President Ursula von der Leyen addressed guests at a dinner hosted by Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Cork on July 2, 2026, marking the start of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The speech praised Ireland’s historical spirit, its role in European enlargement in 2004 and reforms in 2013, and highlighted the country’s achievements such as banning smoking in the workplace and legalising same‑sex marriage. Von der Leyen welcomed the Irish people’s tradition of collaboration and noted that Ireland’s pragmatic approach has helped shape EU policy. She called for continued confidence and openness in the months ahead, urging European leaders to look forward with the same spirit that has guided Ireland’s engagement with the Union. The President concluded with a toast to a successful Irish Presidency.
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