The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, and the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, have announced that applications are now open for the 2026 Communicating Europe Initiative. This government-backed programme provides funding to voluntary organisations, educational institutions, and civil society groups for projects designed to increase public awareness of the European Union’s role in everyday life.
Minister McEntee highlighted the significance of Ireland’s EU Presidency in the second half of 2026 and emphasized the importance of engaging communities across the country. She noted that the Communicating Europe Initiative will enable Irish citizens to connect meaningfully with the EU through initiatives such as the County Pairings Programme, ensuring the EU Presidency reaches beyond major cities and into local communities.
Minister Byrne underscored the role of local authorities in the programme, particularly through the County Pairings initiative, which links Irish counties with EU Member States to foster direct community engagement. He encouraged local governments, volunteer organisations, and civil society groups to submit ambitious proposals that strengthen connections with the EU and have a lasting impact.
The initiative aims to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues at local, regional, and national levels. In 2026, projects will focus on supporting Ireland’s EU Presidency and the County Pairings Programme, promoting interaction between communities and their European partners.
Funding for the initiative has increased this year, with a total of €775,000 available. Of this, €465,000 is earmarked for community-led projects, while €310,000 is reserved for local authorities supporting the County Pairings Programme. This funding stream empowers organisations across Ireland to enhance public understanding of the EU and engage citizens in meaningful, locally-driven activities.
