Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2025
15. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the merits of prioritising leadership in climate change as part of our EU presidency commencing in July 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67972/25]
View answerIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. This will be an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
Ireland's Presidency priorities and policy programme are currently under development and will take into account the EU's Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, the legislative programme proposed by the European Commission, and the Government's priorities in relation to the EU, as well as the recently agreed EU 2040 emission reduction targets as part of our commitments to implementing the Green Deal. Consultations with other EU Member States will also inform this process, as will the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda throughout the current Presidency term of Denmark and that of Cyprus next year.
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that stakeholder groups have their voices heard. In this regard, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has undertaken a consultation process with domestic stakeholders, from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups, which will guide the development of Ireland's Presidency policy programme and priorities.
An online, written consultation process was launched on 5 November and will close on 12 December. This will help to ensure that all stakeholders and interested parties have the opportunity to participate in the development of Ireland's Presidency priorities.
Further to this, other Government Departments continue to engage in sector-specific Presidency consultations with stakeholder groups. This process will allow consideration to be given to a broad range of different policy issues, including those you reference, as our Presidency programme is developed.
Ireland’s Presidency policy programme will be finalised and published shortly before the start of our Presidency term in June 2026.
