Remarks by Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD on the occasion of the launch of Irish Presidency Priorities and Policy Programme

Tá fíoráthas orm a bheith anseo i gCaisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath chun an clár tosaíochtaí agus beartais a sheoladh le haghaidh Uachtaránacht na hÉireann ar Chomairle an Aontais Eorpaigh.

As seo go ceann sé mhí, beidh Éire ag obair i ndlúthchomhar le gach Ballstát den Aontas Eorpach agus muid ag saothrú in éindí chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na dúshláin atá roimh an Aontas Eorpach agus chun feabhsuithe cearta a bhaint amach do shaol ár saoránach. 

In three weeks’ time, on 1 July, Ireland will begin its eighth Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

It is an honour and a privilege to lead work on behalf of the 450 million people who call the European Union their home.

As a country we are rightly proud of our contribution to significant EU milestones during our previous presidencies.

Our commitment to a successful Presidency in 2026 is set out in our Programme for Government.

It is a significant undertaking, in terms of both policy development and logistical planning.

The work we do as the Irish Presidency is not abstract, but is directly relevant to people’s lives and brings tangible benefits.

Success requires a whole-of-Government effort to deliver on behalf of citizens right across the European Union.

We take on this important role at a critical time for Europe.

The geopolitical context is complex and challenging, and the rules based international order is under pressure.

War in Ukraine and in the Middle East is wreaking devastation and heartbreak.

Across Europe households and businesses are faced with very high energy costs.

Our priorities for our term-in-office reflect our assessment of what Europe needs to do in the six months ahead.

We will prioritise work to enhance the competitiveness of Europe’s economy, safeguard the fundamental values of our Union at home and abroad, and provide for the security of our citizens.

These three core themes – competitiveness, values and security – are closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing.

Economic prosperity is what provides the resources for us to achieve our policy ambitions.

There is a need for urgent action to enhance Europe’s competitiveness and productivity.

We must secure an economic future which meets the needs and expectations of Europe’s citizens.

We will work to deliver on the commitments in the ‘One Europe, One Market’ Roadmap.

This roadmap – agreed by the three EU institutions in April – sets out priority actions to simplify regulation, deepen our single market, reduce energy prices and decarbonise, and drive the AI and digital transformation for the benefit of all.

Delivering on this agenda will be a real priority for the Irish Presidency.

We will work closely and cooperatively with Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission to make as much progress as we possibly can.

We live in a time of increased threat and conflict, and we need to work harder to protect our citizens, our democracies and our European way of life.

We will safeguard the core values on which the European Union is built – freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and dignity.

We will also work with others to make sure that Europe’s children are safe online.

We will continue to offer unwavering support to Ukraine, whose people have shown such courage and determination in defending their country. They deserve a just and lasting peace.

We will 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.

We will advance measures that contribute to the strengthening of European security and defence, supporting collaboration to address critical capability gaps and build resilience.

We will also seek to secure a solid basis for the future work of the Union, through the negotiation of the EU’s next long-term budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework.

To support our policy agenda, we will host an extensive programme of Presidency meetings, with around 270 meetings involving Ministers and officials being held across Ireland.

The start of our term begins with a special event here in Dublin Castle on 1 July, and a visit by the College of Commissioners to Cork during which Government will discuss in detail our policy priorities and plans for delivery.

I also look forward to welcoming my counterparts from across Europe to the European Political Community summit and the informal meeting of the European Council in Dublin in November.

All meetings and events held across the country will showcase the best of Ireland to our European partners.

In today’s world, the biggest challenges cannot be addressed by individual countries acting alone.

That is why the Irish Presidency will be guided by the old Irish proverb “Ní neart go cur le chéile” - strength with unity.

Our policy agenda for the rest of this year is an ambitious one. 

But I am confident that we will have the support and cooperation of our fellow Member States to deliver on the issues that matter for communities, citizens and businesses across Europe.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh.