Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
143. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the core policy priorities identified for Ireland’s forthcoming EU Presidency; the way in which these priorities will shape Ireland’s strategic positioning within the Union during the Presidency term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23019/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. 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.
Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are well underway, led by my Department working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, and will the active participation of all Departments across Government.
Our policy priorities for the Presidency are currently being developed, against the backdrop of the EU's Strategic Agenda for 2024-29 and the legislative work programme set out by the European Commission for 2026, and taking account of Ireland's own priorities in relation to the EU. In defining our priorities, we will also be taking account of the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda as the Cypriot Presidency progresses.
Work on the development of our Presidency priorities is focusing on three broad thematic pillars, which reflect the pillars of the EU's Strategic Agenda: competitiveness, values and security.
The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda in a way that responds to the overall interests and needs of the Union and its Member States.
We will finalise and publish our Presidency priorities and policy programme in June 2026, shortly before the Presidency begins.
The success of our Presidency will be particularly important given the current complex geopolitical and economic background for the work of the EU. Ireland has a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and I am confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU in 2026.
