On 1 July, Ireland officially assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time, taking on the responsibility of leading the Council's work over the next six months at a pivotal moment for Europe.
Operating under the theme "Strength with Unity," Ireland's Presidency comes at a time when the European Union faces significant opportunities and challenges—from strengthening competitiveness and supporting innovation to enhancing security, sustainability, and economic resilience. In a recent Instagram post, Ireland's Embassy in Lisbon shared, "With Ireland’s EU Presidency kicking off this July, we are ready to lead on competitiveness, security, and values. Our voice has never been more important at the table."
And to mark the occasion, today, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal, Alma Ní Choigligh, told the network:
“Ireland is taking on the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the eighth time in the second half of 2026. During the Irish Presidency, we will take forward an ambitious agenda, focusing our efforts on enhancing the competitiveness of the EU economy, safeguarding the values of the Union at home and abroad and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The Irish Presidency will also take forward work in a number of cross-cutting areas such as ongoing support for Ukraine, and underpinning the work of the EU more generally through the negotiation of the EU’s budget, the Multi-annual Financial Framework.
The Embassy of Ireland in Portugal will lead a local programme of engagement with Portuguese institutions, focused on the European agenda and highlighting the important links between Ireland and Portugal as like-minded Atlantic-facing EU Member States.”
For members of the Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN), this Presidency represents more than an important political milestone. It provides a unique opportunity to strengthen dialogue, deepen commercial relationships, and showcase how collaboration between Ireland and Portugal can contribute to Europe's shared future.
The rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union plays a vital role in coordinating the work of Member States. Over the next six months, Ireland will chair ministerial meetings, facilitate negotiations between Member States, and help advance legislation and policy across a broad range of sectors.
The Irish Embassy in Lisbon shared a particularly inspiring video on Facebook with the caption,
"On 1 July, Ireland takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It will be the eighth time Ireland has held the Presidency and helped to lead Europe at defining moments for our continent and our world. In 2026, Europe faces new challenges and new opportunities. We are looking forward to working with partners to deliver results for Europe – prioritising Competitiveness, Values and Security. In an uncertain world, our strength lies not in standing apart, but in standing together. In Ireland, the seanfhocal or proverb “Ní neart go cur le chéile” reminds us that we have “Strength with unity”. Discover the programme, priorities and events of Ireland’s Presidency and much more here.
That shared, Ireland has identified several priority areas for its Presidency, including:
These priorities closely align with many of the conversations already taking place across the IPBN community.
Throughout the past year, the IPBN has explored many of these themes through conferences, business events, podcasts, and member spotlights.
Innovation in food systems. Sustainability. Digital transformation. AI. Export development. Entrepreneurship. Circular economy principles. Cross-border collaboration.
These are not just European policy priorities—they are areas where businesses in both Ireland and Portugal are already creating value together.
Whether through partnerships in FoodTech, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, tourism, or digital innovation, the relationship between Ireland and Portugal continues to demonstrate how two outward-looking economies can learn from one another while opening new commercial opportunities.
Although the Presidency is not about promoting national interests, it naturally places Ireland at the centre of European conversations.
Over the coming months, thousands of policymakers, business leaders, researchers, innovators and stakeholders will participate in meetings and events hosted across Ireland as part of the Presidency programme. More than 250 events are expected to take place during Ireland's six-month term.
For internationally focused businesses, this creates an environment rich in dialogue, collaboration and new ideas.
For Portuguese companies, it provides additional opportunities to engage with Ireland as an increasingly important European partner.
For Irish companies, it reinforces Ireland's role as a trusted gateway into European markets and highlights the importance of building strong relationships across the EU—including with Portugal.
At the IPBN, our mission has always been to strengthen the commercial, professional and cultural relationship between Ireland and Portugal.
As Ireland assumes this important European leadership role, we believe there has never been a better time to continue building those connections.
From supporting companies entering new markets to facilitating partnerships in innovation, investment, sustainability and trade, the Network remains committed to helping businesses in both countries seize the opportunities that closer European cooperation creates.
The themes of the Irish Presidency—competitiveness, innovation, resilience and partnership—are values that resonate strongly with our community.
We look forward to supporting our members throughout the Presidency and continuing to create opportunities for meaningful collaboration between Ireland and Portugal.
We believe stronger connections between our two countries contribute not only to stronger businesses, but to a stronger Europe, and that is precisely what we are here to facilitate.
| The IPBN is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland under the ESP Grant programme |
