30 September 2026 Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne TD joined European Movement Ireland, alongside pupils and teachers from Donore National School, Staleen, Co. Meath, to launch a national call for primary schools across the country to register for the 2026/27 Blue Star Programme during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Blue Star Programme helps primary school pupils learn about Europe and the European Union through creative, interactive, and curriculum-friendly activities. It promotes active citizenship, cultural awareness, media literacy, and a greater understanding of how the European Union impacts everyday life in Ireland.
Launched in 2011, the Blue Star Programme now enters its sixteenth year with a national call to schools to register during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. Last year, almost 400 primary schools and 25,000 pupils took part in the Programme in all 26 counties.
Speaking at Government Buildings today, Taoiseach Michael Martin, said:
“Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union provides an opportunity to demonstrate the important role that all Member States can play in shaping Europe’s future. It is a reminder that every Member State has a voice at the European table and that we are stronger when we work together.
As we look to the future, renewing and strengthening the connection between Irish citizens and the European Union remains an important national ambition. The Blue Star Programme plays a vital role in this effort, providing many young people with their first opportunity to learn about Europe, explore what it means to be a European citizen, and understand how decisions taken at European level affect their daily lives.
I encourage primary schools across Ireland to register for this year’s Programme and become part of a long-standing initiative that has inspired many young learners to engage with Europe.”
Speaking about the Blue Star Programme, Minister Byrne, said:
“You only have to spend a few minutes with the pupils of Donore National School to see the joy, enthusiasm and natural curiosity that young people have about Europe and the world around them.
For more than fifteen years, the Blue Star Programme has helped young people across Ireland develop a deeper understanding of Europe, Ireland’s place within the European Union, and the values that unite us as Europeans. By taking part, pupils gain an appreciation of citizenship, democracy, diversity and the importance of working together to address common challenges.
As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, there has never been a better time for schools to engage with Europe and to help young people understand how Ireland, as a small Member State, can play an important role in shaping decisions at the heart of the European project. As European Affairs Minister, I encourage primary schools from every county to register and take part in this year’s Programme.”
Registration for the Blue Star Programme is open until Friday, 23 October 2026.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne TD, CEO European Movement Ireland David Geary, Niall Casey, European Commission Representation Ireland, Margaret Francois, European Parliament Liason Office in Ireland, Conor Dunne, European Parliament Liason Office in Ireland, Nicola Clavin, European Commission of Representation in Ireland, Principal Ruth Daly, staff and pupils from Donore National School pictured for the Blue Star Programme. Photography by Gareth Chaney