Ireland will take over EU Presidency from July to December 2026
From July to December 2026, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union which is a central leadership role at the heart of EU decision-making.
For six months, Ireland will guide negotiations, broker agreement between Member States, and help deliver EU laws and policies that affect the daily lives of more than 450 million people.
What is the Council of the European Union?
The Council of the European Union is one of the EU’s main decision-making institutions. It represents governments of the 27 EU Member States. National ministers meet in the Council to debate, amend and adopt EU laws and coordinate policy. The Council takes the following actions:
- Negotiates and adopts EU laws with the European Parliament
- Coordinates member state policies across key areas
- Shapes the EU’s foreign and security policy
- Agrees the EU’s annual budget with the European Parliament
- Concludes agreements between the EU and international partners.
Ireland EU Presidency
During the EU Presidency, Ireland will take its place on the global stage. Significant events will include a summit meeting of the European Political Community, which will be the largest event of its kind ever hosted in Ireland, together with an informal meeting of EU leaders in the European Council.
The Presidency offers a unique opportunity for Ireland in the European Union to showcase the best of Irish arts and culture, both traditional and contemporary. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport is developing an expansive culture programme which will ensure that Irish citizens can participate in this occasion and reflect on Ireland’s role in the EU.
Ireland’s Presidency Policy Programme, along with a dedicated official Presidency website, will be launched in June 2026, just ahead of the start of Ireland’s six-month term. It will provide citizens and stakeholders with an accessible overview of policy priorities, planned meetings, and engagement opportunities.
Cultural programme
Ireland’s Presidency will also be a chance to celebrate our culture with communities at home and across Europe. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport is developing a Presidency Cultural Programme with domestic and international elements, working with cultural institutions, local authorities, and partners nationwide.
Through a range of events, performances and initiatives, a programme will reach communities across Ireland and abroad, showcasing Ireland’s creativity and strengthening cultural connections with our European partners.
Community connections
Each county will be paired with an EU Member State for the duration of the Presidency, creating opportunities to build lasting local links across Europe. Ambassadors of EU Member States in Ireland, accompanied by Irish Ambassadors based in those Member States, will visit schools, libraries, sports clubs and community organisations to take part in a wide range of public events and conversations.