Dublin — 5 December 2025 — Taoiseach Micheál Martin will welcome European Council President António Costa to Dublin next Tuesday, 9 December, for high‑level discussions ahead of a pivotal European Council meeting later this month.
Costa’s visit forms part of his regular tour of EU capitals to consult with national leaders on the Council’s agenda. The December summit — scheduled for 18–19 December — is expected to focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, the EU’s next multiannual budget (MFF), enlargement, competitiveness, and European security and defence.
The meeting in Dublin will also look ahead to Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026, a period during which Dublin will play a central role in shaping legislative priorities and steering negotiations on the Union’s long‑term budget.
Speaking ahead of Costa’s arrival, the Taoiseach said he looked forward to “an important conversation on many of the pressing items on the European Council agenda.” He noted that the talks will build on President Zelenskyy’s recent visit to Ireland, during which Dublin reaffirmed its support for Ukraine and discussed ongoing US‑led peace efforts.
Martin said he and Costa will examine how the EU can “step up support for Ukraine across all strands, including financially,” while maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions.
The leaders will also review the situation in the Middle East, following the adoption of a recent UN resolution on Gaza, and discuss how the EU can help underpin the ceasefire and support efforts toward a lasting peace based on a two‑state solution.
The Taoiseach added that Ireland’s preparations for its upcoming EU presidency will be a key part of the discussion, with priorities including strengthening the Union’s competitiveness and advancing negotiations on the next seven‑year budget.
