Taoiseach and Minister Byrne launch the Blue Star Programme 2025/26

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, today launched the 2025/26 Blue Star Programme at Government Buildings alongside primary school pupils from St Patrick’s National School, Stamullen, Co Meath.

Now in its 15th year, the award-winning Programme, managed by European Movement Ireland for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, teaches primary school pupils about how the European Union works and the benefits that EU membership brings to Ireland. Since 2011, over 1,300 schools and 220,000 pupils have taken part in the Blue Star Programme.

Minister Byrne said: “I would like to thank all the 6th class children from St Patrick’s National School who helped to launch the Blue Star Programme today.

“As Minister for European Affairs, I would like to acknowledge the work of the teachers in over 1,300 schools who have supported the Programme since 2011, encouraging pupils to learn about the EU and its future ambitions in fun and engaging ways.”

The Blue Star Programme aims to give young people an early understanding of what it means to be European, and how the EU works through projects that complement the national curriculum. Pupils carry out projects on the history, geography, culture and creativity, and Institutions of the EU.

Primary Schools in Ireland are invited to register for the Blue Star Programme by 10 October 2025.

ENDS

Press Office

8 September 2025

The Blue Star Programme is managed by European Movement Ireland and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who provide multiannual funding of €100,000 per annum over three years. It represents an investment by Government in raising awareness of EU issues among the next generation, ensuring they have a strong understanding of how the EU works and the benefits that EU membership brings to Ireland.

Further information on the Programme is available on The Blue Star Programme website.