The Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade jointly coordinate Ireland's overarching positions on the proposed EU Multiannual Framework 2028-2034 (MFF). The Government’s key priorities for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) include but are not limited to a strong Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy; continued support for the PEACE PLUS programme in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland; funding for competitiveness and excellent research; sustained support for Ukraine; continued development and humanitarian assistance; and a revenue system that is fair, equitable, simple and transparent, primarily based on Gross National Income.
As regards AgoraEU specifically, Ireland, led by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport (DCCS), has been closely engaged in negotiations in the Council of the European Union, at Council and working party levels, on the Commission’s proposal for a Regulation establishing the AgoraEU programme.
In general, Ireland has welcomed the proposal for AgoraEU, in particular that culture, media and civil society actions will retain their status as part of standalone programmes under the next MFF, and that funding will be allocated to the sectors on a competitive basis. More broadly, Ireland considers that programmes under the next MFF should continue to contribute towards sustaining and further developing rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive societies.
The Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) Council agreed a partial general approach on the proposed Regulation at its most recent meeting on 12 May 2026, which Ireland supported.
Negotiations on budgetary allocations are expected to intensify as the year progresses, including under Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026. As Presidency, Ireland will act as an honest broker and lead negotiations in a manner that protects the interests of the EU.
