Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union: congratulatory letter

To: Helen McEntee, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
From: Stephen Gethins MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy
Sent: 24 June 2026

Dear Helen,

Thank you for your kind letter and for your warm wishes on my appointment.

I was grateful for your generous reflections on the close relationship between Scotland and Ireland, and I share your view of the importance of continuing to deepen that co-operation in the years ahead.

I am writing to offer my congratulations to you and to the Government of Ireland as Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in keeping with the Scottish Government’s practice of extending congratulations to each incoming Presidency. Ireland’s stated priorities for the Presidency – competitiveness, values and security – reflect a strong commitment to constructive European co-operation and to delivering practical outcomes at a consequential time for Europe. These are objectives that Scotland strongly supports and follows with very close interest.

Scotland and Ireland enjoy a close and longstanding relationship, grounded in shared values, strong cultural and economic ties, and regular engagement across a wide range of policy areas. Ireland holds a special place in Scotland’s international priorities, and we greatly value the depth and warmth of the ties between our two countries.

We have been encouraged by the progress made under the Ireland-Scotland Bilateral Co-operation Framework 2030 since its launch last year, and I look forward to discussing in due course how we can continue to build on that momentum.

We greatly value the open and collaborative nature of our exchanges with Ireland, and I look forward to continued close engagement.

I wish you every success for a productive and impactful Presidency.

Yours sincerely,

Stephen Gethins MSP, 
Minister for Europe, 
External Affairs and Energy