European Council President António Costa met Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin on Thursday, 17 September 2026, marking a key stop on his European tour ahead of negotiations on the European Union's next long-term budget.

The talks at Government Buildings focused on shaping the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 2028 to 2034 period. Ireland currently holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, placing Dublin at the centre of diplomatic efforts to build consensus across the 27 member states.

President Costa's visit follows a series of bilateral meetings in capitals across Europe, including recent discussions in Vienna, Rome, Paris, and Brussels. The tour was designed to gather national perspectives on funding priorities, spending limits, and structural reforms before formal budget negotiations intensify in the autumn.

Discussions surrounding the next long-term budget remain challenging, as member states hold differing views on total expenditure and policy allocations. Fiscally conservative member states have pushed for restraint and administrative spending cuts, while others advocate for increased funding for defence, industrial competitiveness, and climate initiatives alongside traditional support for agriculture and regional cohesion.

As Council president, Ireland is tasked with drafting an updated negotiating framework to narrow differences among national governments ahead of upcoming discussions among European leaders.