The EESC is hosting a series of cultural activities to mark the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, starting with a talk on the story of the Irish language (22 September). On top of this, a Sri Lankan cultural evening will be held on 23 September.

Marking the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

On 1 July this year, Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time. It is the country’s first presidency since the Irish language acquired full status as an official working language of the EU. This presidency is especially meaningful for the EESC: for the first time in its current form, an Irish national, Séamus Boland, is serving as Committee President. Together, these milestones offer a unique opportunity to highlight Ireland’s history and culture.

To mark this occasion, the EESC will host a cultural programme at its premises, lasting from September until November. The agenda will kick off on 22 September with the talk Told and Untold: the Story of the Irish Language by Dr Diarmuid Johnson. Next on the agenda is a poster exhibition supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Belgium. The exhibition Blazing a Trail: lives and legacies of Irish diaspora women will be inaugurated on 21 October by EESC Vice-President for Communication Marija Hanževački. The programme will close with an interactive drawing workshop on Irish folklore with artist Selkies on 26 November.

Sri Lankan cultural evening

On 23 September 2026, the EESC, in cooperation with the Embassy of Sri Lanka to the European Union, will host a Sri Lankan Cultural Evening. The event will bring together EESC members, representatives of the European institutions and members of the diplomatic community in Brussels to discover the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Sri Lanka. 

The initiative reflects the EESC’s continuous commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue, international cooperation and strong relations between the EU and countries across Asia and the Indian Ocean region. It also builds on the success of the Indian Cultural Evening held at the EESC in February 2026.

The evening will pay tribute to Sri Lanka’s long-standing cultural traditions, opening with the traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp ceremony, a symbol of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings. Welcome addresses will be delivered by Ms Hanževački and HE Mr Chandana Weerasena, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg.

A vibrant cultural programme presented by the Tisaravi Dance Foundation will follow, showcasing a variety of classical and traditional Sri Lankan dances.  

The event forms part of the EESC’s ongoing cultural programme and its efforts to showcase the cultural diversity of its international partners.