Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the council of the European Union will cost the State over €293 million, with €125 million being allocated to An Garda Síochána alone. Ireland will hold the EU presidency from July until December 2026, and for six months will have an opportunity to lead the policy agenda of the EU. According to the Department of Public Expenditure’s report on the 2026 budget, €282 million has been set aside to cover the costs of holding the EU presidency. Another 250 meetings associated with the EU presidency will be held all across the country over the course of the six months. Irish ministers will use the EU presidency to discuss pressing issues for the bloc, including security and defence.

Source: The Irish Times December 28, 2025 06:19 UTC