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.
How the Council Presidency works
The Council of the European Union brings together ministers from all Member States to adopt laws, coordinate policies and address shared challenges.
Rotating leadership
The Presidency rotates among the EU’s 27 Member States every six months. The presiding country chairs most Council meetings and helps guide the Council’s work.
Trio system
Member States work in groups of three, known as Presidency trios, to deliver a shared 18-month programme of priorities.
Main responsibilities
The Presidency chairs meetings, advances EU legislation and represents the Council in relations with other EU institutions and at international events.
Foreign Affairs Council meetings are chaired by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Ireland’s Presidency in practice
Ireland’s EU Presidency will see significant activity in Brussels, Luxembourg and across Ireland. As well as chairing around 180 Council working groups and committees, Ireland will host a major programme of events, including 22 informal ministerial meetings, two Leaders' Summits, and around 250 conferences and stakeholder engagements.
“This Presidency is not just about meetings and negotiations; it is about reconnecting people with what Europe means in their lives.”
Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee: Ireland’s Enduring Place in Europe
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, taking over from Cyprus and continuing work on key EU legislation, negotiations and policy priorities. Trio partners cooperate for 18 months to develop a shared programme that sets the priorities and themes for the period.
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 priorities and issues likely to feature are:
- 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
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.
- Values
The EU is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. The Irish Presidency will focus on strengthening this socio-economic model by protecting vulnerable groups, enhancing online child safety, modernising labour markets, and advancing public health.
- 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.
- 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.
Engaging with Irish culture
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.
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.
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:
- 1975Ireland’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.
- 1979Ireland 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 d
- 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".
- 1984Ireland’s third Presidency, from July to December 1984, came as Europe confronted severe famine in Africa, difficult budget negotiations and Spain and
- 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.
- 1990Ireland 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.
- 1996Ireland’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.
- 2004Ireland 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.
- 2013Ireland held its seventh Presidency from January to June 2013, marking 40 years of Irish membership. It was dubbed a ‘Recovery Presidency’ as Ireland
- 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
Ireland's EU Commissioner Michael McGrath gifted to the people of Cork an award-winning garden created to mark Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the visit of the College of Commissioners to Cork City this summer at a ceremony earlier today.
A six-month, largely free cultural programme celebrates the EU-backed transformation of Temple Bar – launched as Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The EU's Shared Roots, Common Shade garden was awarded a gold medal in the show garden category at the Bord Bia Bloom Festival in Dublin's Phoenix Park on 28 May. The garden also won the overall concept award.
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.