Ireland does not take this for granted, ever. We are fortunate to have a national day that is enjoyed internationally and gives us an opportunity to share our story. But we know too that stories have greatest impact when they touch on universal themes, and when the arc of the narrative is ultimately hopeful. For Ireland, we believe all of this holds true.
Ireland may be prosperous today, but this was not always the case. We understand the challenges of countries experiencing hunger and poverty because this resonates with our history. And although we have been independent more than 100 years, it is only in the last 50 years that our economy has grown exponentially and our society has become more tolerant, more equal and more inclusive. It is these values, together with our commitment to human rights, international law and multilateralism, that we will champion if we are successful in our bid for membership of the UN’s Human Rights Council from 2027 to 2029.
2026 is a huge year for Ireland too. In July, we will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for just the eighth time in our history. Previous Irish Presidencies have overseen significant moments in the EU’s history, including German reunification, and expansion of members in 2004.
Ireland will take on this important role at a time when global challenges have rarely looked so formidable. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year, continues to inflict untold misery on the brave men and women there. We need to see a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. Russia’s brutal war is a challenge to European security and is global in its impacts. We welcome the efforts of the United States to end Russia’s war of aggression and we will support these efforts through our membership of the Coalition of the Willing.
As regards the current conflict in Iran, the Gulf and the Middle East, Ireland’s longstanding position is one of support for international law and the United Nations. Our priority now is to see urgent de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. Elsewhere in the region, we welcome all good faith efforts to implement the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. We will continue to work for a durable peace between Israelis and Palestinians with the implementation of a two-State solution at its core. This also means that, in the West Bank, we must see an end to settlement expansion, rising settler violence and mass displacement.
In Sudan, the scale and depravity of the horrors being inflicted on the civilian population should shock the conscience of us all. We must work to end this appalling conflict and ensure humanitarian access immediately.
None of this is easy work. We know from our own history, in the words of poet WB Yeats, that “peace comes dropping slow”. We also know that even countries which want peace, such as militarily neutral Ireland, must ensure they are ready to face threats from those who don’t. This is why Ireland has embarked on the most significant capital investment in our Defense Forces in the history of our state.
Our ambition is a safe and prosperous Ireland helping to shape a competitive and innovative Europe.
We have always played an active role in shaping the European Union, just as Europe has so profoundly shaped Ireland. We will prioritize strengthening the Union’s competitiveness and deepening our EU single market during our Presidency this year.
Korea and Ireland face many common challenges in 2026, highly open economies navigating global difficulties, and striving to send messages of peace amidst escalating conflict. We must continue to collaborate closely; economically and politically, to face these challenges together.
At a time of so much turbulence, there is strength in Irish stability. This is Ireland in 2026 – a country with lots of challenges, domestically and internationally, but also one well-placed to lead a strong national and European response.
An ambition worth toasting this St. Patrick’s Day!
*The author is the Minister of State at Department of Transport of Ireland.
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