Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin speaks at the opening ceremony of the Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in Dublin, Ireland, July 1, 2026. Ireland on Wednesday formally began its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU as it hosted an opening ceremony at the Dublin Castle, pledging to strengthen Europe's economic competitiveness, security and resilience at a time of mounting geopolitical challenges. (Xinhua/Zhao Jiasong)
DUBLIN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Ireland on Wednesday formally began its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) as it hosted an opening ceremony at the Dublin Castle, pledging to strengthen Europe's economic competitiveness, security and resilience at a time of mounting geopolitical challenges.
The ceremony featured a flag-raising by the Irish Defence Forces and performances of the Irish and EU anthems.
"We are proud that Ireland has become a beacon of hope to others for the transformative potential of Europe," Micheal Martin, Taoiseach of Ireland or the Irish Prime Minister, said in his speech.
He described holding the presidency as both an honor and a responsibility, adding that Ireland was "ready to give it our all."
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said Ireland was assuming the presidency at a "defining moment" for Europe, as the bloc confronts geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures and growing security concerns.
European Council President Antonio Costa said Ireland's experience in the EU placed it in a strong position to act as an "honest broker" in negotiations on the bloc's next long-term budget.
He said an overall agreement was needed by the end of this year to ensure funds continued flowing uninterrupted, stressing that the EU must have the resources to deliver "a more competitive, more innovative, more cohesive, more autonomous, safer and more secure Europe."
According to the Irish government, as part of the presidency, Ireland will host 22 informal ministerial meetings, as well as a meeting of the European Political Community and an informal meeting of the European Council.
Ireland took over the rotating presidency from Cyprus and will hand it to Lithuania on Jan. 1, 2027. ■
Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin speaks at the opening ceremony of the Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in Dublin, Ireland, July 1, 2026. Ireland on Wednesday formally began its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU as it hosted an opening ceremony at the Dublin Castle, pledging to strengthen Europe's economic competitiveness, security and resilience at a time of mounting geopolitical challenges. (Xinhua/Zhao Jiasong)
