“Strength in Unity” is the motto of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which began on 1 July 2026 and was officially presented at the House of Europe in Sofia during a public discussion traditionally organised jointly by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, PanEuropa-Bulgaria, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Bulgaria, the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, and the Embassy of Ireland in Sofia.
The discussion was opened by Ms. Gergana Passy, President of PanEuropa-Bulgaria, and Mr. Norbert Beckmann-Dierkes, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Bulgaria.
H.E. Ms. Catherine Bannon, Ambassador of Ireland to Bulgaria, presented the three key priorities of the Irish Presidency, focusing on strengthening the EU’s competitiveness in the global economy, safeguarding fundamental European values, and ensuring the security of European citizens by investing in defence capabilities and building resilience. Ambassador Bannon emphasised that the Irish Presidency would work towards laying the foundations for the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) through an approach based on dialogue, balance and transparency.
Ms. Velislava Petrova, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, presented the Bulgarian perspective on the priorities of the Irish Presidency. Minister Petrova stressed that Bulgaria and Ireland share a common vision of a stronger, more secure, and more competitive European Union. According to her, the key to successfully implementing these priorities lies in striking the right balance between economic competitiveness and security.
With regard to the next Multiannual Financial Framework, she noted that Bulgaria would participate constructively in the negotiations, with a focus on common European priorities. She highlighted the importance for Bulgaria of preserving the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, while cohesion funding should be directed towards high-value-added investments that contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The event concluded with performances of traditional Irish folk music and dance.
We wish success to the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU!
