Monaghan County Council officially launched its Monaghan EU Presidency Programme this week, marking a six-month series of cultural, educational, community and civic events that will take place across the county, as Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026. Monaghan has been paired with Finland as part of a national initiative linking each Irish county with an EU Member State for the duration of the Presidency.
The launch was attended by Her Excellency Leena Gardemeister, Ambassador of Finland to Ireland, who joined representatives of Monaghan County Council to celebrate the special partnership between Monaghan and Finland and to highlight the exciting programme of activities planned over the coming months.
Developed through collaboration between Monaghan County Council and the Embassy of Finland in Ireland, and with the support of Paul Sherlock, Ireland’s Ambassador to Finland and a Monaghan native, the programme aims to strengthen cultural, educational, community and business links between Monaghan and Finland while celebrating Ireland’s role at the heart of Europe.
Speaking about the pairing, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Robert Burns, said:
“The Monaghan EU Presidency Programme provides a unique opportunity to strengthen connections between Monaghan and Finland while celebrating Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Through a diverse programme of cultural, educational, community and enterprise events, we look forward to creating meaningful exchanges that highlight our shared values, encourage international collaboration and bring a European dimension to communities across County Monaghan.”
The Monaghan EU Presidency Programme features a diverse range of events and initiatives, including the countywide Moomin programme, led by Monaghan County Libraries, which brings Finland’s beloved literary characters to audiences across the county through exhibitions, workshops and family events. The wider programme also includes cultural exchanges, reading initiatives, music performances, storytelling events and discussions exploring democracy, innovation, sustainability and peacebuilding.
A major highlight of the programme will be the “From Forests to Drumlins” cultural weekend in September, bringing Finnish artists, musicians, storytellers and cultural practitioners to Monaghan, alongside events celebrating shared values such as democracy, innovation and civic participation. The programme will also include a Peace Seminar at the Peace Campus, Culture Night collaborations, enterprise visits and youth engagement initiatives.
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr Aidan Campbell, welcomed the programme and encouraged communities across the county to participate:
“It is a great honour for Monaghan to be partnered with Finland during Ireland’s EU Presidency. This programme offers something for people of all ages and interests, from arts and culture to education, innovation and community engagement. I encourage everyone across the county to get involved and take part in the many events that will celebrate both our European connections and the strong sense of community that defines Monaghan.”
Ambassador Gardemeister also welcomed the initiative, highlighting the strong relationship between Finland and Ireland:
“I am delighted to join Monaghan County Council in launching this exciting programme and to celebrate the partnership between Finland and Monaghan. Finland and Ireland share many common values, including a commitment to democracy, education, sustainability and community. The programme will create opportunities for people in both Finland and Monaghan to learn from one another, build new friendships and enjoy a rich exchange of culture, creativity and ideas throughout Ireland’s EU Presidency.”
Monaghan County Council extended its thanks to Ambassador Gardemeister and the Embassy of Finland for their support and collaboration in developing the programme and looks forward to welcoming communities from across the county to participate in the many events planned over the coming months.
Full programme details are available at: https://monaghan.ie/monaghan-eu-presidency-programme-july-december-2026/