Ireland's six-month stint as President of the European Union has finally arrived, and with it comes a daunting to-do list. On Thursday, Dublin Castle will host the formal handover ceremony, marking a new chapter in Ireland's EU leadership. This momentous occasion is not only significant for its proximity to Brexit but also comes at a time when the bloc is grappling with numerous pressing issues, not least Russia's ongoing aggression towards Ukraine.
As it takes the reins, Ireland will be expected to navigate complex negotiations on new sanctions against Russia and provide unwavering support to Ukraine. The Irish government has made clear that supporting Ukraine will be an 'important priority' during its tenure, with a focus on bolstering aid efforts and boosting diplomatic engagement.
Critics have, however, raised questions about Ireland's ability to lead the EU's work on digital policy, given the significant presence of US tech giants in the country. The firms at the centre of this debate – including Google, Facebook, and Amazon – have enjoyed strong backing from some quarters, not least former US President Donald Trump.
President Zelenskyy is due to arrive in Dublin shortly before the ceremony, where he will hold bilateral talks with top Irish officials. The Irish government has set its sights on reaching a political agreement on the next EU budget by year's end – a goal that will require immense diplomatic effort, given the competing interests of member states.