It is a pleasure to be here in Dublin, for the launch of the Irish Presidency of the Council. Let me start by wishing you, Micheál, all the best as Ireland takes on this responsibility.
You have chosen competitiveness, values and security as the three pillars of your Presidency agenda – these fit perfectly with the priorities of the work at Leaders’ level in the European Council.
Starting with competitiveness. In the face of growing external pressures on our prosperity, the European Union has set itself the goal to become both more competitive and more autonomous. Indeed, after having defence as a main focus in 2025, 2026 is the year of European competitiveness.
That is why we have set ourselves an ambitious ‘One Europe, One Market’ agenda. Over the next six months, we must deliver on its implementation. And it is hard to think of a better pilot to guide the European Union in this work than Ireland.
As for Europe’s values and Europe’s security – they are being put to the test in a challenging global geopolitical context. But in navigating these difficult waters, the European Union has a clear compass – international law – and a clear map – multilateralism and the rules based international order. That is another reason why Ireland – with its consistent and principled defence of both multilateralism and international law – is the right Presidency at the right time.
These principles and values are what guides the European Union’s unity in support of Ukraine – and we will continue to do whatever it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The tide is turning on the battlefield thanks to the courage of the Ukrainian armed forces. And Europe’s support for Ukraine and our unrelenting pressure on Russia have played a crucial role. In fact, over the next six months, under Irish leadership, we will continue pursuing this twin strategy. Because Russia must understand that time is not on its side. And that it must move from the battlefield to the negotiating table.
The same values and principles must guide the European Union’s positions and actions in the Middle East. Long lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy, not violence. And for this we need to move forward along the only path there is towards a long-lasting peace in the region, namely that of the two-state solution:
- in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions;
- where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace;
- within secure and recognised borders.
One word on enlargement: as this will be an area where the Irish Presidency will play a crucial role. Our Irish friends can build on the new momentum and on a growing awareness among member states that enlargement in the EU’s best geopolitical investment. We need to advance on all fronts working harder and faster with all candidates.
But I would underline the case of Montenegro. I think it is possible to finalise the accession negotiations with Montenegro before the end of the Irish Presidency. No pressure!
Micheál, I left what is perhaps our main common challenge to last: the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
We need to reach an agreement on our next long-term budget, by the end of this year. Not just any budget, but one that has the resources it needs to deliver on what our citizens expect from us.
Building on the progress achieved in recent months, we can count on the Irish Presidency to keep up the momentum in the negotiations. And present a revised negotiating box in October, including ambitious proposals for new own resources. That is the only way to close the gap between our level of ambition and a reasonable level of national contributions.
Will this be easy? No. But important achievements are never easy. Working together I am convinced that we can deliver.
Dear Micheál, the motto of your Presidency is strength with unity. In the next six months, I look forward to working closely with you for a stronger, even more united Europe.
Thank you, and best wishes for a successful Irish Presidency.