Ireland takes EU Council presidency for July‑December 2026

From 1 July to 31 December 2026 Ireland will hold the rotating presidency of the European Union's Council, succeeding Cyprus and preceding Lithuania and Greece. The Irish government, led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, introduced a programme built around three pillars – competitiveness, values and security – and adopted the Gaelic motto “Ní neart go cur le chéile” (there is no strength without unity). The term marks the first EU presidency after Irish was recognised as an official working language of the Union, and the administration plans to foreground the language in cultural events.

Ireland’s agenda aims to narrow the innovation and productivity gap with the United States and China, promote democratic stability and reinforce external security. By setting the early pace of Council work, Dublin seeks to shape compromises among member states that will influence the legislative work of the subsequent Lithuanian and Greek presidencies.