Enda Kenny accepts Trinity European Laureate Award

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny has received the inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award.

The new award from the Dublin university aims to acknowledge figures who have made an important contribution to European ideals.

Ireland held the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2013, during Kenny’s tenure as Taoiseach.

The retired politician said that Ireland’s last EU Presidency was “guided by the belief that we are truly, madly, deeply European, and committed to that ideal.” He listed the Multi-annual Financial Framework, advances for research funding, CAP reform and Erasmus+ as achievements during that period.

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+.” 

Speaking at the ceremony last Tuesday, 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.”