EU meetings could take place in Waterford

The southeast is ideally placed to host major EU-level events during Ireland’s upcoming EU Council Presidency, Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchú has said.

She is urging Government to bring key EU presidency meetings to Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny.

The presidency of the EU Council rotates among the EU member states every six months.

Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union starting in July 2026. Thousands of dignitaries, diplomats, and global leaders will ascend onto Irish shores during this period.

During the presidency term there will be 23 informal ministerial meetings hosted.

MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú says she has formally written to the Taoiseach outlining the case for hosting a substantial number of EU Presidency-related meetings outside of Dublin.

“Ireland’s EU Council Presidency is an opportunity for the whole country, not only Dublin, to shine on the European stage,” Ní Mhurchú said.

“By hosting key meetings in the Southeast, we can spread economic activity, support local businesses, and showcase the talent, innovation, and hospitality that thrive in every part of Ireland.” 

“Every region should have the chance to participate and feel ownership of this moment. The eyes of Europe will be upon us—let’s show them the full richness of our country.”