Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
149. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on Ireland’s preparations for the presidency of the Council of the EU in light of the most recent war in the Middle East; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22538/26]
View answerIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are well underway across both policy and operational strands of planning, led by my Department working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, and will the active participation of all Departments across Government.
Significant progress has been made on the preparation of Ireland’s policy approach and on putting in place key practical and operational building blocks for the Presidency.
Work is ongoing to develop our Presidency priorities and policy programme. This is being prepared against the backdrop of the EU’s Strategic Agenda and is focusing on three broad thematic pillars, which reflect the pillars of the Strategic Agenda: competitiveness, values and security.
During our Presidency, one of our central objectives will be to promote peace and security in the Middle East, within the institutional constraints of the Presidency in this policy area. Throughout the Presidency, Ireland will support diplomatic efforts and initiatives focused on humanitarian assistance, de-escalation, stability, and reconstruction efforts in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. In addition, Ireland will seek to advance overall EU relations with key regional stakeholders.
Work to put in place the key operational and logistical supports for the extensive programme of Presidency meetings in Ireland, including an accreditation system, arrangements for interpretation, transport, catering and accommodation, is also now well advanced.
Our 2026 EU Presidency will be a major undertaking for Ireland and is a key focus for the work of Government. We have a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and we are confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU in 2026.
