Friday, 25 September 2026
Donegal County Council and Donegal Tourism CLG have expressed immense pride following the successful hosting of a major European Union delegation this week. As part of Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade selected County Donegal as the venue for the informal meeting of the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CivCom) from the 23rd to the 25th of September.
The three-day event brought together 27 delegates representing all EU Member States, along with the Chair of CivCom, Ms. Natalia Raz of the European External Action Service (EEAS), to discuss strategic crisis response, human rights, and governance.
Throughout their stay, the delegation experienced the rich cultural fabric of the Donegal Gaeltacht, reflecting the Irish EU Presidency’s commitment to linguistic diversity following Irish becoming a fully operational EU working language. The itinerary highlighted the region’s premium tourism and cultural offerings.
Reflecting on the importance of the visit, Cllr. Gary Doherty, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, stated:
"This week demonstrated that Europe is not just about Brussels or Strasbourg; it is about our local communities. Bringing European decision-makers directly into the northwest highlights our incredible regional connectivity and allows them to experience the warmth of our people and the depth of our heritage. We are incredibly proud of how our county presented itself on the international stage this week."
The delegation's working sessions, hosted at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Letterkenny, included expert panel discussions on the transformation of policing and post-conflict resolution. As a border county, Donegal provided a highly relevant backdrop for these discussions, allowing delegates to draw on the region's firsthand experience of cross-border cooperation and peacebuilding.
John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council and Chair of Donegal Tourism, emphasised the strategic importance of the event for the region:
"We were absolutely delighted to welcome the CivCom delegation to Donegal. Hosting an event of this calibre during Ireland's EU Presidency proves that our region is not only highly accessible but perfectly equipped to accommodate major international summits. From the seamless arrival at Donegal Airport to the exceptional hospitality provided by our local tourism sector, this visit allowed us to put the very best of Donegal on the European map."
That seamless arrival was facilitated by Donegal Airport in An Charraig Fhinn—renowned for its spectacular scenic approach—where delegates were initially greeted with a welcome reception and traditional Irish music.
Garry Martin, Chair of Donegal Airport and Director of Services for Donegal County Council, noted the significance of this first impression:
"Welcoming the CivCom delegation to An Charraig Fhinn was a tremendous honour and a fantastic opportunity to showcase the vital role Donegal Airport plays as a gateway to the northwest. It highlights that alongside our world-renowned scenic landscapes, we offer the seamless, high-quality connectivity required to host European leaders and major international events."
Donegal County Council and Donegal Tourism CLG extend their gratitude to all local stakeholders, hospitality partners, and Donegal Airport for their collaboration in ensuring the delegates experienced a flawless and memorable visit to the region.
