Ireland assumes rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU: A mission to reinforce European Union’s standing

As the Western order undergoes profound restructuring amid mounting global challenges, the international standing of the European Union (EU) is widely viewed as being under increasing strain. Assuming the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second half of 2026, Ireland shoulders the responsibility of leading efforts to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy and reinforce its position during this period of turbulence. European Union prioritises strategic autonomy