Ireland Assumes EU Council Presidency, Prioritizing Competitiveness and Security

Ireland took over the rotating six‑month presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July 2026. Prime Minister Micheál Martin outlined three pillars for the term – boosting EU competitiveness, defending core European values and enhancing security for citizens.

The agenda will steer negotiations on the EU’s 2028‑2034 multi‑annual financial framework, aiming to secure agreement on a €1.73 trillion budget while tackling sanctions on Russia, a digital euro and child‑online‑safety measures. Energy‑supply resilience, the transition to clean power and digital infrastructure, including AI and subsea cables, are also key priorities.

Ireland will pursue enlargement, seeking progress with Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania, and will coordinate EU‑wide defence and migration policies. The presidency is expected to host major gatherings such as the European Political Community summit and an AI summit in Dublin.