On Tuesday, 23 June, European Parliament leaders will meet with Ireland’s President Catherine Connolly, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and government ministers. They will also hold meetings at the Houses of the Oireachtas, including with the Ceann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach, speakers of the two houses of parliament.
Discussions are expected to centre around the priorities of the forthcoming Irish presidency – including competitiveness and the One Europe, One Market roadmap, the next EU long-term budget, and broader issues relating to EU values and security.
On 1 July, Ireland will assume the presidency of the Council of the EU, taking on a central role in shaping the Union’s agenda. As customary, the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents – comprising President Roberta Metsola and the leaders of the political groups – travels to Ireland to prepare for the upcoming presidency.
“Ireland takes on the Council Presidency at a defining moment for Europe. Together, the Council and the European Parliament can turn ambition into action – delivering on competitiveness, strengthening our security, and building a long-term budget fit for a new era, while remaining true to the values that define our Union. With this visit we will make sure to hit the ground running as of day one,” says Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, ahead of the visit.
Following their meeting, President Roberta Metsola and Taoiseach Micheál Martin will address the press at 18:10 IST. The press conference will be broadcast live on the European Parliament’s multimedia centre and on EbS.
Members of the media planning on attending the press conference must accredit via the Irish presidency’s accreditation platform. Please also email Press.EUPresidency@dfa.ie by 17.00 IST on Friday, 19 June to confirm your attendance.
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 in the European Parliament is the political body responsible for organising and coordinating the Parliament’s work. The Conference is composed of 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 engage in preparatory discussions and ensure a shared understanding of – as well as joint action on – the upcoming priorities.