/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(100)/prod01/channel_3/media/tcd/eu-presidency/images/EU-flag-about.jpg)
About
What is the EU Presidency?
Every six months, a different European Union Member State holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. From 1 July to 31 December 2026, Ireland chairs the Council, bringing together ministers from the 27 Member States to help negotiate legislation, coordinate policy and build agreement on the issues facing Europe.
The Presidency does not set EU policy on its own. Instead, it acts as an honest broker, helping countries work together to find common solutions. During the six months, Ireland will host hundreds of meetings and welcome tens of thousands of delegates from across Europe.
Ireland’s role during the Presidency
As Presidency holder, Ireland is responsible for leading meetings of the Council of the European Union, advancing negotiations on European legislation and representing the Council in discussions with the European Parliament and European Commission.
Ireland will host:
- An informal meeting of EU Heads of State or Government
- A meeting of the European Political Community involving leaders from 47 European countries
- 22 informal ministerial meetings
- More than 250 Presidency events
- Over 30,000 international delegates
The Presidency is an opportunity for Ireland to showcase its expertise, culture, innovation and leadership while helping shape Europe's future.
Why the Presidency matters to Trinity
The issues being discussed during the Presidency are the same issues Trinity's researchers, students and staff work on every day.
From artificial intelligence and digital transformation to health, climate, democracy, security and Europe's competitiveness, Trinity is contributing research and expertise that helps inform policy and improve lives.
The Presidency provides an opportunity to:
- showcase Trinity's world-leading research and innovation
- strengthen relationships with European partners and policymakers
- host influential international events and discussions
- demonstrate the role universities play in addressing society's biggest challenges.
Trinity’s role during the Presidency
Over the six months of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Trinity will play an active role in supporting the conversations, partnerships and research that help shape Europe's future.
The University will host policymakers, ministers, researchers, diplomats, students, industry leaders and international partners for a wide-ranging programme of Presidency and associated events. Together, they will explore many of the issues at the heart of Europe's agenda — strengthening competitiveness through research and innovation, advancing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, improving health and societal resilience, protecting democracy and academic freedom, enhancing food, data and security, and building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
These are not new conversations for Trinity. Every day, our researchers, students and partners work across disciplines and across borders to tackle many of Europe's biggest challenges. Their work informs public policy, drives innovation, supports economic growth and helps improve lives both in Ireland and internationally.
Throughout the Presidency, our campaign shines a spotlight on the people behind this work. It celebrates researchers whose ideas, discoveries and collaborations are helping Europe respond to complex global challenges, demonstrating the vital contribution universities make to society.
As one of Europe's leading research-intensive universities, Trinity has long been part of the European research community. Through partnerships, collaboration and the exchange of ideas, we will continue to contribute to the discussions and decisions that shape Europe's future.