dear Micheál,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for such a warm welcome. It is a particular pleasure to join you in this historic Aula Maxima, where both you and Commissioner McGrath were conferred with your degrees. There could hardly be a more fitting place to start your Presidency. Cork City is known for its merchant and rebel past. It is renowned for its independent spirit, its proud identity, and its long history of looking outward. That spirit has always been part of Ireland's story. And for centuries, the Irish spirit has helped shape our continent. From the monks who kept the light of learning burning through the Dark Ages, to today's remarkable artists and storytellers, like Cillian Murphy and Jessie Buckley, who captivate audiences around the world. Because of your pride in who you are and where you come from, the people of Ireland are never afraid of exploring new pathways and embracing the future. You have built one of our Union's most dynamic economies, while remaining true to your values and your sense of community. Time and again, you have shown a willingness to lead, from becoming the first country to ban smoking in the workplace, to the first to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. And this is exactly what we need today: the confidence to embrace change while staying true to our values.
This is what's so special about the Irish way. You bring people together, find common ground, and quietly get things done. Those qualities have served Ireland well. And they have served Europe well too. When Europe needs to navigate change, Ireland has so often helped to chart the course. Including during your successful Presidencies of the Council. In 2004, Ireland helped herald in the historic enlargement that welcomed ten new members into our European family. And in 2013, you helped deliver a new European budget, Erasmus+, and reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Ireland has always shown that partnership, pragmatism and positivity can build consensus and move Europe forward. Like the River Lee, which flows through this city before meeting the Atlantic, the strength of our Union is gathered from many streams. Each Member State brings its own history, traditions and voice. And together, they flow towards a shared horizon.
So this evening, here where Europe opens out onto the Atlantic, let us look ahead with confidence. For centuries, the same tides that have lapped at Cork's shores have carried people, ideas and friendships across the ocean. May that same spirit of openness and exchange guide us in the months ahead. To Ireland, and to a successful Presidency.
