Sean Fleming
Question:33. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on Ireland's EU Presidency; and the way in which Irish priorities are being advanced. [69016/26]
View answerThursday, 1 October 2026
Questions (33)
Written answers
Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July and will hold this role until 31 December 2026. Since the start of our term, we have made substantial progress in advancing policy objectives across our three core priorities of competitiveness, values and security.
Early achievements include renewed momentum on EU enlargement, including chairing the largest number of accession conferences held in a single day in over twenty years. We secured agreement on further packages of sanctions against Russia, and the extension of temporary protection for those fleeing Ukraine. We have made important progress on measures to better protect children from sexual abuse online. We are advancing significant measures aimed at strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
That means making it easier for Irish and European businesses to grow, invest and create jobs. We are committed to protecting children online, supporting our farmers and rural communities, strengthening Europe’s security and standing firmly with Ukraine. And we are making every effort to ensure that the European Union remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
We are delivering a successful programme of Presidency meetings, both in Brussels and here in Ireland, which has helped to strengthen relationships and to move our agenda forward.
Communities across Ireland are hosting large numbers of European visitors and are showcasing all that Ireland has to offer to our European partners. Through various Presidency outreach initiatives, we are providing opportunities for people across Ireland to engage directly with the European Union and Ireland’s role within it.
Our Presidency is focused firmly on action and delivery. We have made real progress during our first three months but there is a great deal more work ahead of us. Our objective for the remainder of the Presidency is clear: to maintain momentum and deliver practical results that make a difference to people’s lives.