Ministers launch EU Presidency stamp on eve of opening ceremony
Tributes following death of former Foreign Affairs Minister, David Andrews
On the eve of Ireland assuming the EU Presidency for six months, Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, was joined by her Meath East colleague, Thomas Byrne, Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs, and Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, to unveil a stamp marking Ireland’s Presidency.
Ireland will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1st July to 31st December.
The 2026 Presidency provides Ireland with an important opportunity to shape EU policy, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and the values at the heart of Europe.
The Presidency will also be the first during which Irish holds full working language status across all EU institutions. The use of Irish within European affairs will include official communications and council meetings with guidance to help government departments to support the use of the Irish language during the Presidency.
The ‘E’ rate stamp, covering postage to the UK and Europe is designed by Dublin based studio, Boyle Design and will be officially available to the public on Thursday. The stamp reflects the Irish EU Presidency’s official logo, featuring the spiral structure of the nebula, first identified in 1845 in Birr, Co Offaly by the Earl of Rosse. The whirling stars and twenty-seven points, and the colour scheme, evoke both the EU and Ireland, and connect Europe to its shared past and its bright future.
Minister McEntee said: “As Ireland begins our eighth term holding the EU Presidency, this stamp is a reminder of Ireland’s place at the heart of the European Union. It marks the beginning of a significant responsibility for Ireland, and a moment of real opportunity for our country to shape the European agenda at a time of profound change and challenge. Our Presidency will focus its efforts on enhancing the competitiveness of our economy, safeguarding the values of our Union at home and abroad, and providing for the security of all our citizens.”
Minister Byrne said: “Stamps are part of everyday life for many of us and the introduction of this special Irish EU Presidency stamp will act as a small reminder of the many ways that Ireland’s EU membership has made Ireland a better place to live and work in. The special EU Presidency stamp will also mark our eighth EU Presidency, when Ireland will take the lead in delivering an agenda that benefits European households and businesses, now and into the future.”
Manager of Irish Stamps, Aileen Mooney said: “An Post is delighted to mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union on behalf of the State. This stamp will travel around Europe on post, as an ambassador for our Presidency and using this stamp is a great way for Irish citizens to show their support for European Institutions, more important now than ever.”
The commemorative stamp and a specially designed first day cover envelope marking Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union are available to purchase online www.anpost.com/shop with free postage and in selected post offices nationwide from Thursday 2nd July.
Over 250 events will take place across the country throughout the six-month period as part of the programme of the Irish Presidency.
An event to mark the beginning of the Irish Presidency will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 1st July in Dublin Castle. Temporary rolling road closures by Garda motorcycle escorts can be expected to take place, for security reasons, between the hours of 12pm (midday) and 5pm to and from Dublin Castle.
Members of the public are asked to comply with Gardaí on duty in the event of encountering any escort rolling road closure.
In addition to the highlighted road closures, temporary localised traffic restrictions may be put in place in the vicinity of Dublin Castle for operational reasons.
The Irish Presidency is primarily concentrated in Dublin Castle. A policing and security operation is currently in place at Dublin Castle and will remain in place for the duration of the Presidency.
The following roads are currently closed to both traffic and pedestrians as part of this operation and will remain closed until 31st December 2026: Castle Street, Ship Street Little, Ship Street Great. Local access is facilitated.
Death of David Andrews
The EU Presidency opening celebrations is tinged with sadness following the news of the death of former Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews, today.
A member of a family steeped in Fianna Fáil tradition, tributes were led by President Connolly, who said: “As President of Ireland, may I join with all those who have expressed their sadness on learning of the death of David Andrews.
"David will be remembered as a politician of great integrity who committed a significant part of his life to the cause of human rights. As Minister for Foreign Affairs during the negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement, David played an important role in bringing an end to the decades of violence on this island.
"Throughout his time in the Oireachtas, he drew attention to the urgency of assisting those suffering in places such as Rwanda, Somalia and Palestine, while he also showed important support for those such as the Birmingham Six and the Guilford Four. Following his retirement from the Oireachtas, David continued to make a great contribution to the cause of human rights as Chair of the Irish Red Cross.
"May I express my deepest condolences to David’s wife Annette, to his children, extended family, friends and colleagues," the President concluded.