From halloumi to boxty: Ireland's EU presidency begins as Zelenskyy delivers a pointed message

TO A LOUD applause, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to the stage at Dublin Castle on Tuesday and thanked Ireland for “standing by our people”. 

As one of the guests of honour at the official opening ceremony of Ireland taking over the EU Presidency, Zelenskyy opened his speech with kind words, thanking “dear Taoiseach Micheál” and the people of Ireland. 

The President said Ukraine “knows how to be grateful”, and noted how important it is to have “relationships based on mutual respect”.

This was the first veiled remarks from the president today. It harked back to his time in the Oval Office where he was unceremoniously dressed down by US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance, when he was told to be grateful to the US. 

The veiled comment was not his last of the day, though. 

During his speech, Zelenskyy also took aim at companies in EU countries “whose only purpose is to work for Russia”.

“I urge you to continue support through new European Union sanctions, and they are needed against Russia’s shadow fleet and against many of Putin still relies on to keep this war going,” Zelenskyy said.

“Unfortunately, there are companies in Europe that are owned or effectively controlled by Russia and its sanctioned oligarchs, they keep supplying the aggressor with essential materials, even now.”

The Irish reporters, who had the cheap seats in the back on the riser in the courtyard (only the Brussels media were lucky to get seats), looked at each other, and hoped that the camera might pan on to the Taoiseach to capture his reaction. 

Unfortunately there was no such luck. 

The Irish government, and the Taoiseach, finds itself caught up in a controversy as it takes on the presidency, which centres on claims that alumina produced at the Russian-owned Aughinish plant in Foynes, Co Limerick (operated by Rusal, which is controlled by oligarch Oleg Deripaska) is being shipped in significant volumes into supply chains that ultimately link back to Russia’s industrial and military sector.

It is Europe’s largest refinery and employs approximately 500 people directly with about 1,000 other related jobs. 

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While Zelenskyy didn’t name the Limerick plant in his address, it was raised at the press conference in the Hibernia Room at Dublin Castle later that day.

The Ukrainian leader and Taoiseach indicated there had been a pretty substantial discussion between the two leaders on the plant. 

Zelenskyy said he welcomed that an investigation was being conducted by the Irish government, but also pointedly said he did not want to wait for months to hear the results. 

He added that he is “really interested” in hearing the outcome of the investigation, stating he hopes it is “positive” news. 

The Taoiseach said the investigation was coming to a conclusion. 

Hosting for six months

Hosting the European presidency is a great responsibility, Zelenskyy said today.

Ireland knows this, and wants it to go off without a hitch. 

“Goodbye halloumi and welcome boxty!” were the words posted online by the European Parliament, painting a picture of Cyprus, the country that held the presidency for the last six months, passing the baton to Ireland. 

On the surface, Tuesday’s opening ceremony was all about showcasing Ireland to the hundreds of foreign diplomats and media that travelled to Dublin.

There was music and dance, and even renditions of songs from The Cranberries. 

But below the surface, key issues such as security and defence will be to the fore of this presidency. 

It was something Zelenskyy pointed out, who mentioned the likes of maritime security and drone deals being paramount. 

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To the side of the stage where the afternoon’s press conference was held, a room in Dublin Castle where referendum results are usually revealed, were Zelenskyy’s top bodyguards, suited and booted in bulletproof vests.

One was holding a briefcase, of sorts. Post press conference speculation among the media questioned what was in it?

A gun? Perhaps medical equipment, like a defibrillator? 

We’ll never know. But the level of security around the Ukrainian leader during this stopover in Ireland is evidence of the level of threat that still faces him.

Speaking to reporters, he said Russia is threatening a further escalation of violence this evening, and he urged civilians in Ukraine to heed the air sirens and to shelter in bunkers. 

Martin said Ireland will ensure Ukraine gets the “military support” it needs.

Such a remark raised some eyebrows, given as Ireland has always maintained that it does not supply lethal weapons to Ukraine, given our neutrality position. 

Questioned about this, the Taoiseach said he was speaking with his EU presidency hat on (something we might see more of in the months ahead), stating that Ireland has offered much support, but none of it lethal. 

One offer that did make the news were vehicles that were offered by Ireland to Ukraine, but turned down. 

Asked why today, Zelenskyy was polite, saying he was grateful for the offer, but ultimately Ukraine had to say no as the technology on the vehicles was too “old”. 

There was an uncomfortable grin on Martin’s face as Zelenskyy explained in broken English how the Irish vehicles were no use to them, given that it would cost them way too much money to upgrade the trucks, and they would much prefer to spend that much-needed cash on drones. Thanks but no thanks, was the message. 

At a time when European security is at the fore, and for Ireland, the focus is on its defence spending not being up to scratch, it was probably a bit of an uncomfortable moment for the Taoiseach. 

But on day one of this EU presidency, it’s probably not the last time the Taoiseach will have to face some uncomfortable truths. 

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