Opening Ceremony Marking Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026
2026/7/1
Taoiseach Micheál Martin offering his address at the opening ceremony marking Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 (Photo taken in July 2026)
Irish national flag and flag of the EU at the opening ceremony marking Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 (Photo taken in July 2026)
On 1 July, under overcast skies, the opening ceremony marking Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union was held at Dublin Castle.
The ceremony commenced with the raising of the Irish national flag and the EU and member states’ flags, followed by performances of the Irish National Anthem and the European Anthem, Ode to Joy, by the Dublin Youth Choir and the Defence Forces Band. This was followed by addresses by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and H.E. Mr António Costa, President of the European Council . The Ukrainian flag was then raised, followed by addresses by H.E. Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, and Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris.
Then, cultural performances took place, covering Irish music, readings of poetry by Seamus Heaney, dance performances, and more. The ceremony concluded with remarks by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney, and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Thomas Byrne.
The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Irish Government, members of the Oireachtas and local authorities, representatives from the education and cultural sectors, and members of the Defence Forces amongst others. At the reception following the ceremony, participants celebrated the commencement of Ireland's Presidency.
On behalf of the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu attended the ceremony and conveyed Japan's congratulations to the Irish Government and other distinguished guests, wishing a most successful and productive Irish Presidency.
Throughout Ireland's Presidency, which runs until the end of December 2026, the Embassy of Japan in Ireland will continue its efforts to further strengthen relations between Japan and Ireland, while also promoting the development of Japan–EU relations through close cooperation with the Ireland’s Presidency.
The ceremony commenced with the raising of the Irish national flag and the EU and member states’ flags, followed by performances of the Irish National Anthem and the European Anthem, Ode to Joy, by the Dublin Youth Choir and the Defence Forces Band. This was followed by addresses by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and H.E. Mr António Costa, President of the European Council . The Ukrainian flag was then raised, followed by addresses by H.E. Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, and Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris.
Then, cultural performances took place, covering Irish music, readings of poetry by Seamus Heaney, dance performances, and more. The ceremony concluded with remarks by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney, and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Thomas Byrne.
The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Irish Government, members of the Oireachtas and local authorities, representatives from the education and cultural sectors, and members of the Defence Forces amongst others. At the reception following the ceremony, participants celebrated the commencement of Ireland's Presidency.
On behalf of the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu attended the ceremony and conveyed Japan's congratulations to the Irish Government and other distinguished guests, wishing a most successful and productive Irish Presidency.
Throughout Ireland's Presidency, which runs until the end of December 2026, the Embassy of Japan in Ireland will continue its efforts to further strengthen relations between Japan and Ireland, while also promoting the development of Japan–EU relations through close cooperation with the Ireland’s Presidency.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offering his address at the Opening Ceremony marking Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 (Photo taken in July 2026)
Ukrainian national flag at the opening ceremony marking Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 (Photo taken in July 2026)
President António Costa offering his address at the opening ceremony marking Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 (Photo taken in July 2026)
Cultural performance at the opening ceremony marking Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 (Photo taken in July 2026)
Cultural performance at the opening ceremony marking Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 (Photo taken in July 2026)
Opening ceremony marking Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 (Photo taken in July 2026)