Ireland's neutrality and aid policy as European security contributions (euobserver.com)

• Ireland begins EU Council presidency on 1 July 2026.
• Defence spending: 0.2% of GDP, lowest in Europe.
• Development aid at record high; neutrality and UN peacekeeping highlighted.

"Ireland assumes the EU Council presidency on 1 July 2026 amid criticism of its defence spending (0.2% of GDP, the lowest in Europe). This opinion piece argues that security should not be measured solely by military expenditure: Ireland's record-high development aid, neutrality, and support for international law and UN peacekeeping are valuable assets. The author urges Ireland to champion these during its presidency."