Event marks the launch of the firm’s new EU Presidency Hub
Matheson was delighted to welcome Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, as guest speaker at its most recent leadership briefing on Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of Europe, which took place in the firm’s Dublin office on Thursday, 12 February.
The briefing focused on the key political, legal, and economic priorities that will shape Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026, including Ireland’s role in steering the EU legislative agenda, managing complex geopolitical challenges, and advancing competitiveness and growth across the EU.
Speaking at the event, Minister Richmond shared his perspectives on the evolving EU political landscape, the strategic priorities for Ireland’s Presidency, and the institutional challenges facing the Union, with a Q&A session chaired by Matheson’s Managing Partner, Darren Maher. In particular, the Minister highlighted the significance of negotiations on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, the growing focus on security and defence cooperation, the need for regulatory simplification to support business, and the importance of strengthening EU competitiveness and advancing an open, rules-based trade agenda.
Referencing Matheson’s client base, Minister Richmond noted that Ireland’s presidency offers an ideal window for multinationals to visit Ireland at a time when the country sits at the centre of European attention and engagement. This elevated profile provides organisations with unparalleled access to key European stakeholders, policymakers, and decision-makers, creating strategic opportunities for engagement that extend well beyond typical business-as-usual interactions.
The event also marked the launch of Matheson’s EU Presidency Hub, a dedicated information resource to support clients and stakeholders as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency. The Hub provides timely legal analyses, policy briefings, and practical guidance on traversing the EU legislative process, negotiations, and regulatory developments. The Hub’s launch underscores Matheson’s ongoing commitment to helping clients navigate implications of the EU policy agenda and preparing for the opportunities and challenges that will arise during Ireland’s Presidency.
Managing Partner at Matheson, Darren Maher, said: “The decisions made during Ireland’s Presidency will shape Europe for years to come, and we’re committed to ensuring our clients are positioned for success every step of the way. Throughout this year, Matheson will be providing insights – through both our new EU Presidency Hub and a dedicated programme of events – into the key regulatory developments; helping clients to anticipate upcoming changes and connecting them with the policy discussions that will shape the business environment.”
Matheson provides Irish and EU legal expertise and strategic insight for businesses engaging with EU institutions and preparing for upcoming legislative and regulatory developments.
For more updates, visit Matheson’s EU Presidency Hub.
L-R: Claire Scannell, Head of Strategy, Planning and Communications, Matheson, Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, and Darren Maher, Managing Partner, Matheson