Ireland presents priorities for its upcoming EU Council Presidency

On September 15, 2026, the Ambassador of Ireland to Cyprus, Sarah Hamilton, presented the priorities for the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union to the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs in Nicosia. The briefing was hosted by the Committee Chairman, George Karoullas, who confirmed that Ireland will succeed the current Cypriot Presidency. The core focus areas for the Irish mandate include strengthening European security, enhancing strategic autonomy, boosting economic competitiveness, and fostering social cohesion across member states.

The Parliamentary Committee emphasized the necessity of European solidarity as a guiding principle. Specifically, members highlighted the importance of securing the EU's external borders and ensuring safe maritime navigation. Discussions also underscored the need to integrate social cohesion policies directly into the bloc's competitiveness strategies to ensure that all member states receive adequate support and that internal economic inequalities are mitigated. Other key topics mentioned during the session included energy security, housing issues, and the future of the multi-annual financial framework. The Irish Presidency aims to uphold European values while navigating the complex modern geopolitical landscape, ensuring a unified approach to the various challenges facing the Union.