From the 1st of July to the 31st of December 2026, Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This gives the Irish government the power to set the legislative agenda, chair negotiations between member states, and drive forward key legislative files.
Before parliament, Taoiseach Micheál Martin set out three priority areas: competitiveness, values, and security. These three pillars cover a broad range of issues, including technology, EU enlargement, Ukraine, and Gaza. Looming over them all is a challenging geopolitical context, particularly regarding the European Union's relationship with the United States.
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Irish MEP from the Renew group, joins us in the European Parliament studios to discuss the priorities of the Irish Presidency and whether Ireland - with its close ties to Washington, and neutral status - is uniquely placed to help lead the bloc through these turbulent geopolitical waters.
An interview by Benjamin Tomlinson.
