In a world as fast-moving and unpredictable as the one we are navigating currently, it is reassuring to have certain constants. One of those is St Patrick's Day, celebrated every 17 March, by Irish people, and those of Irish heritage across the globe, including here in the Maltese Islands. For Ireland - a small island shaped by centuries of emigration - it is a global celebration of history, culture, connections and shared values.

We know that we are fortunate to have a national day that is embraced worldwide, offering us an opportunity to share our story, our music and our literature. But we know too that stories resonate most when their themes are universal, when journeys unfold in recognisable worlds and when the arc of the narrative is ultimately hopeful. Ireland's story reflects all of this.

Today, Ireland ranks near the top of the UN's Human Development Index, but that was not always the case. Hunger, poverty and mass emigration are part of our history. And while Ireland's story of sovereignty and independence is now more than 100 years old, it is only in the last half a century - and particularly since joining the European Union - that Ireland's economy has grown exponentially and our society has become more tolerant, equal and inclusive. These values, alongside our commitment to human rights, international law and multilateralism, underpin our bid for membership of the UN Human Rights Council from 2027 to 2029.

2026 is a significant year for Ireland too. In July, we will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time. This period of leadership is an important milestone in our national story. During our 1990 Presidency, vital European decisions smoothed the path towards German reunification. In 2004, under Ireland's Presidency, the European Union undertook its largest expansion, with Malta among the ten new Member States.

Ireland will take on the mantle of the Presidency at a moment of formidable global challenges. Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year, has brought war to Europe, with continuing Russian attacks on towns, cities and energy infrastructure. Ireland is unequivocal in our support for the brave people of Ukraine. We seek a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees Ukraine's sovereignty and independence. Russia's brutal war is a challenge to European security and is global in its impacts. We welcome the efforts of the United States to help end Russia's war of aggression and will support these efforts through our membership of the Coalition of the Willing.

With regard to the current conflict in Iran and the Gulf and Middle East, Ireland's longstanding position is one of support for international law and the United Nations. Our priority now is to see urgent de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. Elsewhere in the region, we welcome all good faith efforts to implement the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. We will continue to work for a durable peace, centred on a two-State solution. This also means that we must see an end to settlement expansion, rising settler violence and mass displacement in the West Bank.

In Sudan, the scale and depravity of the horrors being inflicted on the civilian population shocks our conscience. The international community must intensive efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire and ensure unfettered humanitarian access. The suffering in Sudan cannot be allowed to continue.

None of this is straightforward. Ireland's own experience of conflict, particularly the violence in Northern Ireland from the 1960s to the 1990s, reminds us that peace processes require patience, courage and compromise. We also recognise that those who value peace must be prepared to address threats from those who do not. Although Ireland is militarily neutral, we have increased defence spending by 43% since 2020 and launched the most significant capital investment programme in the history of our Defence Forces.

Our ambition is clear: a safe and prosperous Ireland helping to shape a competitive and innovative Europe. Ireland's economic indicators remain positive. Unemployment is low, and the domestic economy is strong and growing. As an open economy, Ireland hosts the EU headquarters of many major international companies, which choose Ireland as a high-skilled, English-speaking gateway to a European Union of 450 million citizens and consumers.

Ireland has always played an active role in shaping the European Union, just as the Union has profoundly shaped Ireland. During our 2026 Presidency, we will prioritise strengthening competitiveness and deepening the Single Market. The EU is a Union in which Ireland feels at home: 82% of Irish people support our membership, one of the highest levels among Member States.

The Maltese people also hold a positive view of the EU and recognise the benefits of membership. As smaller member states, Ireland and Malta demonstrate how solidarity within the EU supports cooperation and collective decision-making.

At a time of global turbulence, there is strength in Irish stability. Predictability may not generate dramatic headlines, but it creates an attractive environment to invest, visit, study and do business. This is Ireland in 2026 - a country facing challenges, domestically and internationally, yet well-positioned to lead a strong national and European response.

That is an ambition worth celebrating this St Patrick's Day!

Caroline Whelan Ambassador of Ireland to the Republic of Malta