LAST UPDATE | 14 hrs ago

PRESIDENT OF THE European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Cork along with the 26 other members of the College of Commissioners for two days of meetings. 

Welcoming her on the steps of Cork City Hall, the Taoiseach embraced the commission president, before meeting Lord Mayor of Cork Damian Boylan.  

She was presented with a vase etched with the slogan for Ireland’s presidency – “Ní neart go cur le chéile – Strength with unity”.

Von der Leyen was due to arrived at 2.30pm today, but arrived four hours late, flying straight in from Armenia, where she promised economic support to counter pressure from Russia.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin greets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at City Hall, Cork. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

She visits Cork to mark Ireland taking over the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

A ceremony to mark the occasion was held at Dublin Castle on Wednesday, which was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Over Thursday and Friday, several meetings will be held, including between Taoiseach and von der Leyen and others between Irish ministers and European commissioners.

Martin and von der Leyen will also chair a plenary session.

On Thursday evening, cabinet ministers and European commissioners lined up at University College Cork (UCC) where the Taoiseach and European president greeted the line of officials.

It’s like a rugby lineup here in Cork as the Taoiseach introduces his ministers to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pic.twitter.com/ewRuYbkrCK

— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) July 2, 2026

The arrival of such a large number of dignitaries means there is a huge security presence in Cork, with events concentrated in the University College Cork (UCC) campus, Cork City Hall, Tyndall National Institute and Hayfield Manor Hotel.

Hundreds of gardaí, uniformed and armed plain clothes members are stationed around the city. Tactical armed gardaí from the Armed Support Unit and Emergency Response Unit are also based in UCC. 

Dia dhuit, Ireland 🇮🇪

Touchdown in Cork for the start of @Ireland2026eu

Ireland has built one of the EU's most dynamic and innovative economies.

You have a talent for breaking frontiers and brokering deals.

Europe is lucky 🍀 to have Ireland leading at such a crucial moment. pic.twitter.com/ZCGTGOg0LZ

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 2, 2026

As Ireland takes over the presidency, the Taoiseach outlined some of the country’s priorities for the next six months.

Ireland will focus in on the EU’s long-term budget, which is currently being negotiated.

There is some discontent amongst world leaders about the proposed degree of spending in this budget, which Ireland will have to mediate over the next six months. 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin with some remarks about the business here in Cork for the next two days at the College of Commissioners. @thejournal_ie @TJ_Politics pic.twitter.com/oGCAFerqt6

— Niall O’Connor (@NiallJournal_ie) July 2, 2026

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Taoiseach said that the long-term budget, work on further integrating the EU’s single market, reducing energy prices and decarbonising the economy will be priorities for Ireland’s time in office.

Simplifying rules and driving the digital and AI transformation were also mentioned.

“Our discussions will also include issues related to the founding values of the union, including advancing the enlargement file during our presidency,” he continued, highlighting Ukraine’s accession process.

“We will also discuss international issues and I will raise Israel’s persistent and egregious breaches of human rights and international law.”

Disruption

Lord Mayor of Cork Damian Boylan (left) and Taoiseach Micheal Martin, greet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at City Hall, Cork. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Some protests in opposition to von der Leyen’s visit, who has faced criticism for her stance on Gaza and the militarisation of the EU, were held today in Cork. 

Similarly-motivated protests were held in Dublin on Tuesday.

A garda spokesperson said the disruption should be localised and minimal, with temporary traffic restrictions in place on Thursday and Friday afternoon.

In Cork city, the Gaol Walk between College Road and Western Road is closed until Friday afternoon.

Members of the public living, working, and travelling between UCC and the city centre “can expect localised road closures to facilitate events and temporary rolling road closures by garda motorcycle escorts” this afternoon and evening, and on Friday morning and early afternoon, gardaí said.

There are drone restrictions in place at venues hosting presidency events. The restrictions can be viewed here. Some are issued at short notice for operational reasons.