Ireland takes over EU Council presidency: focus on the lives of all Europeans

Ireland takes over the presidency of the European Council on 1 July 2026 for the eighth time. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin emphasises that the presidency programme focuses on concrete changes in the everyday lives of EU citizens.

Ireland assumes the role of EU Council presidency on 1 July 2026, taking on this responsibility for the eighth time in its history. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin writes that during the presidency period, Ireland will play a central role in shaping decisions that directly affect the lives of every EU citizen.

Objective: tangible change in ordinary people's lives

According to Martin, the heart of Ireland's presidency programme is the desire to bring the results of European policy into the everyday lives of citizens. This means that Dublin prioritises not abstract institutional reforms, but concrete results that people actually feel in their own lives.

Ireland's presidency coincides with a period when the European Union faces multiple major challenges, ranging from economic competitiveness and the green transition to security and migration issues. As the presiding country, Ireland has the task of leading negotiations and finding compromises between the 27 member states on these issues.

Ireland's role in the EU decision-making process

The EU Council presidency coordinates meetings of ministers and mediates communication between member states and the European Parliament. The presidency period lasts six months, after which the rotation continues with the next member state.

In previous presidency periods, Ireland has been successful in finding compromises on complex issues. Dublin's diplomatic experience and reputation as a neutral mediator give it advantages, particularly in the current tense geopolitical situation.