Philippe Ward The diagnosis of Europe’s loss of momentum has been apparent for several years, but in the early summer of 2026, Brussels’ bureaucratic agenda has become inseparable from geopolitical urgency. By assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ireland inherits a demanding programme: more than 400 official events are scheduled across the Emerald Isle to steer negotiations ranging from the EU’s multiannual budget to trade relations with Beijing. ...