DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland is positioning itself to host a high-profile gathering of European leaders next year, with Tanaiste Simon Harris set to present the proposal to Cabinet next week.

Harris will seek approval for Ireland to host a summit of the European Political Community (EPC), a forum bringing together leaders from 47 countries, representatives from EU bodies, and the Council of Europe. The EPC was established in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and serves as a platform for discussing Europe's political and strategic future.

If approved, the summit would take place during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026. Ireland will hold the rotating EU presidency from July 1 to December 31, marking the eighth time it has taken on the role and the first since 2013.

Harris is expected to emphasize the presidency's importance in strengthening Ireland's influence in Europe. The Government views the summit as an opportunity to elevate Ireland's profile on the world stage and help shape key EU policy discussions at a time of major political shifts.

Preparations for Ireland's EU presidency are already in motion. Scoping work is underway to identify potential venues for hosting key meetings, and the Cabinet will be briefed on the need for extensive logistical and diplomatic planning.

Government ministers will be expected to increase engagement with EU institutions, chair Council meetings, and represent the EU in high-level negotiations.

If approved, the EPC summit is expected to align with an informal European Council meeting, ensuring the presence of top EU leaders alongside non-EU European states. Russia and Belarus remain excluded from EPC discussions, while representatives from NATO and the OSCE have been invited in the past.

If Ireland secures the event, it will mark one of the most significant diplomatic gatherings in the country's history, bringing up to 47 heads of state and government to Dublin.