Ireland’s EU Presidency is putting young people at the centre of the national conversation with the launch of a new EU youth guide and a nationwide student competition. The initiative, announced by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee TD and Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne TD on 21 September 2026, aims to make European policy easier for young people to understand and influence.
EU youth guide explains Ireland’s EU Presidency
The Young Person’s Guide to the Irish EU Presidency has been created for readers aged 15 to 17, with a particular focus on Transition Year students. Written in accessible language, it explains the role of the EU Presidency and helps students engage with Ireland’s policy programme.
The guide is intended to work alongside Ireland’s EU Presidency policy programme, published by the Government in June. It is available online in both English and Irish, giving schools and youth groups a practical resource for classroom discussion and civic education.
The publication follows the launch of the children’s book Ireland’s EU Presidency: Ní neart go cur le chéile, which was introduced by Minister McEntee on 7 September and is aimed at younger readers.
EU and Me competition invites community projects
The EU and Me competition is open to children and young people in primary and secondary schools, as well as other educational settings. Participants can use either publication to develop a project showing how the work of Ireland’s EU Presidency connects with their local community.
Entries will be assessed by a judging panel. Winners will receive prizes and an opportunity to present their projects to EU policymakers during an awards event hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in early 2027.
- The competition runs from 17 September to 27 November 2026.
- Projects should connect EU priorities with local communities.
- Winning participants will have the chance to share their ideas with policy experts.
- Participation details are available through the official government announcement.
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Young voices included in Presidency planning
Young people contributed to the guide through a dedicated Youth Advisory Group linked to the Comhairle na nÓg and Seanad na nÓg 2025 structures. The Department said this involvement was designed to ensure the resource reflects the questions and concerns of young people across Ireland.
The wider outreach programme also includes a children’s version of the Presidency policy programme and a County Pairings Programme, which matches every county in Ireland with an EU Member State.
Minister McEntee highlighted issues including education, innovation, research, climate action, artificial intelligence and equality as areas where EU decisions will continue to affect young people. Minister Byrne said the competition provides a two-way channel through which students can respond to Government and explain what matters in their communities.
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Why the initiative matters
The project is designed to strengthen understanding of Ireland’s place in Europe while encouraging critical thinking and participation. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade partnered with Drumcondra Education Support Centre to align the competition with the national curricula.
By connecting EU policy with familiar local issues, the programme gives students a clearer route into European affairs. It also supports the Government’s broader effort to communicate the benefits of EU membership and make policymaking more inclusive.
Key takeaway for schools and families
Schools, youth organisations and families should review the guide and competition requirements before the 27 November deadline. The EU youth guide and EU and Me competition offer young people more than information: they provide a structured opportunity to develop ideas, link them to their communities and have their perspectives heard at European level.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
