Donegal hosts EU CivCom delegation during 2026 Presidency

Donegal County Council and Donegal Tourism CLG welcomed a 27‑member European Union delegation for the informal meeting of the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CivCom) from 23 to 25 September.

The three‑day event, selected by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union, brought together representatives from all EU Member States and the CivCom Chair, Ms Natalia Raz of the European External Action Service, to discuss strategic crisis response, human rights and governance.

Delegates were based at Atlantic Technological University in Letterkenny, where expert panels examined policing reform and post‑conflict resolution, drawing on Donegal’s border‑county experience of cross‑border cooperation and peacebuilding.

Throughout their stay the delegation experienced the Donegal Gaeltacht’s cultural heritage, reflecting the Presidency’s emphasis on linguistic diversity following Irish becoming a fully operational EU working language.

Cllr Gary Doherty, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, said the visit showed that “Europe is not just about Brussels or Strasbourg; it is about our local communities.” John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of the council and Chair of Donegal Tourism, added that the event demonstrated the region’s accessibility and capacity to host major international summits.

Delegates arrived via Donegal Airport (An Charraig Fhinn), where they were greeted with a reception and traditional Irish music. Garry Martin, Chair of the airport and Director of Services for the council, highlighted the airport’s role as a gateway to the northwest.

Donegal County Council and Donegal Tourism CLG thanked local stakeholders, hospitality partners and the airport for delivering a seamless and memorable visit.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Max Chen / Pexels.