Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish TimesThe Irish language will for the first time play a central part in Ireland’s presidency of the European Union later this year. All official documents, policy programmes and press releases will be in Irish and English, while content on the Irish presidency website will be available in Irish, English and French. For meetings not chaired in Irish, officials will be encouraged to use pre-prepared opening and closing statements in Irish. [ ‘Huge demand’ for Irish language classes as adult learners return to school decades onOpens in new window ]“Irish language events should be hosted in Ireland and Brussels to engage the Irish-speaking community and showcase the language internationally,” the document has stated. A short training video will be made available to officials and politicians on how to use the Irish language during the presidency.

Source: The Irish Times January 21, 2026 13:09 UTC