Launch of public consultation on Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, has today launched a public consultation to help inform the development of Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the EU priorities and policy programme.

Planning for the Presidency is being led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in close cooperation with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with active engagement from all Government Departments.

The Tánaiste said: “I am delighted to launch a public consultation process on Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency. This consultation process gives the Irish public the opportunity to share their views and ideas on Ireland’s eighth EU Presidency.”

“Our Presidency term will come at a time when Europe faces multiple complex challenges. The Presidency will be an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and to play our part in ensuring the work of the EU has a positive impact on people and communities across all 27 Member States."

The consultation has now opened for submissions (from 5 November 2025) and will close on 12 December 2025. The Presidency of the Council of the EU will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda in a way which responds to the overall interests and needs of the Union and its Member States.

The Tánaiste added: “Through this consultation process the Government is inviting you to submit your observations, suggestions, and reflections on how Ireland can best fulfil its Presidency role.”

“We want to ensure that Ireland’s Presidency priorities are informed by diverse perspectives from across Irish society.”

Commenting on the launch, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, said: “Through our launch of this public consultation process, the Government is asking for the views of the community at large on our EU Presidency priorities and policy programme. Over recent months, I have been meeting with communities across Ireland, to hear their views on Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency, and to gain their perspective on the issues that matter most to them. The launch of the public consultation process is just the latest example of our engagement with the Irish public on our upcoming EU Presidency. I strongly encourage members of the public to avail of this opportunity.

Minister Byrne continued: “Our EU Presidency will give us an opportunity to strengthen co-operation with our European partners, and lead on issues most important to our citizens, communities and economy. It will also bring increased visibility for Ireland on the European stage – showcasing Irish culture, innovation and expertise. Most importantly, it is a chance for Ireland to contribute to a stronger, more secure, and more prosperous Europe.”

For more information on how you can make a submission to the public consultation, go to: Public Consultation on development of the Priorities and Policy Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.

Notes to editors:

Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) for the eighth time from July to December 2026. Ensuring the delivery of a successful EU Presidency will be essential for Ireland’s position and influence in the EU. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to resource and deliver a successful EU Presidency in 2026.

The Council of the EU is one of the three main institutions involved in the EU decision-making process, alongside the European Parliament and the European Commission. The Presidency of the Council of the EU rotates among EU Member States every six months. It is responsible for driving forward the Council's work on EU legislation, ensuring the continuity of the EU agenda and cooperation among Member States. To do this, the Presidency must act as an honest and neutral broker.

During the six-month EU Presidency period, Irish Ministers and officials will chair meetings of the Council and its preparatory bodies, and Ireland will represent the Council in its interactions with other EU institutions.

Shortly before the start of each Presidency term, the incoming Presidency sets out its priorities and objectives for the work of the Council during its term in the form of a Presidency policy programme. This identifies the areas of focus for the work of the Council during the Presidency, and highlights the specific legislative and policy initiatives on the Council’s agenda that the Presidency will seek to progress during its term. This consultation process is to support and inform the development of Ireland’s Presidency policy programme, which will be published in June 2026 shortly before the start of our Presidency term.

ENDS

Press Office

5 November 2025