Celebrating Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council

Leading conversations on Europe’s future

In brief

• As Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time, EY Ireland brought together clients, colleagues and senior leaders to explore what this important moment means for business, Ireland and Europe.
• Hosted at EY’s Cork office, the event marked the beginning of Ireland’s six-month Presidency and provided a timely forum for discussion on the opportunities and responsibilities ahead. Guests heard from Mairead McGuinness, former European Commissioner and MEP, and Simon Coveney, former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, who shared perspectives from the heart of Europe and Government on how Ireland can help shape the European agenda.
• With competitiveness, values and security at the centre of Ireland’s Presidency, the conversation focused on the issues that matter most to businesses today, from infrastructure, trade and investment to technology, AI and Europe’s evolving role in a more fragmented global economy.

As part of the discussion, Shane MacSweeney, EY Ireland Head of Strategy and Transactions also spoke with Simon Coveney, EY Consultant, former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in a Q&A interview exploring Ireland’s role over the next six months.

As Ireland takes on this influential role, EY will continue to contribute to conversations that connect policy, business and society - helping organisations prepare for change and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. 

We explore: 

• What Ireland’s EU Council Presidency means in practice for business and policymakers 
• How Ireland can help build consensus across Europe on key economic and strategic priorities 
• The role of competitiveness, security, innovation and shared values in shaping Europe’s future 
• The opportunities for Ireland to strengthen its influence and support a more resilient European economy 
• What success could look like by the end of Ireland’s six-month term