Taoiseach welcomes EU Council President to Dublin
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will host European Council President António Costa in Dublin today for talks on Ireland’s EU Presidency progress. The leaders will also prepare for October’s European Council meeting, focusing on Ukraine, the Middle East, and the next EU budget negotiations.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will welcome European Council President António Costa to Farmleigh House in Dublin this afternoon for a series of high-level discussions. The visit marks the final leg of President Costa’s traditional ‘Tour of Capitals’, where he engages with EU leaders to review progress on key policy priorities ahead of the October European Council summit.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for Mr Martin to brief President Costa on the achievements of Ireland’s six-month Presidency of the EU, which began on 1 July. Central to the discussions will be the ongoing negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-34, a cornerstone of the Union’s future policy direction. Ireland has been actively mediating between member states to secure agreement on critical issues, including funding levels, expenditure distribution, and financing mechanisms.
Looking ahead to the 15-16 October European Council gathering, the leaders will also address pressing international developments, including the escalating conflict in Ukraine and the evolving situation in the Middle East. Migration and EU enlargement will feature prominently on the agenda, alongside strategic preparations for the upcoming European Political Community summit and the informal meeting of EU leaders scheduled to take place in Dublin this November.