Taoiseach to Discuss Ukraine EU Membership with Zelenskiy Amid Irish Presidency
Ireland begins its six-month EU Council presidency, with the Taoiseach meeting Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss advancing Ukraine's EU membership negotiations. Supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia are key priorities. Ireland will also focus on economic competitiveness, EU values, and citizen security during its term.
The Taoiseach will meet with Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday to discuss advancing negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership, marking the start of Ireland’s six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ireland's role involves steering the political agenda, building consensus among 27 member states, and negotiating compromises.
Zelenskiy will participate in a formal ceremony at Dublin Castle with the Taoiseach and European Council president António Costa. The Taoiseach stated that supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia would be key priorities during Ireland's term. Discussions will also cover ensuring the EU's role in achieving a just peace for Ukraine and advancing membership talks.
Tánaiste Simon Harris will meet Zelenskiy at Baldonnell airport, discussing efforts to boost economic ties and Ireland's commitment to advancing Ukraine's EU membership over the next six months. Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee highlighted an ambitious agenda, focusing on economic competitiveness, safeguarding EU values, and citizen security.
This is Ireland's eighth presidency since joining in 1973. Key tasks include securing agreement on the EU's long-term budget, unanimous approval for new Russia sanctions, and opening additional negotiating chapters for Ukraine's EU bid. The presidency will also address Europe's economic competitiveness, defense spending, EU regulations, and single market reforms, while hosting 22 council meetings and a major European Political Community forum in Dublin in November.