Ireland has assumed the EU Council presidency, aiming to tackle budget negotiations and address issues with Russia.

Ireland has officially taken over the EU Council presidency, with plans to propose a new budget framework for 2028-2034. Prime Minister Micheál Martin welcomed Ursula von der Leyen and the EU Commission at University College Cork, marking the traditional inaugural visit. The focus is on finalizing budget negotiations by year-end, a challenging task given the significant divides among member states.

The EU Commission has proposed a €2 trillion budget for the next seven years, but Germany, the largest net contributor, recently called for a €400 billion cut. Meanwhile, Ireland, having transformed from the EU’s poorest to its second-richest member, is in a unique position to mediate between differing interests, leveraging its experience as both a net recipient and contributor.