Ireland begins EU presidency focused on competitiveness and security

Dublin (ANTARA) - Ireland officially began its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) on Wednesday (1/7) with an opening ceremony held at Dublin Castle.

During the event, Ireland pledged to strengthen Europe’s economic competitiveness, security, and resilience in the face of increasing geopolitical challenges.

The ceremony featured a flag-raising by the Irish Defence Forces, alongside performances of the Irish and EU national anthems.

“We are proud that Ireland has become a beacon of hope for other nations regarding Europe’s transformative potential,” said Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin in his speech.

He described the presidency as both an honour and a responsibility, adding that Ireland is “ready to give its best.”

Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, stated that the nation is assuming the presidency at a “decisive moment” for Europe, as the bloc faces geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressure, and rising security concerns.

European Council President António Costa noted that Ireland’s experience within the EU places it in a strong position to act as an “honest broker” in the upcoming long-term EU budget negotiations.

Costa stated that a comprehensive agreement is required before the end of this year to ensure funds continue to flow without interruption, emphasising that the EU must possess the resources to realise a “more competitive, more innovative, more cohesive, more autonomous, more secure, and more guaranteed Europe.”

According to the Irish government, as part of its presidency, Ireland will host 22 informal ministerial-level meetings, as well as meetings of the European Political Community and informal meetings of the European Council.

Ireland takes over the rotating presidency from Cyprus and will hand it over to Lithuania on 1 January 2027.