Ireland begins EU presidency with focus on competitiveness, security

Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin speaks at the opening ceremony of the Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in Dublin, Ireland, July 1, 2026. Ireland on Wednesday formally began its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU as it hosted an opening ceremony at the Dublin Castle, pledging to strengthen Europe's economic competitiveness, security and resilience at a time of mounting geopolitical challenges....