For six months, Ireland will be at the centre of EU decision‑making, steering complex negotiations that shape laws and policy for around 450 million people.
This comes at a challenging time for the EU as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, migration remains politically sensitive, competitiveness is under pressure, and the demand to meet climate targets is intensifying.
Ireland has successfully held the Presidency seven times before, often during periods of significant change. The 2026 term offers another chance to steer the EU, relying on experience and diplomacy, and with a commitment to partnership.
The role of the Council of the EU Presidency
The Council of the European Union is one of the EU’s main decision‑making bodies. It brings together government ministers from all Member States to adopt laws, align policies, and tackle the big Union-wide issues.
The Presidency rotates between the 27 countries every six months, switching on 1 January and 1 July each year, in a system that has been in place since 1958 when Belgium first held the role.
Which ministers attend Council of the EU meetings depends on the subject under discussion. For example, agriculture ministers meet when farming policy is on the agenda, and environment ministers gather when climate or biodiversity issues are being debated.
The country holding the Presidency chairs most Council meetings and steers the work for six months. Foreign Affairs meetings are the only exception because they are always led by the EU's top diplomat, the High Representative.
During its term the Presidency also represents the Council on the world stage at international conferences and in its dealings with other EU institutions, including the European Commission and the European Parliament. This often involves negotiating on proposed laws and presenting the Council’s position.
Each Member State holds the Presidency roughly once every 13½ years and works in groups of three, known as trios, to agree a shared 18-month programme setting out common priorities.
The Presidency’s main responsibilities are:
- Chairing meetings and steering the work of ministers and officials.
- Keeping EU legislation on track by moving discussions forward and handling proposals efficiently.
- Helping Member States reach agreement by proposing compromises and acting as an impartial broker.
- Communicating the Council’s work, including decisions and ongoing legislation, to EU institutions, the media, and the public.
- Coordinating with the President of the European Council and the High Representative to ensure alignment with the EU’s political direction and foreign policy.
- Ensuring continuity by working within the 18-month trio programme.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Ireland’s Presidency in practice
Ireland’s Presidency will involve an extensive programme of EU activity. Most of the formal work will take place in Brussels and Luxembourg, where the Irish Presidency will chair around 180 Council preparatory bodies, such as working parties and committees.
Ireland will also host a significant programme of events, with full details due to be announced closer to the start of the Presidency. These are expected to include:
- 22 informal Council meetings of ministers.
- European Political Community summit with up to 47 Heads of State and Government attending what will be the largest gathering of international leaders ever held in Ireland.
- An informal meeting of the European Council.
- Around 250 conferences, political events and stakeholder engagements.
- Additional events organised by universities, cultural institutions, civil society and business groups.
“This Presidency is not just about meetings and negotiations; it is about reconnecting people with what Europe means in their lives,” – Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Many Presidency‑related events will take place in Dublin, with venues such as Dublin Castle, Farmleigh House and Government Buildings expected to play central roles. Cork and other towns across the country will also host key events.
Ireland will form a Presidency trio with Lithuania and Greece, following the current trio of Poland, Denmark and Cyprus. Trio partners cooperate for 18 months to develop a shared programme that sets the priorities and themes for the period.
Ireland will take over the Presidency from Cyprus and continue work already under way on EU laws, negotiations with the European Parliament and wider policy discussions. The Presidency will also respond to any new developments that arise during the six-month term.
Ireland's broad thematic priorities for its presidency will align with the EU's Strategic Agenda 2024-29 agreed by European leaders in late 2024, framed around three pillars: Values, Security, and Competitiveness.
Among the key issues likely to feature are:
Enlargement: The EU’s possible expansion, particularly in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ireland supports a merit-based process for countries such as Ukraine and Moldova, arguing that enlargement strengthens peace and prosperity across Europe.
Competitiveness: Efforts to make the EU economy more innovative and better able to compete globally. A report by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi in 2024 warned that the EU faces a widening innovation and productivity gap unless it acts decisively.
Security and defence: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reshaped European security policy and there are serious concerns about the EU’s ability to defend itself. Ireland has increased defence spending while maintaining its policy of military neutrality, and supports EU cooperation in this area.
Multiannual Financial Framework: Negotiations on the EU's long-term budget for 2028–2034 are expected to be among the most demanding tasks of the Irish Presidency. The European Commission tabled its proposal in July 2025, and Ireland will aim to advance talks decisively during its six-month term.
While the Presidency’s focus is firmly on institutional and legislative work, it also provides an opportunity to highlight Irish culture and develop community links with Ireland’s European neighbours. A programme of engagement is being developed for the Irish Presidency that includes:
- Irish counties are being matched with individual EU Member States, allowing communities to connect directly and build lasting links with European partners.
- Ambassadors of Member States in Ireland and Irish Ambassadors based across the EU will visit schools, libraries, sports clubs and community groups to take part in local events and discussions.
- A cultural programme to showcase Irish creativity through events, performances, and initiatives in Ireland and Europe.
- Youth engagement activities like youth assemblies, school and university visits, and structured dialogue across the country, allowing young people to learn about the EU and share their views on important issues.
Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee: Ireland’s Enduring Place in Europe
Ireland’s previous Presidencies
Ireland has led the Council of the European Union seven times since joining the then EEC in 1973. Each Presidency came at a pivotal moment for Europe, and Ireland has consistently helped to drive progress, broker agreements and shape key developments.
Here are some highlights:
1975
Ireland’s first Presidency came just two years after joining the EEC and coincided with major developments in European integration.
Inaugural European Council: Ireland hosted the very first formal meeting of the European Council in Dublin Castle on 10–11 March 1975. This established the tradition of heads of state or government gathering regularly to steer European policy.
Equal Pay Directive: The landmark Equal Pay Directive was passed, mandating equal pay for men and women across Member States.
Regional Development: The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was established to reduce economic disparities between different regions of Europe, a major priority for Ireland as one of the Community's then-poorest members.
1979
Ireland held its second Presidency from July to December 1979, in a turbulent year that saw the launch of the European Monetary System and the first directly elected European Parliament.
European Parliament: Ireland was the first member state to hold the Presidency following the first-ever direct elections to the European Parliament in June 1979. This term was vital in establishing the working relationship between the Council and the newly empowered Parliament.
European Monetary System (EMS): The Presidency steered the EMS through its early phase, including Ireland’s break with sterling and entry of the Irish pound into the new system.
Dublin Summit: Ireland hosted a European Council meeting in Dublin Castle, which was dominated by intensive negotiations over the UK’s budgetary contribution, famously marked by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's demand for "her money back".
1984
Ireland’s third Presidency, from July to December 1984, came as Europe confronted severe famine in Africa, difficult budget negotiations and Spain and Portugal’s entry to the EEC.
Famine Relief in Africa: Member States coordinated emergency aid for the Ethiopia/Sahel famine, pledging IR£23 million (€29.2 million) and 1.2m tonnes of grain.
Institutional Reform (Dooge Committee): Established the Ad Hoc Committee on Institutional Affairs, chaired by former Irish Foreign Minister Jim Dooge. Its recommendations directly paved the way for the Single European Act (1987), the first major revision of the Treaty of Rome.
Dublin Summit (December 1984): The European Council meeting at Dublin Castle resolved longstanding disputes about wine production and budget discipline, and paved the way for Spain and Portugal’s entry to the then EEC.
1990
Ireland held its fourth Presidency from January to June 1990, amid massive geopolitical upheaval after the Berlin Wall's fall.
German Unification: Ireland hosted an Extraordinary Dublin Summit in April 1990, which successfully managed the integration of the former East Germany into the EEC.
Stronger Union: The Presidency secured agreement to launch two Intergovernmental Conferences (IGCs) on Economic and Monetary Union and Political Union. These negotiations formed the bedrock of the Maastricht Treaty.
Environmental Policy: The European Environment Agency (EEA) was formally established in May 1990 to provide independent information on the environment, reflecting Ireland's push for "green" initiatives.
1996
Ireland’s fifth Presidency from July to December 1996 was defined by single currency transition and treaty reform.
The Stability and Growth Pact (SGP): Ireland brokered the crucial SGP at the Dublin Summit. This agreement established the fiscal rules for Member States joining the upcoming Eurozone.
The Euro: The designs for the euro banknotes were selected and the visual appearance of the single currency was officially unveiled during the Dublin European Council in December 1996.
Draft Treaty of Amsterdam: The Presidency’s ‘Dublin II’ draft, the basis for the Treaty of Amsterdam, introduced improvements in EU citizenship, social policy, and the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.
2004
Ireland held its sixth Presidency from January to June 2004, often cited as one of its most successful due to the ‘Big Bang’ enlargement.
The Day of Welcomes: On May 1, 2004, Ireland hosted the official welcoming ceremony for 10 new Member States. This remains the largest single expansion in EU history.
EU Constitution Agreement: Unanimous consensus was reached on a draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe in June 2004. This historic agreement overcame deep divisions among the 25 member states and established core institutional reforms that would later define the Treaty of Lisbon.
Establishment of Frontex: The regulation to create Frontex (the European Border and Coast Guard Agency) was negotiated during the Irish term and formally adopted in October 2004.
2013
Ireland held its seventh Presidency from January to June 2013, marking 40 years of Irish membership. It was dubbed a ‘Recovery Presidency’ as Ireland worked to exit its own EU/IMF bailout.
Banking Union: Significant progress was made on the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), a cornerstone of the European Banking Union designed to prevent future financial crises.
The Youth Guarantee: To combat skyrocketing unemployment, Ireland pushed through the Youth Guarantee, ensuring young people under 25 received a quality offer of employment, education, or training within four months of becoming unemployed.
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Reform: One of the biggest wins was securing a political agreement on the CAP Reform 2014-2020, which shifted focus toward ‘greening’ and fairer payment distribution.
Ireland’s 2026 Presidency will build on this long record of leadership, partnership, and commitment to shaping a stronger European Union.
Latest news on the presidency of the Council of the EU
In her first major speech as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD visited Europe House on 22 January to give a keynote speech and answer questions from a sold-out crowd of journalists, students and ambassadors.