Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU from July 1 to December 31, 2026. Taking on this role for the 8th time since becoming an EU member, Ireland prioritizes competitiveness, values, and security on its agenda. In an era where global politics is becoming increasingly unstable and challenging, Ireland will act on the principle of “strength with unity.”

Ireland joined the European Communities on 1 January 1973, alongside Denmark and the United Kingdom. Since then, EU membership has played a significant role in Ireland’s economic and social development. Another major milestone in its EU membership history was joining the Eurozone in 2002. The country is not part of the Schengen Area.

Assuming the EU Presidency in the second half of 2026, Ireland will initiate the first phase of the 18-month “Trio Presidency” system. Following Ireland, Lithuania (January-June 2027) and Greece (July-December 2027) will take over the EU Presidency. As is known, these three countries work together to determine the objectives and agenda for the 18-month period.

The three countries have adopted the motto “unity in diversity – three corners, but one compass.” The program consists of three pillars:

• A free and democratic Europe
• A strong and secure Europe
• A prosperous and strong Europe

Priorities of the Irish Presidency

Moving forward with the principle of strength with unity, Ireland will take decisive action in the following areas:

• Competitiveness: Promoting prosperity and well-being.
• Values: Protecting the indispensable foundation of the EU.
• Security: Protecting citizens.

These three pillars will form the foundation of the Irish Presidency. In addition to working on these pillars, it will maintain its ongoing support for Ukraine and its global role. In this period dominated by uncertainties, Ireland will work to achieve stability and strengthen cooperation with its EU neighbours and other global partners, including the UK and the US.

Competitiveness

Europe urgently needs to improve its competitiveness and productivity to ensure a secure economic future that meets the needs and expectations of its citizens. The Single European, Single Market Roadmap offers a blueprint for delivering tangible progress. The objectives of this roadmap will be a key priority for the Irish Presidency. Efforts will be guided by five strategic building blocks:

Simplification of Rules

First is the simplification of rules. Unnecessary administrative burdens will be reduced by prioritizing omnibus simplification packages. A more coherent regulatory framework will be prioritized. This will pave the way for the rapid and efficient development of critical infrastructure, clean and affordable energy, and accessible housing.

A More Integrated Single Market

The Single Market is the bedrock of Europe’s economy and prosperity. The Irish Presidency will work to remove barriers, overcome regulatory burdens, boost trade within the internal market, accelerate digital transformation, and create a level playing field for businesses operating across the EU. The seamless establishment and growth of businesses across the EU will be facilitated, including through the "EU Inc." proposal. Decisive action will be taken on the Savings and Investments Union, helping to channel Europe’s substantial savings into more productive investments.

Defending Robust Trade

An ambitious trade policy agenda that strengthens trade relations with reliable global partners and diversifies markets will also be at the centre of these efforts. The Irish Presidency will support efforts to bolster the EU’s economic resilience. Guided by the principles of "promote, protect, and partner" that support economic security, supply chain resilience will be enhanced.

Energy Transition

All efforts to respond to the energy crisis facing Europe will be supported. To increase Europe’s security of supply, priority will be given to efforts aimed at developing sustainable, affordable, and secure energy systems. The European Grids Action Plan will be completed, and the proposed Energy Security Package will be advanced. Measures to protect and ensure the resilience of energy infrastructure will be supported, and work will be done to accelerate the clean energy transition and phase out dependence on fossil fuel imports.

Digital/AI

The aim is to strengthen the EU’s capacity in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) and to advance the EU’s stance on responsible digital governance. An AI Summit will be held to bring together governments and stakeholders. Work on digital connectivity and digital networks will be progressed. Focus will be placed on investments in submarine telecommunications connections and the security and resilience of submarine cables.

Complementing these efforts, priority will be given to sectoral initiatives supporting competitive and sustainable agriculture and fisheries; an innovation-friendly regulatory environment and policy framework will be established; and mobility in education will be advanced through Erasmus+. Furthermore, investments in strategic and emerging sectors, including AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and new technologies, will be encouraged.

To increase innovation, resilience, and competitiveness in the health sector, legislative work on biotechnology and medical devices will be taken forward.

Values

Throughout the Irish Presidency, support for Ukraine will continue, and Ireland will persistently call for a just and lasting peace. Additionally, the EU’s role as a principled global actor will be strengthened. In this context, multilateralism and the international global order will be supported. The UN and the multilateral system, human rights, women’s rights, democracy, and the rule of law will be promoted.

Active engagement will be shown to support lasting peace and security in the Middle East. Particular emphasis will be placed on the EU’s support for a two-state solution, and efforts will be made in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Considering that the EU and its Member States are the leading providers of Official Development Assistance (ODA), a platform will be provided for a strategic debate on the future of development cooperation and poverty.

The enlargement process is viewed as a fundamental expression of values and an investment in peace, security, stability, and prosperity across Europe. With the belief that citizens in candidate countries can benefit from the opportunities of EU citizenship and that the EU as a whole will grow stronger with the political, economic, social, and cultural contributions of new member states, the Presidency aims to achieve significant progress in negotiations with Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine, while particularly working to conclude accession negotiations with Montenegro. Türkiye is not mentioned in the enlargement section.

Protecting citizens and strengthening democratic resilience will be supported through cooperation in the fields of disinformation, online crime, and child safety. Close and continuous cooperation between Member States and the Commission will be maintained to ensure the balanced and effective implementation of the Digital Services Act, which has proven its effectiveness in protecting democracy and fundamental rights.

Enhancing the digital safety of children will be one of the main priorities. In this regard, advocating for a joint decision at the EU level on the “digital age of majority,” emphasizing the importance of robust, privacy-preserving age verification measures, and listening directly to children’s views on what constitutes a safe digital world will be undertaken. Furthermore, priority will be given to legislative measures aimed at combating child sexual abuse.

The Irish Presidency aims to strengthen the EU’s approach to equality, social inclusion, anti-discrimination, and the protection of minority rights in line with the renewed Union of Equality strategies. In this context, the full participation of persons with disabilities in social and economic life will be promoted.

By supporting a socio-economic model centred on societal resilience and cohesion, priority will be given to initiatives that increase quality employment within modern labour markets. At the same time, efforts will be made to improve the health of the European population through preventive measures and health innovations. Additionally, focusing on the promotion of traditional sports in particular, the unique value of European culture and sporting heritage will be emphasized.

Security

Active support for Ukraine will be the defining priority of the Irish Presidency. Assistance will be provided to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression, and support will be given to enhance Ukraine’s capacity and cooperation with the EU and other partners.

Work will proceed on the proposed new European Security Strategy, which aims to respond to the geostrategic challenges facing the EU. In this context, steps regarding the White Paper on the Future of European Defence, the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, and defence procurement will be accelerated.

Cooperation will be supported to address critical capability gaps and increase resilience against hybrid threats. While advancing legislative work on military mobility, maritime security, and the protection of critical infrastructure, active contributions will be made to the EU’s efforts in cybersecurity, countering hybrid threats, and international counter-terrorism. Furthermore, close cooperation will be promoted with like-minded non-EU states, the UN, the OSCE, and NATO.

Addressing Europe’s security in all its dimensions, efforts will be made to enhance environmental security, an important agenda item for the Irish Presidency. Special attention will be paid to accelerating climate action globally and consolidating the EU’s global leadership in climate and biodiversity. Furthermore, efforts to promote the circular economy will be advanced. Europe’s economic, health, and food security will be further strengthened.

Within the EU, measures will be implemented to increase cross-border cooperation in the fight against organized crime, migrant smuggling, and illicit firearms trafficking. Strong support will be provided to disrupt the financing sources of criminal organizations, enhance the security of European ports and critical infrastructure, and improve operational cooperation targeting transnational criminal networks. In addition, focusing on the full implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, priority will be given to legislative arrangements that facilitate migrant returns and digitalize these processes.