Ireland has taken the presidency of the Council of the European Union at Dublin Castle.
In his speech at a ceremony marking the start of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union at Dublin Castle, Ireland’s Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, said that his country “has always been a deeply European country.”
“From the monks who travelled Europe, keeping the light of learning alive through the dark ages, to the young Erasmus students of today, we’ve always been proud Europeans. Together with our European partners, we have built a union that we are honoured to call home. We have weathered storms and crises together and we have celebrated in joy together, knowing that we are always stronger together.”
Micheál Martin
At the ceremony, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Martin pledged Ireland’s continued support for Ukraine. “We will stand unswervingly by the people of Ukraine, inspired by their courage, and determined to ensure that they get the peace and justice they deserve,” he said. He added that holding the presidency is an honour and a responsibility, and “we are ready to give it our all.”
Also, the European Council President, António Costa, said that he hoped to see “the wisdom and positivity gained through Ireland’s journey in the European Union to help guide Europe through this challenging global geopolitical juncture.” Costa said, “Ireland’s European experience puts you in the right position to be an honest broker in these negotiations.”
At the press conference with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin, Costa asserted that Ireland has chosen competitiveness, values and security as the three pillars of its Presidency agenda, adding, “these fit perfectly with the priorities of the work at Leaders’ level in the European Council.”
He noted that in the face of growing external pressures on prosperity, the European Union has set itself the goal to become both more competitive and more autonomous. “Indeed, after having defence as a main focus in 2025, 2026 is the year of European competitiveness,” Costa said.
Costa added that Europe’s values and Europe’s security are being put to the test in a challenging global geopolitical context.
“But in navigating these difficult waters, the European Union has a clear compass – international law – and a clear map – multilateralism and the rules based international order. That is another reason why Ireland – with its consistent and principled defence of both multilateralism and international law – is the right Presidency at the right time.”
António Costa
Costa mentioned the next Multiannual Financial Framework, saying, “We need to reach an agreement on our next long-term budget, by the end of this year.” He added, “Not just any budget, but one that has the resources it needs to deliver on what our citizens expect from us.”
“Building on the progress achieved in recent months, we can count on the Irish Presidency to keep up the momentum in the negotiations…Will this be easy? No. But important achievements are never easy. Working together I am convinced that we can deliver. Dear Micheál, the motto of your Presidency is strength with unity. In the next six months, I look forward to working closely with you for a stronger, even more united Europe. Thank you, and best wishes for a successful Irish Presidency.”
António Costa
Zelenskyy Wishes Ireland Success
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy wished Ireland’s best success during the presidency.
“When we face many other challenges both in international affairs and at the national level across Europe, the EU has an opportunity and a responsibility to be a force that brings more stability, more productivity, and basic respect for human life, the kind of life everyone wants for themselves, their children, and their families.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He said that he hopes with Ireland at the helm, the EU will be able to “make real progress on the drone deal that Ukraine has proposed,” and on “supporting every step that makes it harder for Russia to continue [this] war.” However, he also pointed out to a number of areas where the EU could tighten its rules to put more pressure on Moscow, including on further restrictions on EU companies that still do business with Russia.
Zelenskyy added that he wants to open more accession clusters between Ukraine and the EU to make progress towards accession to the EU. “Steps like opening new clusters strengthen the motivation of our people, lift the spirit of Ukrainians and show that the EU keeps its promises,” he said.
