5th March 2026
- As part of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, Ireland will host the International AI Summit, opening European AI innovation Month, in partnership with the European Commission.
This flagship event, taking place on 14 October 2026 in Dublin, will bring together over a thousand EU & global leaders, Heads of Government, CEOs, investors, innovators and academics, under the theme: Enabling AI to Power European Growth.
In partnership with the European Commission, the AI Summit is the opening event for European AI Innovation Month, a series of European events on AI innovation, with Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen being a keynote speaker. European AI Innovation Month will conclude in Brussels, Belgium, on 17 November 2026.
Ireland is ideally positioned to host this international gathering, and drive significant and impactful dialogue on the strategic direction of Europe’s next phase of applied AI Leadership. Ireland is the location-of-choice for leading global tech companies and AI providers, and Ireland’s Digital Ireland Strategy 2026 outlines underpins Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation as core priorities for Ireland.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said,
“Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we do business, how we deliver services and how we compete globally. Ireland is committed to driving AI adoption across enterprise — particularly among SMEs — to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Through strategic investment, strong research capability and collaboration with industry, Ireland is positioning itself as a focal location and hub for digital innovation in Europe. This Summit will demonstrate Ireland’s leadership in AI deployment, attract further investment and strengthen Europe’s digital resilience and competitiveness. The Summit will also highlight Ireland’s commitment to responsible AI, safety and skills development, ensuring innovation goes hand in hand with trust.”
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth said,
"The AI Summit this October is a central commitment of mine and a key deliverable in Ireland’s recently published Digital and AI Strategy. It represents a pivotal moment to demonstrate Ireland's ambition and to move beyond dialogue into decisive, global leadership.
"As the bridge between Europe and the global tech sector, Ireland is uniquely positioned to lead the conversation on responsible innovation. We will use this Summit as a premier platform to showcase the brilliance of Irish-grown businesses alongside the world-leading multinational and European companies that call Ireland home.
"As a flagship event of Ireland's EU Presidency, this Summit carries great significance. It is an opportunity to shape the European agenda on AI at the highest level, and to demonstrate what Irish leadership looks like on the world stage.
"Following my recent engagement at India's AI Impact Summit, it is clear that our success depends on merging rapid progress with trust and accountability. By working in lockstep with the European Commission and our industry partners, we are ensuring this Summit delivers a meaningful, lasting legacy that cements Ireland's role as the premier destination for the next generation of technology."
ENDS
Notes to editors
About the International AI Summit
The International AI Summit is a flagship event for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026. It takes place in Dublin on 14 October 2026, further information will be confirmed in the coming months.
About European AI Innovation Month 2026
Organised jointly by the European Commission and the Irish Presidency of the Council, this initiative will dedicate 4 weeks to discussing and showcasing the development and deployment of AI in Europe. It will provide a coherent narrative covering political vision, research excellence, and industrial uptake.
The European AI Innovation Month will start on 14 October 2026 in Ireland and conclude on 17 November in Belgium with the European Apply AI Summit. More information: European AI Innovation Month - Save the date | Shaping Europe’s digital future
About Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026
From 1 July to 31 December 2026. Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union – a central leadership role at the heart of EU decision-making.
For six months, Ireland will guide negotiations, broker agreement between Member States, and help deliver EU laws and policies that affect the daily lives of more than 450 million people.
This will be the eighth time Ireland has held the rotating Presidency – a responsibility that reflects our enduring commitment to partnership, cooperation and progress in Europe. Ireland last held the role in 2013, and previously in 1975, 1979, 1984, 1990, 1996 and 2004. More information; Presidency of the Council of the European Union | Ireland.ie
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