Marking the start of the of the Irish EU Presidency, which begins today (Wed. July 1st), both the Irish and EU flags were raised at the offices of Roscommon County Council by the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Domnick Connolly, accompanied by County Librarian, Sandra Turner.

For six months, Ireland will guide negotiations, broker agreement between Member States, and help deliver EU laws and policies that affect the daily lives of more than 450 million people. This is the eighth time Ireland has held the rotating Presidency. 

Engagements will take place across county Roscommon during the tenure of the Ireland’s six-month Presidency, highlighting common bonds and unique characteristics of both Roscommon and Slovenia. It’s hoped these engagements will assist in developing enduring relationships as part of both communities committed support of the European Union.

Speaking at the flag raising ceremony, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Domnick Connolly said this unique collaboration markedthe start of an exciting initiative, remarking: “Ireland’s EU Presidency is an opportunity to celebrate our membership of the EU and the valuable contribution it has made to the creation of a progressive modern nation state, like our own.”

Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan acknowledged the importance of the links being fostered between county Roscommon and Slovenia and the potential to further develop these partnerships during Ireland’s six-month Presidency.

“Last week, I was delighted to meet His Excellency Matej Marn, the Slovenian Ambassador to Ireland, accompanied by Liam Moloney, the Slovenian Honorary Consul in Ireland at a special introductory event to mark this unique collaboration.

“As one of EU’s newer member states, Slovenia shares many parallels with Ireland. It has successfully emerged to become a progressive and forward-thinking member of the European Union. A beautiful country with a growing tourism sector, it borders Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the south and southeast.