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Zelensky in Dublin as Ireland begins EU presidency term

News imagePA Media Taosieach Micheál Martin and President Volodymyr Zelensky. They are shaking hands. Martin is wearing a navy suit and Zelensky is wearing a black jacket. Martin is smiling. PA Media
Ukraine's President Zelensky, who attended the ceremony, congratulated Ireland on its presidency

An event marking the start of Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU has taken place in Dublin.

The event was attended by Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin, as well as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The presidency, which will last until December 2026, means that Ireland will guide negotiations and broker agreement between member states.

It will be the eighth time Ireland has taken on the role since they joined the EEC in 1973. Ireland last held the role in 2013.

News imagePA Media A large crowd seated in an urban area. In front of the crowd there is an Irish flag and an EU flag. Many of the crowd are wearing suits. The sky is overcast, and the area is surrounded by red brick buildings. PA Media
The event opened with a flag-raising ceremony

The presidency was previously held by Cyprus.

Martin began the event by welcoming European Council President António Costa and Ukraine's president Vladimir Zelensky.

He added that Ireland's "emergence as a modern open economy and society is deeply intertwined" with its membership of the EU.

Martin said Ireland has "always been a deeply European country", and described the country as a "beacon of hope for the transformative potential of the European appeal".

He added that Ireland will "stand unswervingly by the people of Ukraine".

Martin said Ireland is "determined to ensure Ukraine get the peace and justice they deserve".

The event opened with a flag-raising ceremony while the Irish national anthem and the European anthem were performed.

News imagePA Media Taosieach Micheál Martin. He is wearing a navy suit and standing at a green lectern. Behind him is a large green banner with 'IRELAND2026.EU' written on it. PA Media
Martin described Ireland as a 'beacon of hope'

Zelensky thanked Ireland for its "attention to Ukraine" and congratulated the country on its presidency, which he described as a "great responsibility".

He added that Ireland had stood by Ukraine from the "very beginning" of Russia's invasion.

"We must protect lives and our values from Russia's anti-European aggression, and when we face many other challenges, both in international affairs and at the national level," Zelensky said.

"The EU has an opportunity and responsibility to be a force that brings more stability."

European Council President António Costa said that Ireland has "consistently been at the forefront" of the effort to uphold the "principles at the core of international rules-based order".