Ní neart go cur le chéile - Strength with unity - Irish Presidency Programme is out!

On 10 June, Dublin set out its programme for Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which begins on 1 July 2026, following the conclusion of Cyprus’s presidency. The presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates among EU Member States every six months. In this role, the presiding country chairs most Council meetings, helps set the institution’s work programme and agendas, and represents the Council in dealings with other EU institutions. From July, Competitiveness, Security, and Values will be core themes.

The incoming programme will focus on:

1. Competitiveness and Economy 

   
   

A core priority of the Irish Presidency is advancing the One Europe, One Market Roadmap, aimed at deepening the Single Market as the foundation of European prosperity and economic integration by 2026. The Presidency will prioritise key legislative files, including the Industrial Accelerator Act, the 28th Regime to support cross-border company growth, and the Chips Act 2.0 and EU Product Act to strengthen supply chains and modernise product standards. 

In the financial and economic sphere, work will focus on the Savings and Investments Union to mobilise capital for innovation and growth, including revisions to the EuVECA Regulation and new proposals on investment exits for scaling companies. The Presidency will also seek progress on the Supplementary Pensions Package and aim for a trilogue agreement on the Digital Euro framework. On taxation, priorities include advancing the tax simplification agenda, concluding the recast of the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC), and progressing the Tax Simplification Omnibus to reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency.

2. Security and Defence 

   
   

The Irish Presidency will propose a new European Security Strategy and advance the measures outlined in the White Paper on the Future of European Defence and the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030. Additionally, Ireland will focus on continued support for Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Loan, while also strengthening industrial capabilities and promoting EU-NATO cooperation. Furthermore, the revision of the Cybersecurity Act (CSA) will be pivotal in ensuring that the mandate of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) accurately reflects the responsibilities assigned to it within the broader EU cybersecurity legislative framework.

3. Values, Democracy, Employment and Youth

   
   

The Irish Presidency will prioritise the Fair Labour Mobility Package to support a more efficient EU labour market, strengthen workers’ rights, and ensure a level playing field across Member States. It will also advance work on the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) and the strengthening of the European Labour Authority (ELA). The Presidency will support the forthcoming EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, as well as the next phase of the Erasmus+ Regulation. Strengthening European democracy will be a key priority, including work on the European Democracy Package, the European Democracy Shield, and the Strategy for Civil Society, in line with Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union.

4. MFF, Agriculture and Health

   
   

The Irish Presidency will advance work on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), including National and Regional Partnership Plans, the European Competitiveness Fund, and the Global Europe Instrument.

In agriculture, the Presidency will focus on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), agreement on the Food and Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus by the end of 2026, and advance discussions on the Fertiliser Action Plan. 

In health, priorities include the Health Biotech Act (both Directive and Regulation), simplification of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations, and progress on the Pharmaceutical Package. The Presidency will also prioritise the implementation of the European Health Data Space to support secure data use.

5. External relations: Trade, Partnerships and Enlargement 

   
   

The Presidency will work to strengthen EU-US trade and investment relations and to deepen cooperation under the EU- Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The focus is also on supporting stability in the Middle East, while maintaining attention on key geopolitical priorities such as Ukraine and Moldova. In addition, Ireland will promote closer cooperation between the UK, Canada, and the African Union. On enlargement, the Presidency will prioritise the conclusion of accession negotiations with Montenegro and advance its Accession Treaty. It will also seek progress in negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova, and Albania. 

6. Environment, energy and green transition

   
   

The Irish Presidency will support the European Council’s call for co-legislators to agree and adopt the European Grids Package in 2026, in line with the One Europe, One Market Roadmap. It will also continue work on the RePowerEU Roadmap to phase out remaining Russian energy imports and advance the Energy Products Simplification Omnibus to streamline EU energy efficiency rules.

In the environment field, priorities include the review of the ETS1 Directive, the revision of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and agreement on strengthened ETS1 and ETS2 safeguards. The Presidency will also begin discussions on implementing the EU’s 2040 emissions reduction target and support the European Water Resilience Strategy, alongside continued work on the Environmental Simplification Omnibus. The Presidency is committed to advancing the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan.

The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union sets out an ambitious agenda focused on strengthening competitiveness, enhancing security, and promoting EU values. Through initiatives, the Presidency aims to support a more resilient and integrated European Union.