Ireland Leads EU Council Presidency with Focus on Security, Competitiveness and Tax Scrutiny

From 1 July 2026 Ireland took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for a six‑month term. Prime Minister Micheál Martin outlined a programme built around three pillars – strengthening EU competitiveness, up‑holding European values and enhancing security – and pledged action on the EU’s long‑term budget, energy resilience and the European grids package.

The Irish presidency will push forward EU enlargement, aiming to finalise accession talks with Montenegro, advance progress for Moldova and Ukraine and keep the Western Balkans on track. It also plans to deepen trade links with partners such as the United States, United Kingdom, India, Australia and Gulf states while supporting Ukraine militarily and financially.

Ireland’s fiscal model, notably its 12.5 % corporate tax rate that attracts major US tech firms, has drawn criticism as a potential conflict of interest while the country chairs discussions on regulating digital giants and enforcing EU competition rules. Experts have called for Ireland to recuse itself from certain investigations. An interview with Ireland’s ambassador to Serbia highlighted Dublin’s role as a facilitator for Balkan integration and regional security.