From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, and the Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, will today mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union with an opening ceremony at Dublin Castle. This comes after Minister McEntee provided an update to Government yesterday (30 June) with an assessment of the policy context for Ireland’s Presidency, outlining the status of several major legislative initiatives on the Council’s agenda at the conclusion of the Cyprus Presidency.

Ireland’s policy programme for the Presidency was published on 10 June, and the Presidency priorities will focus on the core themes of competitiveness, values and security. Minister McEntee updated the Government on major legislative and policy initiatives including work on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-34, implementation of the ‘One Europe, One Market Roadmap’ to enhance the Union’s competitiveness, plans to progress EU enlargement as a major Presidency priority, and work to take forward the safety of children online.

Later this week, on 2-3 July, the Government will host a visit by the College of Commissioners, welcoming members of the European Commission to Cork for a discussion on the EU’s policy agenda for the six months ahead. The College of Commissioners traditionally visits the EU Member State holding the Presidency of the Council at the start of each Presidency term.

Minister McEntee said: “This week marks an important moment for Ireland as we take on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It's a chance to help shape decisions that affect millions of people across Europe.

"Our Presidency gets underway today with an opening ceremony at Dublin Castle, while Irish officials are already chairing 15 meetings in Brussels. That reflects the scale of the work ahead and the responsibility we're taking on.

"Over the next six months, we'll focus on building a stronger and more competitive Europe, protecting the values we share, improving security, and making the online world safer for children. My goal is simple: to deliver results that make a positive difference for people, businesses and communities here in Ireland and right across Europe.

"I'm also looking forward to welcoming the College of Commissioners to Cork later this week. It will be an opportunity to strengthen our partnership with the European Commission and to work together on the priorities that matter most during Ireland's Presidency."

During the Presidency, Ireland will host 22 informal ministerial meetings, as well as a meeting of the European Political Community and an informal meeting of the European Council.

The Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, commented: “The Irish government is determined to deliver a successful EU Presidency that enhances Ireland’s international standing and influence globally, and delivers for Europe and its people, including here at home.

“As Minister of State for European Affairs, I will chair the EU General Affairs Council over the coming 6 months. I look forward to advancing negotiations of the next Multiannual Financial Framework in my role as chair, and to driving an agenda which is grounded in our values and makes Europe more secure, more competitive, and more prosperous for its people.”