European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and political group leaders met in Dublin to outline priorities for Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, set to begin on July 1.

During their meeting on June 23, the Conference of Presidents, which includes Metsola and leaders from various political groups, engaged with Irish officials to discuss key issues such as competitiveness, the One Europe, One Market initiative, and the next EU long-term budget. The discussions aimed to establish a collaborative framework for Ireland’s presidency, emphasizing the importance of interparliamentary cooperation.

The leaders also met with Ireland’s President Catherine Connolly and visited Áras an Uachtaráin, where they further explored the significance of the upcoming presidency. In discussions with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and other government ministers, they highlighted priorities including external relations, EU enlargement, and the safeguarding of core EU values and security.

At a joint press conference, Metsola and Martin expressed confidence in Ireland’s ability to lead effectively during this pivotal time for Europe. Metsola noted that Ireland’s presidency comes at a crucial juncture, focusing on prosperity and unity, while Martin reiterated the commitment to support Ukraine and advance the ambitious roadmap for a unified European market.