Ireland started its Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July 2026 and will hold it for the next six months.  A key priority of the Irish Presidency will be facilitating discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. Ireland has identified securing timely agreement on the EU’s long-term budget as an overarching objective, with a particular focus on ensuring that the Union is equipped to address future challenges while continuing to support core EU policies such as the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Policy.

The Irish Presidency has structured its programme around three central themes: competitiveness, values and security. Within this framework, Ireland has also highlighted the importance of supporting the continued development of high-integrity frameworks to facilitate private investment in carbon removals and nature restoration. This could have important implications for the future financing of biodiversity conservation and restoration measures across the EU.

As President of the Council, Ireland will be responsible for steering negotiations among Member States and seeking compromises on environmental, agricultural and budgetary files, while acting as an honest broker throughout the legislative process.