Leaders of the European Parliament are visiting Dublin ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency.

On Tuesday 23 June, the leaders of the European Parliament will meet with the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, the Irish Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, and government ministers. They will also hold meetings at the Irish Parliament (Oireachtas), including meetings with the President and the Speakers of both houses.

Discussions are expected to focus on the priorities of the upcoming Irish presidency, which include competitiveness and the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap, the EU’s next long-term budget, and broader issues relating to the EU’s values and security.

On 1 July, Ireland will take over the presidency of the Council of the EU, playing a central role in shaping the Union’s agenda. As is customary, the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents— comprising President Roberta Metsola and the leaders of the political groups — is travelling to Ireland to prepare for the upcoming presidency.

“Ireland is taking over the Presidency of the Council at a decisive moment for Europe. Together, the Council and the European Parliament can turn ambition into action: boosting competitiveness, strengthening our security and drawing up a long-term budget fit for the new era, whilst remaining true to the values that define our Union. With this visit, we will ensure that we hit the ground running from day one,” said Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, ahead of the visit.

Following their meeting, President Roberta Metsola and Prime Minister Micheál Martin will hold a press conference at 18:10 (Indian Standard Time). The press conference will be broadcast live via theEuropean Parliament’s multimedia centreand onEbS.

Ireland will hold the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU from July to December 2026, followed by Lithuania from January 2027.

 

What is the Conference of Presidents?

The Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament is the political body responsible for organising and coordinating the Parliament’s work. The Conference comprises the President of the European Parliament, the leaders of the political groups and a non-voting representative of the non-attached Members.

Traditionally, the Conference of Presidents travels to the country preparing to take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, in order to take part in preparatory discussions and ensure a common understanding, as well as joint action, on the upcoming priorities.