The EU Presidency and what it means for County Meath

July sees the start of Ireland’s six month term holding the Presidency of the European Union.  In advance of a particularly busy time for her Department, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Meath TD Helen McEntee, recorded a special interview about the EU Presidency with Local Lens. It touches on a wide range of topics including her priorities, the forthcoming EU Budget, Ukraine, tariffs and trade deals, and how she would like the people of Meath to remember the term. As part of the Presidency County Meath has been paired with Italy so this episode also welcomed the Italian Ambassador to Ireland Nicola Faganello and, outlining what Meath County Council is doing and how the EU Presidency will not impact on budgets or services, is  Elaine Daly, Senior Executive Officer for Corporate Affairs and Governance at Meath County Council.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTIreland's leadership role within the EU CouncilStrategic focus on European competitivenessManaging agri-food and trade relationshipsStrengthening ties between Meath and ItalyUpcoming community events and school initiativesQUOTESEvery six months one of the 27 member states essentially takes over as the chair of the council. - Helen McEnteeThe EU presidency offers huge opportunities for Ireland but also for County Meath. - Elaine DalyThe presidency of the EU Council is an important opportunity to help shape the European agenda. - Nicola FaganelloKEYWORDS #IrelandEUPresidency#MeathCountyCouncil#Twinning #Diplomacy#EUAffairs#LocalLens