Ireland's EU Presidency Focuses on Cybersecurity, AI Investment and EU Budget Reform

As Ireland assumes the six‑month Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July, officials and business leaders warn of heightened cyber risk. A survey by the Institute of Directors Ireland found that nearly half of directors expect increased cyber threats during the Presidency, with 91 % saying their personal liability has risen. Regulators are tightening rules under the EU’s NIS2, DORA and other frameworks, but Ireland has yet to transpose NIS2 into national law, leaving companies unsure how to comply.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visited Dublin to back Ireland’s agenda, which centres on economic growth, shared security and European values. The programme aims to break internal market barriers, attract investment in artificial‑intelligence technologies—part of the EU’s €200 billion AI plan—and steer negotiations for a new long‑term EU budget. Support for Ukraine, housing affordability and enlargement are also highlighted as priorities during Ireland’s term at the helm of the EU.