Ireland's EU presidency: Events outside Europe will dominate security agenda

Russia's war in Ukraine, the crisis in the Middle East, and European defence form a large part of Ireland’s programme for the EU presidency

Alisa and her dog Barney walking by a destroyed house hit by missiles overnight on June 15, 2026, in Kyiv: Ireland pledges 'unwavering support' for Ukraine during its presidency. Picture: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images

What’s happening outside the EU continues to dominate the security agenda for the union.

That reality is reflected throughout Ireland’s programme for the EU presidency.