Ireland outlines EU presidency priorities for accelerated Balkan integration

On 15 July 2026 Irish ambassador Brendan Ward presented the Irish EU presidency programme for July‑December 2026 at a joint session of the Commission for European Affairs and the National Council for Euro‑integration. He outlined three priority pillars – competitiveness, European values and security – calling for a stronger single market, digitalisation, biotechnology and equal conditions for enterprises, while reaffirming commitment to democracy, the rule of law, multilateralism and support for Ukraine, as well as maritime and cyber‑security.

Ward stressed the need to speed up the integration of Western Balkan states into the EU. He pledged to work toward concluding accession negotiations with North Macedonia, to push forward talks with Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova, and to support the broader enlargement agenda. EU officials, including Antonio Milloshoski, echoed the importance of competitiveness and rapid regional integration as a boost to Europe’s economic and strategic position.