Ireland’s upcoming Council of the European Union Presidency puts spotlight on Blue Star Programme

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Minister for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne calls on teachers in Sligo to register for the award-winning 2026/27 Blue Star Programme. With Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union fast approaching, this provides a timely opportunity to teach pupils about the EU in a fun, creative and accessible way.

The Blue Star Programme has four core elements which includes European history, geography, culture and creativity, with participating pupils gaining a greater understanding of the EU institutions. The success of the programme is reflected in its flexibility and adaptability to the national primary curriculum.

Launching the Blue Star Programme, European Affairs Minister, Thomas Byrne, said, “Today marks a special occasion as we launch the Blue Star Programme in St. Patrick’s National School Stamullen, Co Meath. In less than 30 days, Ireland will take on a significant leadership role, as we assume our eighth EU Presidency. The Blue Star Programme provides a wonderful opportunity for students across Ireland to strengthen their knowledge of EU Institutions, European issues and the decisions that shape their lives. I encourage schools across Ireland to register, and I would like to commend participating teachers and pupils for their dedication and commitment to the Blue Star Programme.”

Teachers can integrate the Programme into their lesson plans and tailor EU projects to their classes’ aptitude and ability. The Blue Star Programme is open to all primary school ages, from junior infants to sixth class, and is designed to be run in every school setting across Ireland including island, Gaelscoileanna, and DEIS schools. The Programme also places a strong emphasis on celebrating the rich cultural diversity in Irish classrooms today.

As the National Implementation Body of the programme, Fiach Mac Conghail, Vice Chair of the Board of European Movement Ireland, said: “We are delighted to launch the Blue Star Programme, in its sixteenth year, as Ireland prepares to assume its EU Presidency, there has never been a more exciting time for teachers and students to participate in the Programme.”

European Movement Ireland are the National Implementation Body of the Blue Star Programme, and it is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Further information about the Programme can be found at bluestarprogramme.ie and Clár na Réalta Goirme.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.