Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Ireland for its steadfast support as he addressed the opening ceremony of Ireland's EU presidency at Dublin Castle on Wednesday afternoon. The Ukrainian president noted that Ireland stood by Ukraine from the very beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, thanking the nation for its assistance throughout the war.
Zelensky also congratulated Ireland on assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union, a six-month term beginning next week. During this period, Ireland will host hundreds of EU meetings and visits by EU leaders. The Irish government has outlined three priorities for its presidency: competitiveness, values, and security.
Arrival and Meetings
Earlier on Wednesday, Zelensky landed at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, where he was greeted by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is scheduled to meet with him after the formal opening ceremony. This visit comes exactly seven months after Zelensky's state visit to Ireland, during which he met President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin and delivered a historic address to a joint sitting of the Oireachtas.
Security Measures
Following the previous visit, Gardaí investigated reports of drones over the Irish Sea around the time Zelensky's plane landed at Dublin Airport. Defence Minister Helen McEntee later confirmed that counter-drone technology would be deployed during Ireland's EU presidency. An Garda Síochána has warned that a policing and security operation is in place at Dublin Castle and will remain active for the full six-month term.
Ireland's EU Presidency History
Ireland assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time, having last held the role in 2013. The presidency rotates among EU member states every six months, with Ireland's term beginning next week.
