{"id":25707,"date":"2026-10-24T18:27:19","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T16:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.2euros.org\/?p=25707"},"modified":"2026-10-24T18:30:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T16:30:14","slug":"2026-ireland-irish-presidency-of-the-council-of-the-eu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.2euros.org\/en\/2-euro-commemorative-ireland\/2026-ireland-irish-presidency-of-the-council-of-the-eu\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 – Ireland – Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n

In 2026, Ireland is issuing a commemorative 2-euro coin to celebrate its presidency of the Council of the European Union<\/strong>. This issue highlights the country\u2019s role in the functioning of European institutions, paying tribute to its commitment to cooperation, dialogue, and unity among the member states. <\/p>\n\n

From July 1 to December 31, 2026, Ireland will hold the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time. This role entails, among other things, organizing ministerial meetings and coordinating legislative work. Furthermore, it allows the country to facilitate negotiations between European governments. <\/p>\n\n

A member of the European Economic Community since January 1, 1973, Ireland has played an active role in the European project<\/strong>. Over the decades, it has supported the major milestones in the continent\u2019s economic and political integration. Furthermore, its previous presidency, in 2013, took place against a backdrop defined by the aftermath of the financial crisis. <\/p>\n\n

Consequently, this piece celebrates a new milestone in Ireland\u2019s participation in European institutions. It also highlights the principles of solidarity, cooperation, and collective responsibility. <\/p>\n\n

Coin Description<\/h2>\n\n

The obverse of the coin features the official logo of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. At the center of the disc is an abstract composition consisting of five spirals formed by small dots. These patterns are arranged around a central space, creating an effect of circular motion. In this way, the design evokes dynamism, growth, and the interactions between European nations. <\/p>\n\n

Each arm of the spiral consists of 27 points, symbolizing the 27 member states of the European Union<\/strong>. This repetition underscores their participation in a collective project. Furthermore, the five arms form a harmonious whole, illustrating the ties between the various countries. The open space at the center also forms a five-pointed star<\/strong>, a reference to the European flag. Consequently, this composition links the identity of the Union to the concepts of cooperation and unity. <\/p>\n\n

The motif also possesses a historical and scientific dimension. It draws inspiration from the spiral structures observed in the universe\u2014notably through the great telescope at Birr Castle, an instrument that, in the 19th century, enabled the identification of the spiral structure of certain nebulae. Furthermore, the design incorporates influences from Irish sculptural art and its ancient symbols. In this way, it establishes a connection between scientific heritage, artistic traditions, and European identity. <\/p>\n\n

In the upper part of the central disc appears the inscription “\u00c9IRE<\/strong>” which denotes Ireland in the Irish language. On the left is the mention “EU 2026<\/strong>” referring to the European Union. On the right, there is the inscription “AE 2026<\/strong>” using the Irish abbreviation for Aontas Eorpach<\/em>. Finally, a second “\u00c9IRE<\/strong>” occupies the lower part, while the outer ring features the twelve stars of the European Union. <\/p>\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n

In summary, the 2-euro commemorative coin issued by Ireland in 2026 celebrates its eighth presidency of the Council of the European Union. Featuring a design composed of five spirals, this issue highlights the importance of cooperation among the 27 member states. <\/p>\n\n

Par ailleurs, le dessin associe plusieurs \u00e9l\u00e9ments de l’identit\u00e9 irlandaise \u00e0 des symboles europ\u00e9ens. En effet, ses r\u00e9f\u00e9rences astronomiques rappellent les d\u00e9couvertes scientifiques r\u00e9alis\u00e9es en Irlande au XIXe si\u00e8cle. De plus, les influences artistiques traditionnelles soulignent la richesse du patrimoine culturel national. <\/p>\n\n

Thus, this coin serves as a tribute to Ireland\u2019s commitment to Europe and to the values \u200b\u200bof unity, solidarity, and cooperation. It also recalls the country\u2019s role in the European Union\u2019s collective decision-making. Finally, this issue reflects Ireland\u2019s desire to contribute to the development and future of the European project. <\/p>\n\n

Issuing Country:<\/strong><\/td>\"\"<\/td><\/tr>
Issue Date:<\/strong><\/td>July 7, 2026<\/td><\/tr>
Total Mintage:<\/strong><\/td>501.000<\/td><\/tr>
including Proof:<\/td>1.000<\/td><\/tr>
including BU:<\/td>0<\/td><\/tr>
including UNC:<\/td>500.000<\/td><\/tr>
Engraver:<\/strong><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Edge:<\/strong><\/td>\"\"<\/td><\/tr>
Rarity:<\/strong><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Official Journal:<\/strong><\/td>To be defined<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Would you like to know the technical specifications of this coin? Do not hesitate to consult the page dedicated to the characteristics of a 2 euro coin<\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Introduction In 2026, Ireland is issuing a commemorative 2-euro coin to celebrate its presidency of the Council of the European Union. This issue highlights the country\u2019s role in the functioning of European institutions, paying tribute […]<\/a><\/p>\n

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