Emer Currie
Question:308. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on his Department’s priorities for Ireland’s EU Council Presidency. [49578/26]
View answerTuesday, 30 June 2026
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Written answers
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December of this year. The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
Our priorities and policy programme for the Presidency were published in mid-June.
The Strategic Agenda for the Union for the period up to 2029 has provided the principal backdrop to the development of our Presidency priorities, which has also been informed by extensive consultation with partners across Europe and with domestic stakeholders.
Reflecting this, Ireland’s overall Presidency priorities are focusing on three pillars: the areas of competitiveness, values and security. These themes are mutually reinforcing and will guide all aspects of the Irish Presidency’s work, including that of my Department.
The work of the Union requires a firm financial footing. Facilitating timely agreement on the Union’s budget for 2028-2034, a new Multiannual Financial Framework, which equips the EU to address the challenges of the future while supporting key existing policies will be an overarching priority for the Irish Presidency. My Department leads on the European Competitiveness Fund, which is a key component of the Multiannual Financial Framework.
In order to deliver a secure economic future which meets the needs and expectations of its people, Europe must act urgently to enhance its competitiveness and productivity. My Department will drive forward the EU’s competitiveness agenda by making decisive progress on the One Europe, One Market Roadmap. The Roadmap provides a blueprint to facilitate agreement on priority files such as EU Inc, the Industrial Accelerator Act, Chips Act 2.0, and the forthcoming European Product Act.
Ireland has a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and we are confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU through our 2026 Presidency.