As Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, said at a public event on 27 May (see EUROPE 13875/15), the incoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU will work intensively and ambitiously to ensure that EU leaders take the necessary decisions in 2026 on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028–2034, confirming a provisional draft programme for the next six months.
According to the document, dated 9 May, the Presidency will also focus on competitiveness and “delivering on the ambitious timelines and targets set out in the ‘One Europe, One Market’ Roadmap, agreed by the three institutions in April 2026”.
The ‘General Affairs’ Council will also be focusing on accelerating progress on simplification.
The Presidency has also set enlargement of the EU as a top priority, regarding it as “a key tool in ensuring Europe’s security. We aim to prepare the ground for the first accession of new Member States since 2013. At the heart of our work will be the Union’s values”, states the document.
The Irish Presidency will also pursue “an ambitious, open, rules- and values-based trade policy agenda that seeks to advance Europe’s diversification priorities and supports European competitiveness, resilience and economic security, as well as inclusive economic growth and trade”. Dublin’s aim is the “deepening of trade and investment relationships using traditional trade agreements, but also newer forms of sectoral agreements such as digital partnerships”.
“Our trade relations with strategic partners in Asia and the Middle East will be prioritised, as well as with partners in Africa, including by advancing negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand”.
With regard to the United States, the Irish Presidency will “seek to build a more ambitious and mutually beneficial EU-US trade and investment relationship, in line with the on-going implementation of the EU-US Joint Statement”.
The Presidency is due to officially present its priorities on 10 June.
Link to the provisional programme: https://aeur.eu/f/m65 (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)