Dublin — May 29, 2026 — The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has announced over €731,000 in grants to 112 organisations and local authorities under the 2026 Communicating Europe Initiative, marking a major step in public engagement ahead of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which begins on 1 July 2026.
The announcement was made by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee TD and Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne TD at Citywise Education in Tallaght, one of the grant recipients. The initiative supports projects that deepen public understanding of the European Union and Ireland’s role within it, with this year’s expanded programme reflecting the importance of community participation during Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency.
Local authority projects have been funded to support the EU Presidency County Pairings Programme, pairing Irish counties with EU Member States to foster direct engagement between communities and diplomatic missions.
Minister McEntee highlighted the initiative’s community focus, saying it “marks the beginning of Ireland bringing Europe directly into communities across the country.” She praised the diversity of participating organisations — from schools and youth groups to arts bodies and civic initiatives — for helping citizens “see, feel and participate in Ireland’s EU Presidency.”
Minister Byrne emphasized that the grants will help spark nationwide discussions on EU membership and its benefits. He noted the record number of applicants this year, reflecting growing interest in European engagement across Ireland.
The funded projects will host EU-themed events and educational sessions encouraging citizens to learn about Ireland’s Presidency and the broader European Union. As Ireland prepares to assume a leadership role within the EU, the Communicating Europe Initiative ensures that the Presidency is not just a political milestone but a shared national experience.
