Can Ireland benefit from leading the EU? What to expect from the 2026 presidency

A nation holds its breath. The presidency of the Council of the EU is just around the corner and the whole country is agog with expectation. Don’t get too excited or you might be in danger of self-combusting. Try hard to keep your EU flags under wraps until the big day finally arrives.

OK, we exaggerate, or even completely invent the general expectation ahead of Ireland’s six-month stint hosting the presidency. As you may or may not be aware, the term begins on July 1. It ends as 2027 is rung in on New Year’s Eve.

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