Ireland pledges support for Ukraine and candidate countries as it assumes Presidency of Council of the EU

On 1 July, Ireland took up the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time. Ireland takes on the Presidency role from Cyprus and will pass the role onto Lithuania on 1 January 2027.

The Taoiseach (“leader” in Irish, meaning Prime Minister), Micheál Martin welcomed the official beginning of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.

“It is with this spirit of purpose, positivity and determination that we look ahead to the next six months and reflect on why the EU came together in the first place – to create a continent where peace, freedom and prosperity are not privileges for the few, but rights for all,” Micheál Martin said.

He also said the Council of the EU led by Ireland would continue to offer unwavering support to Ukraine, “whose people have shown such courage and determination in defending their country,” adding, “they deserve a just and lasting peace”.

The Council will also  support those countries that wish to join the European Union to advance on their path towards membership, “helping to ensure greater prosperity and stability in our neighbourhood”, Micheál Martin said.

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Press release

Welcome message from An Taoiseach Micheál Martin