roadmap as well as our commitment to continue support for Ukraine, prospects for enlargement in the EU, and the importance of safeguarding the core values on which the European Union is built,â Taoiseach MicheÃ¡l Martin said.

âI know that under Ireland’s leadership, Europe will continue to move forward with confidence, unity and purpose,â President Metsola added.

Ireland will hold the rotating presidency of the Council for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026, after which Lithuania will assume the presidency.

Taoiseach MicheÃ¡l Martin will address the plenary and present Irelandâs presidency programme to MEPs in Strasbourg on 7 July. As is customary, Irish ministers will also meet with Parliamentâs committees to outline the countryâs priorities for the six-month presidency.

What is the Conference of Presidents?

The Conference of Presidents in the European Parliament is the political body responsible for organising and coordinating the Parliamentâs work.

Traditionally, the Conference of Presidents travels to the country preparing to take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, in order to engage in preparatory discussions and ensure a shared understanding of, as well as joint actions on, the upcoming priorities.

• Delphine COLARD

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