Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Dublin for the opening ceremony of Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at Dublin Castle. He was greeted at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, who is expected to convey that the courage and resilience of Zelensky and the Ukrainian people will serve as a "guiding inspiration" for Ireland during its six-month term.
Meetings and Priorities
Following the ceremony, Zelensky will hold further meetings with Irish and EU leaders. Taoiseach Micheál Martin emphasized that supporting Ukraine is an "important priority" for Ireland's presidency, describing Ukraine as "part of our European family." He stated, "In our meetings today, we will also be discussing how to increase pressure on Russia so that the cost of continuing its illegal war becomes unsustainable." Martin also noted that it is possible "in theory" for Ukraine to join the EU while Russia's invasion continues, but stressed that accession would be merit-based and take time. He rejected claims that Ireland's support for Ukraine had been undermined by alumina exports from the Aughinish Alumina refinery in Limerick, which have been linked to Russian arms manufacturers, asserting that Ireland has been a strong supporter of all EU sanction packages.
Security and Other Visits
Simon Harris expressed confidence in security arrangements for the presidency, noting that "a huge level of preparation has been put into hosting a successful presidency." The visit coincides with that of European Council President António Costa, who is also in Dublin, and precedes a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU commissioners to Cork on Thursday and Friday. Martin and Costa discussed priorities for Ireland's term, including negotiations on the EU's next multi-year budget. Costa highlighted the Irish presidency's role in EU enlargement, suggesting that accession talks with Montenegro could be finalized before the end of the term. This visit comes seven months after Zelensky's state visit to Ireland, during which he addressed a joint sitting of the Oireachtas. Following that trip, reports of drones over the Irish Sea prompted investigations, and Defence Minister Helen McEntee confirmed that counter-drone technology would be deployed during the presidency. An Garda Síochána has implemented a policing and security operation at Dublin Castle that will remain in place for the duration of Ireland's term.
