Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
151. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her ongoing co-operation and collaboration with the Cypriot government, to prepare for the upcoming EU Presidency and to ensure a smooth transition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23058/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026, taking over from Cyprus which currently holds the rotating Presidency.
Preparations for our Presidency term are well underway across both policy and operational strands of planning, led by my Department working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with the active participation of all Departments across Government.
By working with Cyprus, along with all our partners across Europe, to deliver an effective Presidency, we will ensure that Ireland’s position, influence and reputation in the EU is maintained and enhanced.
As our Presidency term approaches, my Department is working closely with counterparts in Cyprus, at both official and political level, to ensure a smooth handover in July. I can confirm that our teams are in regular contact to identify how we can enhance our planning and explore ways of working together to achieve successful outcomes for citizens across the EU throughout 2026.
I visited Cyprus on 20 February to take part in the informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade in Nicosia. I also plan to attend the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers which will take place in Nicosia on 27-28 May. This meeting, which occurs once under each Presidency, provides an opportunity for Foreign Ministers from the EU member states to discuss the key international issues on the EU’s agenda. This forthcoming visit to Nicosia will allow me to meet again with my Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos. I already met with him on 23 February in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.
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.
Our EU Presidency later this year will be a major undertaking and is a key focus for the work of this Government. Ireland has a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and I am confident that with the support of all our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU in 2026.
