On 2 July 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered remarks at a dinner hosted by Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Cork to mark the start of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Von der Leyen praised Ireland's history of openness, pragmatism, and ability to build consensus, citing past presidencies in 2004 and 2013 that delivered enlargement, a new EU budget, Erasmus+, and Common Agricultural Policy reform. She called on Ireland to bring its characteristic confidence and values to navigate change during the six-month term.
The speech contained no concrete policy proposals, measurable objectives, or new initiatives. Instead, it offered broad declarative support for Ireland's leadership style, emphasising partnership and positivity. Von der Leyen highlighted Ireland's role in welcoming ten new members in 2004 and delivering key EU programmes in 2013, framing the presidency as an opportunity to continue that legacy. She referenced Cork's history as a merchant and rebel city, and Ireland's pioneering social changes such as banning smoking in workplaces and legalising same-sex marriage by popular vote, as examples of embracing change while staying true to values.
The remarks were delivered in the Aula Maxima at University College Cork, where both the Taoiseach and Commissioner Michael McGrath received their degrees. Von der Leyen drew a metaphor comparing the River Lee's flow to the Atlantic with the Union's strength gathered from many member states. She concluded with a toast to Ireland and a successful presidency, saying "Long live Europe" and "Sláinte."
As the first Irish presidency since 2013, the event carried symbolic weight but offered no new policy direction. The speech was a ceremonial endorsement of Ireland's approach rather than a policy agenda. No prior coverage of this specific event exists in the available record.