European Parliament Leaders Visit Ireland Ahead of EU Council Presidency

European Parliament leaders will meet with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Tuesday, 23 June, to coordinate priorities for Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU. The delegation, led by President Roberta Metsola and the Conference of Presidents, will discuss competitiveness, security, and the next EU long-term budget ahead of Ireland’s July 1 start date.

The visit includes scheduled meetings at the Houses of the Oireachtas. Leaders will meet with the Ceann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach, who serve as the speakers of the two houses of parliament, as well as various government ministers.

What are the priorities for Ireland’s EU presidency?

Discussions are expected to focus on the “One Europe, One Market roadmap” and broader competitiveness within the Union, according to the visit’s agenda. The leaders will also address the next EU long-term budget and issues regarding EU values and security.

“Ireland takes on the Council Presidency at a defining moment for Europe. Together, the Council and the European Parliament can turn ambition into action – delivering on competitiveness, strengthening our security, and building a long-term budget fit for a new era, while remaining true to the values that define our Union,” said Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.

Metsola stated the visit is intended to ensure the presidency can “hit the ground running as of day one.”

Did You Know? The European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents traditionally travels to the country preparing to take over the rotating presidency to ensure a shared understanding and joint action on upcoming priorities.

Who is the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents?

The Conference of Presidents is the political body responsible for coordinating and organizing the work of the European Parliament. It is composed of the President of the European Parliament and the leaders of the political groups.

Roberta Metsola thanks Ireland for response to Ukrainian refugee crisis!!!

The body also includes a non-voting representative for non-attached Members. This group serves as the primary coordinating mechanism between the Parliament and the rotating Council presidency.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the timing of this visit suggests a push for immediate alignment on the long-term budget. By synchronizing the Parliament’s political groups with the Irish government’s roadmap before July 1, the EU may be able to accelerate the transition from policy ambition to legislative action.

What happens next for the EU Council presidency?

Ireland will officially assume the presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July. The country will hold this rotating role from July through December 2026.

Following the conclusion of the Irish term, Lithuania is scheduled to take over the presidency in January 2027. As a next step, President Roberta Metsola and Taoiseach Micheál Martin will hold a press conference at 18:10 IST following their meeting.

The press conference will be broadcast live via EbS and the European Parliament’s multimedia centre. Media members attending the event must accredit via the Irish presidency’s platform and email [email protected] by 17:00 IST on Friday, 19 June.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Ireland begin its presidency of the Council of the EU?
Ireland will assume the presidency on 1 July.

Who is included in the Conference of Presidents?
The Conference consists of the President of the European Parliament, the leaders of the political groups, and a non-voting representative of the non-attached Members.

Which country will follow Ireland in the rotating presidency?
Lithuania will take over the presidency in January 2027.

How do you think a “One Europe, One Market roadmap” could impact regional competitiveness?