Posted on: 25 November 2025

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny was presented with the inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award at an event in Trinity Long Room Hub.

The award is in recognition of his leadership when Ireland last held the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2013.

In partnership with the global CEO advisory firm Teneo, the Trinity Long Room Hub’s new award acknowledges figures – both Irish and international – who have made an important contribution to European ideals. 

With Ireland due to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in July 2026, the Trinity Long Room Hub is planning a series of events which will focus on the opportunities and challenges of the presidency, EU research, democracy and much more. It will also develop a series of podcasts to discuss different aspects of Europe with students, researchers, politicians, policy-makers and ambassadors. 

Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, said: “We are honoured to present this inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award to former Taoiseach Enda Kenny in recognition of his leadership during the last Irish presidency of the EU when, among other achievements, great advances were made for European research including a 70-billion euro Horizon 2020 programme and agreement on Erasmus+. 

“We are also delighted to partner with the global CEO advisory firm Teneo to celebrate over the next year various people who have contributed to the European ideal across all areas and walks of life.  This is part of a broader programme of events within the Trinity Long Room Hub that will see us reflect on our shared European history, our languages and culture, our literature, and our identity and shared values.  We look forward to contributing to the success of our forthcoming presidency of the Council of the EU.”

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “I am delighted and honoured to receive the inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award.  This recognition honours Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union back in 2013 when Ireland was in a much different place but still able to make a vital contribution to European affairs.  Our Presidency was guided by the belief that we are truly, madly, deeply European, and committed to that ideal.

 “I am proud of what we achieved, including agreement on the Multi-annual Financial Framework, major advances for research funding, CAP reform and Erasmus+.  Ireland has a proud history within the European Union and it is a community we have helped to build together.  My thanks to the Trinity Long Room Hub and Teneo for this great honour as Ireland looks to its next Presidency in July 2026.”

Mick O’Keeffe, CEO of Teneo, Ireland said: “As the leading CEO advisory firm, Teneo is proud to partner with the Trinity Long Room Hub, Ireland’s leading Arts and Humanities Research Institute, to honour remarkable individuals whose work has strengthened the European ideal. The inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award, presented to former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, recognises his exceptional leadership during Ireland’s 2013 Presidency of the Council of the EU and the lasting impact of that achievement. 

“Teneo has a significant presence in Europe with offices in Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt and of course Dublin and we are delighted to celebrate Ireland’s continued contribution to the European Union as we look ahead to the opportunities and challenges of its upcoming Presidency in July 2026.”

Also at the event in Trinity this evening, a panel discussion chaired by Conor Brophy (Teneo), and featuring Dr. Brigid Laffan (Limerick), Danny McCoy (IBEC), and Professor Sineád Ryan, Dean of Research (TCD) examined the achievements of the 2013 Irish presidency of the EU while looking forward to 2026 to see what’s on the horizon in terms of challenges and opportunities.

Coming up next in Trinity Long Room Hub Presidency of the Council of the EU Programme:

On Monday, 1 December 2025, the Danish Ambassador, Lars Thuesen, and Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, will reflect on the Danish Presidency of the EU which will end on 31 December 2025.