Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Live BlogLAST UPDATE | 23 mins ago
IRELAND BEGINS ITS six-month presidency of the European Council today.
An opening ceremony taken place amid tight security in Dublin Castle, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Council president António Cost among the attendees.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Zelenskyy are now speaking at a press conference.
- Updates by Daragh Brophy, Mairead Maguire, Andrew Walsh, and Emma Hickey, with Christina Finn at Dublin Castle and Jane Matthews at Government Buildings.
Neither of the leaders gave particularly detailed responses either to a question about the story in the Irish Times this morning about Ukraine’s rejection of an Irish offer of a fleet of armoured combat vehicles.
In case you missed this one, the paper reported that Ireland recently offered Ukraine 27 light tactical armoured vehicles (LTAVs) that were acquired 17 years ago but rarely used because they frequently broke down.
Zelenskyy and Martin have also speaking about EU expansion and changes in arrangements for Ukrainians living in Ireland in the last few minutes.
The pair reiterated their talking points from their opening statements in their comments about the EU.
Zelenskyy answered the question about the changes in rules for Ukrainians in Ireland in English, but didn’t give a detailed response other than to note that he was aware the situation was changing.
The government announced last month it was pressing ahead with its substantial curtailments to Ukrainian supports, with state accommodation set to be withdrawn by March 2027.
Refugees from the war who arrived in Ireland before March 2024 have been entitled to rent-free state accommodation, mostly in hotels, in recent years.
Starting next month, such free accommodation is to be removed, with the total phase out of such supports to be completed by 4 March.
Aughinish Alumina is the first issue brought up by the Irish press pack, with RTÉ’s Tony Connelly asking about the Irish government’s stance on the Foynes-based plant.
There are claims that alumina produced at the Russian-owned plant in Co Limerick (operated by Rusal, which is controlled by oligarch Oleg Deripaska) is being shipped in significant volumes into supply chains that ultimately link back to Russia’s industrial and military sector.
While alumina itself is not currently subject to EU sanctions, the plant has come under scrutiny over whether its output could indirectly support Russia’s war economy.
Zelenskyy alluded to those claims in his speech in Dublin Castle this afternoon, without naming the plant.
Martin, repeating the government’s line on this issue in recent weeks, said an investigation was currently under way into the matter – and that once it concludes, the government would engage with the European Commission.
Zelenskyy said he and Martin discussed the very matter this afternoon and that Ireland was currently coming to the end of its “full investigation”.
He added that he hoped the wait for the findings of the investigation wouldn’t be too long (the immediate translation wasn’t clear – but he either said he hoped he wouldn’t have to wait ‘a month’ or ‘for months’).
He said it was important to cut “every possibility in every sphere for Russia to militarise itself”.
In his opening remarks, speaking in Ukrainian, Zelenskyy says he is confident that over the next six months the EU will maintain a clear position in support of his country.
Attacks by Russia are continuing every day, he says.
“Russia’s leader is absolutely refusing to end this war,” he says – noting that Ukrainian officials are ready for meetings to reach a deal to end the conflict.
He condemned the “sheer depravity” with which Russia was pursuing its attacks on Ukraine.
He said he had discussed a new package of sanctions with the Taoiseach today.
We’ve opening statements from Martin and Zelenskyy first, and there’ll be questions afterwards.
“We all want the same thing for the people of Ukraine,” Martin says. Its people should be allowed live in peace and security.
He said he would work throughout the presidency period on the process for Ukraine to become a full member of the EU.
“Ukraine’s place is as a member of the European family,” he says.
Turning to Zelenskyy he says Ireland will stand by him and his country, and ends his opening statement with the salute: “Slava Ukraini.”
Here they are now.
Costa has posted a picture of himself, Martin, and Zelenskyy chatting away.
Costa said Zelenskyy’s presence in Dublin today is a “powerful symbol of the EU’s unswerving commitment to Ukraine”.
“Europe’s support for Ukraine and our increasing pressure on Russia have played a crucial role – and we will continue to do both during the Irish Presidency,” he wrote.
President @ZelenskyyUa joining @MichealMartinTD here in Dublin is a powerful symbol of the EU’s unswerving commitment to Ukraine.
— António Costa (@eucopresident) July 1, 2026
Europe’s support for Ukraine and our increasing pressure on Russia have played a crucial role – and we will continue to do both during the Irish… pic.twitter.com/YVGo21k2HJ
As an aside, Costa still has the X handle @eucopresident, which of course stands for European Council President. Is there an agreed time for the social media account to be handed over the Taoiseach?
The main event may have been held in the historic Dublin Castle in the heart of the capital city, but further afield there were still nods to the occasion.
As part of Ireland’s presidency programme, each county in Republic of Ireland has been paired with an EU member state (pretty serendipitous that the 26 counties can mirror the 26 other member states).
Waterford is paired with Denmark. At the city and county council’s civic offices in Dungarvan this afternoon, an EU flag was raised. The council said it looks forward to welcoming a delegation from Denmark to tour the county.
You can see what country your county has been matched with here. Dublin is matched with Greece, Cork with France, and Galway with Estonia.
The opening ceremony may be over, but it’s not all done and dusted for the day yet.
Still on the agenda is a joint meeting between Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the now former President of the European Council António Costa, and guest of honour Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Costa will then exit to allow for a bilateral meeting between the Taoiseach and Zelenskyy.
Once all the formalities and chit-chats have been conducted, Martin and the Ukrainian leader will hold a press conference.
Following speeches by foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee and junior transport minister Seán Canney, actress Ruth Negga delivered a reading of Seamus Heaney’s ‘Beacons at Bealtaine’.
This was followed by a cover of the Cranberries song ‘Dreams’ by Tolü Makay.
The opening ceremony has now come to an end. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will host a press conference later this afternoon.
Here are some photos from Dublin Castle to give you a flavour of the event.
Here’s the full performance of O’Neill’s March performed by concertina player Cormac Begley and sean-nós dancer Stephanie Keane that almost caused Dublin Castle to break out into a céilí.
(Okay, maybe not a full-on céilí, but some members of the audience were getting really into it. Foot tapping and all, would you believe.)
Tánaiste Simon Harris also addressed the ceremony, stating that Ireland “knows that compromise matters”.
“The European Union was always a steadfast supporter of peace and reconciliation on this island, its contribution to our peace process through practical support and through the values it embodies has been profound, and as we begin this presidency, Ireland brings that experience with us,” Harris said.
“We know that dialogue matters, we know that compromise matters, and we know that lasting progress is achieved when people choose cooperation over division, that is why this presidency won’t just be a presidency for governments or institutions or politicians alone, it will be a presidency for people,” Harris added.
“We want the people of our island to see themselves reflected in this presidency.”
A number of roads in Dublin city centre remain closed off as the opening ceremony continues.
The Irish Presidency begins today with the Opening Ceremony in Dublin Castle. Rolling road closures can be expected in the area until 5pm.
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) July 1, 2026
Roads closed:
⛔️Castle Street
⛔️Ship Street Little
⛔️Ship Street Great
Local access is facilitated#Ireland2026EU pic.twitter.com/HHvevdbhOW
Following another speech by Simon Harris, we’re now at a musical interlude.
Samhradh Samhradh was performed by a collection of musicians on stage first – Iarla Ó Lionáird, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Laoise Kelly, Francesco Turrisi, Séamus Ong, Cormac Begley and Christina Polycarpou.
Following this, a lively rendition of O’Neill’s March was performed by musician Cormac Begley and Irish dancer Stephanie Keane.
During his speech, Zelenskyy also took aim at companies in EU countries “whose only purpose is to work for Russia”.
“I urge you to continue support through new European Union sanctions, and they are needed against Russia’s shadow fleet and against many of Putin still relies on to keep this war going,” Zelenskyy said.
“Unfortunately, there are companies in Europe that are owned or effectively controlled by Russia and its sanctioned oligarchs, they keep supplying the aggressor with essential materials, even now.”
This may be a reference to the controversy centring on claims that alumina produced at the Russian-owned Aughinish plant in Foynes, Co Limerick (operated by Rusal, which is controlled by oligarch Oleg Deripaska) is being shipped in significant volumes into supply chains that ultimately link back to Russia’s industrial and military sector.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia will not stop the war just because someone asks them too.
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) July 1, 2026
Putin wants to keep fighting, he says, adding that every step must be taken to make it harder for the Russian leader to continue. pic.twitter.com/LKBgbyzJcd
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is up next, and thanked Ireland for the invitation to Dublin Castle.
“Ukraine knows how to be grateful, and we always value relationships built on mutual respect, and I congratulate Ireland on the start of its presidency of the Council of the European Union,” Zelenskyy said.
“I want to thank everyone who supports us, supports our efforts, and I urge you to continue this support.”
He also appealed for European funding for Ukrainian drones, adding that “real progress” can be made on a drone deal that Ukraine has proposed to the European Union.
“We must support every step that makes it harder for Russia to continue such war,” Zelenskyy said.
He also spoke on Ukraine’s ongoing EU membership bid, adding: “We count on it moving forward without losing time”.
Speaking directly to European Council president António Costa in the front row, he said: “António, what do you think?”
Costa added that Ireland’s ”European experience” puts the country “in the right position to be an honest broker” in ongoing negotiations for EU funding.
“We need to ensure that the European Union has the resources it needs to deliver on what our citizens expect from us, a more competitive, more innovative, more cohesive, and more autonomous, safer, and more secure Europe,” Costa said.
He added that Ireland has “a decisive role to play”.
“It will be challenging, but I’m confident we will reach a deal until the end of this week in this year, and we will be counting on the Irish humour and charm to see us through.”
As the opening ceremony continues, a Palestine solidarity protest is taking place on Dame Street.
Dozens of gardaí are in attendance.
António Costa has also spoken, and told attendees that Ireland “will be the steward for the council agenda”, and will work “on behalf of 450 million European citizens”.
“I applaud your commitment to strengthening the European Union’s role as a principled global actor and your firm support for the United Nations, multilateralism and respect for international law,” Costa said.
“These are principles at the core of international rules-based order and Ireland has consistently been at the forefront of that effort.”
Costa gets an applause from the Irish TDs, Taoiseach and Zelenskyy when he mentioned working towards peace in places such as Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.
There was another round of applause after mention of Zelenskyy and Ukraine.
“President Zelenskyy’s presence here today is a powerful reminder that our commitment remains unbreakable, but our vision goes beyond the war, because Ukraine’s future is in the European Union,” Costa said.
So who is our MC for today?
In case you’re not familiar with Carrie Crowley, she’s probably best known these days as an actor – particularly, in recent years, for her role in the Oscar nominated An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl).
Before that, she had a long career as a broadcaster – first on children’s TV show The Morbegs and then across various prime time RTÉ programmes, including her own chat show.
She presented the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin alongside Ronan Keating in 1997.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is now addressing attendees at Dublin Castle.
He began by giving a “céad míle fáilte” to the president of the European Council, António Costa, and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy (a lengthy round of applause followed).
The opening ceremony included a flag raising ceremony led by the Defence Forces.
A hearty rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann was performed by the Defence Forces band and the Dublin Youth Choir.
They also performed the EU anthem, Ode to Joy, in Ukrainian, Irish, English and German.
As the ceremony gets underway, our Political Correspondent Jane Matthews has a final post on the press conference between Martin and Costa, which finished up (after a delayed start) just before the spotlight moved to Dublin Castle:
And that’s a wrap on engagement number one of the EU Presidency for Micheál Martin.
After a brief private meeting with Costa (who was swiftly transported to Merrion Street after touching down in Dublin on a Ryanair flight), the two appeared on the steps of Government Buildings for a short press conference with Irish and European media.
After the usual and expected spiels on Ireland’s priorities for the next six months (competitiveness, values and security), it was time for a handful of questions from the media. Both leaders artfully sidestepped a question about the EU imposing the so-called “Temu tax” on small packages from outside the bloc at a time when the EU is talking so much about competitiveness (it’s about fairness, Costa said), while Martin didn’t bat an eyelid when asked if it is embarrassing that Ukraine turned down our offer of combat military vehicles.
The Taoiseach remained equally composed when he was asked about a non-presidency-related query: Does Fianna Fáil need to apologise for the abuse carried out by paedophile Bill Kinneally?
“I’ve made my comments on that,” Martin said, directing the reporter to the State apology that is due on 14 July.
He and Costa were then whisked off to Dublin Castle, where the opening ceremony of the presidency is getting underway.
Smooth sailing so far.
Actress Carrie Crowley will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event.
Fellow actress Ruth Negga, Siunger Tolü Makay, musician Cormac Begley and singer Iarla Ó Lionáird are among the other performers in today’s line-up.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived, and was warmly greeted by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Past and present politicians are now filing into Dublin Castle ahead of the opening ceremony.
Former taoisigh Enda Kenny and Bertie Ahern are among the attendees.
Good afternoon, reporter Andrew Walsh here (or Andr-EU for the day that’s in it) taking the reins for our live EU presidency coverage.
The opening ceremony for Ireland’s EU Presidency is about to kick off at Dublin Castle, we’ll have all the latest for you here.
The opening ceremony for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU pic.twitter.com/1VRTku2A9l
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) July 1, 2026
Gerardo Fortuna, a journalist with Politico, said he spotted Costa and his cabinet travelling to Ireland on a Ryanair flight this morning.
SPOTTED on my Ryanair flight (yes, Ryanair) to Dublin for the Irish Presidency launch: European Council President Antonio Costa and his cabinet. (Ursula von der Leyen and her Commissioners will arrive tomorrow in Cork on a chartered flight, more on today's Brussels Playbook)
— Gerardo Fortuna (@gerardofortuna) July 1, 2026
Perhaps a bid to steal Ireland’s spell in the European limelight?
Canada has chosen this moment to confirm it is officially joining the Eurovision Song Contest and will send an act to next year’s event in Bulgaria.
Costa said the EU doesn’t like tariffs, but it does like trade agreements.
He said customs charges, such as the new fees that came into effect today, are there to ensure a “fair and predictable” relationship with trade partners, particularly the United States.
He said they want to have a good, stable relationship with the US, and provide predictability for American companies.
The Taoiseach said Ireland will continue to stand with Ukraine. He is to hold a separate press conference with Zelenskyy at 5pm today.
Costa said the EU will do “whatever it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
“Russia must understand that time is not on its side and that it must move from the battelfield to the negotiating table,” he said.
Martin said there is a need to increase pressure on Russia. He said the cost of continuing the “brutal” war needs to be made unsustainble for aggressor.
The press conference between the Taoiseach and the EU council president has gotten underway.
Amnesty International has made a strong appeal to Ireland to “reject the politics of appeasement” during its presidency.
Its director, Stephen Bowen, said: “Across the world and within our EU borders humanity is under attack, and we need Ireland to step up during its Presidency.
“The entire international system of human rights, justice and peacebuilding painstakingly built over decades on the ashes of World War II crumbles before our eyes.”
He added that Ireland should work to prevent the normalisation of “global disorder”.
Our Political Correspondent Jane Matthews is down at Dublin Castle, where a press conference with the Taoiseach and António Costa is to kick off in about 10 minutes.
And so it begins!
— TheJournal Politics (@TJ_Politics) July 1, 2026
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has welcomed António Costa, President of the European Council, to Government Buildings as Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union formally kicks off today. @thejournal_ie pic.twitter.com/7eg5eJMC32
It’s just gone 12.30pm on day one of EU presidency and the Irish stereotypes have already begun.
The first offender: the European Parliament.
In a Facebook post, it wrote, “goodbye halloumi and welcome boxty,” referencing Cyprus handing the baton to Ireland.
Do you remember the last time you ate boxty? Neither do I.
To add insult to injury, the post compares photos of sunny Cyprus with dreary Ireland.
Speaking to RTÉ Radio in Baldonnel, Simon Harris said “a huge level of preparation” has gone into security for the EU presidency.
“The real work begins today, trying to move forward substantial items that will make a real difference in the lives of Europeans here in Ireland and right across the continent,” he said.
“Ireland is an experienced member state when it comes to hosting presidencies, and today marks the start of a busy, productive and important six months.”
Zelenksyy posted a video of Harris and himself meeting.
On X, the Ukrainian president said his country “proves every day that it deserves to be an equal part of our common European home”.
“We hope that during Ireland’s presidency of the EU Council, we will be able to achieve tangible progress on the path to membership and open all negotiation clusters.”
The Tánaiste greeted Zelenskyy as he disembarked his plane at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, before having a “short meeting” with the Ukrainian president.
A spokesperson for Simon Harris said he’d use the opportunity to pay tribute to Zelenskyy’s “courage and resilience” and that of the Ukrainian people. It will be a “guiding inspiration to Ireland” during its presidency, they said.
Zelenskyy will have the opportunity to chat with Martin and Costa about Ukraine’s aspirations of joining the EU.
While Ukraine is not one of the 27 EU member states that make up the bloc, it is a candidate state that has begun the long accession process to join the union.
The government has repeatedly backed Ukraine’s efforts to join, with the Taoiseach previously saying Ukraine “belongs in the EU”.
Speaking this morning, Martin told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that Ukraine could “in theory” join the EU while still at war.
While full membership remains years away, Irish ministers have signaled they want to use the country’s upcoming presidency to advance negotiations with candidate countries, which also include Moldova.
Our Deputy Editor Christine Bohan has an overview of the public’s interest (or lack thereof) in the EU presidency.
“There’s a lot done, more to do on this first day of Ireland’s EU presidency: a new poll has found that 38% of Irish people have heard nothing about the presidency at all, and 46% of people have heard ‘a little’ about it (we’re going to assume that the remaining 16% are all reading this liveblog).
“The poll by More in Common has lots of interesting nuggets about Ireland’s attitudes towards Europe and the world, including that 75% of voters now prioritise closer ties with the EU over the US.
“Trust in the US has collapsed, and it is now the lowest-rated western ally with 73% of people saying they have little or no trust in the US under Trump.
“Irish people are famously pro-EU, although this poll suggests that has dropped slightly: 61% of people say EU membership is a good thing and two-thirds woud vote to remain – but people have different views of what a strong EU looks like.”
The full report, which can be found at the link above, is well worth a read.
Here’s how the day will play out.
At midday, the Taoiseach is to hold a press conference with EU council president António Costa, where the media will have a chance to ask questions.
However, it’s understood that Costa’s flight is not set to land until 12, so the press conference will most likely be delayed.
Whenever it starts, our Political Correspondent Jane Matthews will be there to report back.
At 2pm, the official opening ceremony will be held in, you guessed it, Dublin Castle. It’s the epicentre of the EU presidency activities.
At 5pm, Zelenskyy will join the Taoiseach for yet another press conference, where they’re expected to set out their aims for the presidency and take questions.
If you’re wondering why Zelenksyy is here on day 1 of the presidency, check out Andrew Walsh’s helpful explainer.
Zelenskyy’s plane landed at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel before 11.30am.
There is a heavy garda presence around Dublin Castle today, and the city in general.
Justin Kelly, the garda commissioner said yesterday that he would be “highly surprising” if the EU Presidency passes without a major policing incident.
He said also that foreign police and security forces have arrived in Ireland to assist gardaí secure events in Dublin and in Cork.
Kelly said that much of the foreign officers will not be seen by the public and were involved in specialist areas. The Journal understands many of them will be involved in counter drone monitoring.
Good morning! Mairead Maguire here, one of The Journal’s reporters.
Ireland’s stint with the EU presidency begins today and thus commences six months of politics, pomp and high-level policing.
Zelenskyy is due to touch down in Ireland soon, while the Taoiseach is gearing up for a press conference with EU council president António Costa at midday.
We’ll bring you updates as they happen.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say