16 September 2026 | 18:46

READING TIME: 1 minute

“We are basing our work on three core principles: competitiveness, values and security,” said Elisabeth McCullough, Ireland’s ambassador to Italy, during the SOTEU — the State of the Union address delivered by Ursula von der Leyen and broadcast live from the Spazio Europa Experience in Rome. She highlighted priorities such as the simplification agenda, the single market, enlargement and strengthening European security. Dublin holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU this semester.

“Above all these areas there are two fundamental priorities: continued support for Ukraine and the multiannual financial framework,” McCullough added, underlining the importance of the EU budget for the next seven years.

On von der Leyen’s address, the ambassador called it “very solid, strong and realistic,” particularly appreciating its emphasis on the economy, energy and European citizens. She identified climate change and artificial intelligence as main challenges, alongside security and cybersecurity.