Zelensky arrives in Dublin as Ireland’s EU presidency starts

Written by journalist Danylo Aleksandrov

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Ireland with an official visit at the same time when the country’s presidency in the European Union started.

The event took place in Dublin and was attended by the country’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin as well as Ukrainian President. This position will be held by Ireland until December 2026. This is the 8th Irish EU presidency, last time being in 2013. The previous country to hold the position was Cyprus.

For Ireland, this means that it will be the mediator in different negotiations between EU member states and take a more important role in other negotiations, such as those about Ukraine’s admission into the block.

Martin began the event by welcoming another guest – President of the European Council António Costa and Ukrainian President. In his speech, PM of Ireland linked his country’s success in becoming a modern and open economy and society with joining the EU. He also added, that Ireland will "stand unswervingly by the people of Ukraine" and is "determined to ensure Ukraine get the peace and justice they deserve".

From his side, Zelensky congratulated Ireland with the Presidency and thanked for its attention to his country. He also expressed gratitude as Ireland was supporting Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Finally, he said that in the world where new challenges arise, the EU has the potential to become a power that brings stability.