Podcast | From Nicosia to Dublin: Cyprus to Pass the Baton to Ireland
Podcast – As of 1 July 2026, Cyprus is set to transfer the leadership of the Council of the European Union to Ireland, marking a new chapter in the country’s role within the bloc. This handover will place Dublin at the center of the EU’s decision-making framework for the next six months, where it will chart the course for key policies and international strategies. But how did Cyprus fare in its time as president? And what specific goals will Ireland pursue as it assumes the mantle? These questions were explored in an exclusive interview conducted by Euronews’ weekly podcast *Brussels, My Love?*, which featured insights from Irene Kostaki, EU correspondent for the Cyprus News Agency; Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, an Irish MEP representing the Renew Europe group; and Micheal O Conchuir, secretary general of the European Alliance Group at the Committee of the Regions.
Challenges Faced by Cyprus
Cyprus’ presidency coincided with a period of intense global and European upheaval. Among the pressing issues was the ongoing global energy crisis, which had thrown EU member states into a state of flux as they sought to balance energy security with environmental commitments. Additionally, the country navigated significant developments within the EU itself, including the conclusion of Viktor Orbán’s leadership in Hungary and the signing of the historic EU-Mercosur trade agreement. These events created a dynamic backdrop for Cyprus to demonstrate its capabilities as a key player in European affairs.
“The lesson I would take for the Irish presidency is to be prepared for the unexpected,” said Micheal O Conchuir, reflecting on the demands of the role. He acknowledged that Cyprus had successfully managed the complexities of its tenure, even amid turbulent international circumstances.
Irene Kostaki, the EU correspondent for Cyprus News Agency, noted that the country had also focused on regional diplomacy. Despite the broader global challenges, Cyprus had maintained its commitment to addressing stability in the Middle East. “Before the war in Iran escalated, Cyprus proactively invited EU leaders to prioritize the region, encouraging visits to Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan,” she explained. Kostaki emphasized that the presidency had not only maintained its focus but also achieved tangible outcomes, such as hosting an informal summit in April that brought together European leaders to discuss Middle Eastern issues.
While the EU faced internal and external pressures, Kostaki argued that Cyprus had managed to steer the agenda effectively. “The presidency managed to have the informal summit in April and to also deliver on the priorities that involved the European Union approaching a bit more the Middle East,” she said, underscoring the country’s diplomatic efforts. This approach, she suggested, had reinforced Cyprus’ reputation as a bridge between the EU and its southern neighbors, even in the face of regional instability.
Ireland’s Strategic Priorities
After years of preparation, Ireland is poised to take the helm of the EU presidency. The country will inherit a critical task: finalizing the long-term EU budget for the 2028–2034 period. This financial framework is central to shaping the bloc’s economic direction and ensuring sustainable growth across member states. Beyond the budget, the Irish presidency will also focus on three key areas: security, defense, and the preservation of European values. These priorities reflect a broader concern about the current state of European unity and the need for a cohesive approach to emerging threats.
“We have a crisis in Europe, and that is the rise of the far right,” stated Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, an Irish MEP from Renew Europe. She highlighted that the Irish presidency would address this issue head-on, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing democratic principles and protecting the EU’s social and political foundations.
One of the most notable aspects of Ireland’s upcoming presidency is the recognition of Irish as an official EU language. This milestone, achieved in 2026, will be a focal point of the country’s leadership, with the EU’s slogan for the term—“Ní neart go cur le chéile,” meaning “unity with strength”—symbolizing this emphasis. The slogan, which was developed during the Irish presidency’s planning phase, is intended to encapsulate the union’s resilience and collaborative spirit.
In addition to these priorities, Ireland will also work to strengthen transatlantic ties, particularly with the United States, as the EU seeks to bolster its global influence. This focus aligns with the broader European goal of securing strategic partnerships to counterbalance other geopolitical powers. Ní Mhurchú also pointed to the importance of the Irish presidency in promoting cohesion among member states, especially as the bloc continues to grapple with political divisions and economic disparities.
Despite the challenges of its predecessor, the Irish presidency has been given a clear mandate to build on Cyprus’ achievements while addressing its own unique set of priorities. The transition from Nicosia to Dublin represents not only a change in leadership but also an opportunity for the EU to reaffirm its commitment to both internal solidarity and external engagement. As the Irish government prepares for this new phase, the stakes are high, and the decisions made during the six months will have lasting implications for the bloc’s future.
For the EU, this handover underscores the importance of a rotating leadership model that allows different member states to contribute their perspectives to the union’s governance. Cyprus’ efforts in fostering dialogue with the Middle East and navigating the energy crisis have set a precedent, while Ireland’s focus on security, defense, and values aims to address the growing concerns of the European public. Whether these goals will be met remains to be seen, but the transition has already sparked discussions about the evolving priorities of the EU in an increasingly complex world.
As the Council of the EU prepares to shift its focus to Dublin, the legacy of Cyprus’ presidency will be evaluated alongside the challenges it helped to manage. The informal summit, the strategic emphasis on the Middle East, and the successful handling of the energy crisis have all contributed to a sense of accomplishment. However, the next phase of EU leadership will require a fresh approach to the issues at hand, particularly in a context where the far right’s influence is on the rise and global cooperation is under pressure. With this in mind, the Irish presidency faces an important responsibility: to ensure that the EU remains united, strong, and responsive to the needs of its citizens.
