As Ireland takes over the EU presidency, what place is there for the north? |
AS you probably know, the Republic will take over the presidency of the EU Council in July.
At present Cyprus holds the position, which lasts for six months.
The presidency rotates among the 27 EU member states so it will be quite a long time before Ireland holds it again. The last time was 2013.
It’s a very big deal for a state, for it places an enormous burden on politicians, officials and resources.
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It’s expected to cost the Republic about €300 million, though there will be financial help from Brussels.
According to the government’s website, Ireland expects to chair 22 informal ministerial meetings, 250 presidency events, and host a meeting of the wider European Political Community which will involve heads of state or government from 47 European countries.
That will be the largest event of its kind ever held in Ireland.
The EU Council which the Republic will chair is composed of ministers of the EU governments.
Some of the ministers, in areas like agriculture, finance and foreign policy, meet quite regularly, but in other areas like health less often, because the EU doesn’t have common policies in many areas.
When there is a meeting in a policy area it will be the relevant Irish........