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Introduction
Ireland has held the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union (Council) since 1 July 2026.
Ireland’s official Presidency Programme, published in June, identified three interlocking pillars of: (a) competitiveness, (b) values, and (c) security. As Ireland has just passed the halfway point of its presidency, we look at some of the current developments focusing on competitiveness.
(i) Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
Advancing the EU's competitiveness agenda is a key objective of Ireland during its presidency. As part of this agenda, there has been a particular focus on negotiations on the next MFF, which will determine the EU's long-term budgetary priorities for 2028-2034. Discussions on the MFF have continued throughout the presidency and will remain a central priority of the second half of Ireland's term. Following discussions at the informal meeting of the General Affairs Council on 3 and 4 September, Ministers returned to the MFF at the formal meeting of the General Affairs Council on 22 September, where further policy discussions took place on both expenditure priorities and revenue sources. It is anticipated that a draft MFF (including the Negotiation Box (which is the key discussion document used by the rotating presidency to structure and steer negotiations among Member States on the EU's long-term budget)) will be presented on 10 October ahead of the European Council Summit on 15-16 October.
(ii) The simplification agenda
Ireland has prioritised the EU's simplification agenda, which aims to make it easier for businesses and citizens to navigate EU rules and reduce administrative burdens. At the first meeting of the General Affairs Council on 14 July, Ministers held a strategic discussion on the state of play and future direction of the simplification agenda. This included how simplification efforts can support jobs, growth, and opportunities across the EU. The presidency has reported progress in negotiations on several simplification omnibus packages proposed by the European Commission (Commission) in relation to: (a) digital, (b) environmental, (c) automotive, and (d) food and feed safety issues.
(iii) Other developments
Ireland has also committed to advancing negotiations on recently proposed omnibus packages concerning taxation and energy for the remainder of its presidency.
Further progress has been made on other key competitiveness priorities. During July, Member States expressed a clear political commitment to pursue a Council negotiating position on the Market Integration and Supervision Package, while the EU also formally concluded its interim trade agreement with Mexico.
In September, the Council agreed targeted amendments to the Market Stability Reserve aimed at ensuring a more resilient and predictable carbon market within the EU Emissions Trading System. Ireland also continued to advance the EU's industrial and economic agenda through the Competitiveness Council on 24 September, where Ministers discussed the: (a) proposed Chips Act 2.0, (b) revisions to the EU's merger control guidelines and (c) broader questions of economic security. These are designed to support the presidency's objective of strengthening the Single Market, enhancing industrial resilience, and improving the EU's long-term competitiveness.
Agriculture and fisheries (Agrifish) have also featured prominently throughout the presidency. At its first Agrifish Council under the presidency, Ireland presented its work programme, focusing on negotiations on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), annual fisheries negotiations, and implementation of the Vision for Agriculture and Food. Ministers also discussed the Commission's Livestock Strategy and Protein Plan, the protection of geographical indications and measures to support farmers facing rising fertiliser costs. This work continued throughout September, with Ireland hosting an informal meeting of Agriculture Ministers and later chairing the Agrifish Council, underscoring the presidency's focus on shaping the post-2027 CAP and broader agricultural policy priorities.
Concluding comments
At the halfway point of its presidency, Ireland has remained focused on competitiveness priorities set out in its Presidency Programme, with a focus on the MFF and the simplification agenda. Presidencies in the second half of a year can be challenging and compacted, given the summer and year-end breaks, but Ireland’s presidency has been impressive to date (likely due to a number of factors including the detailed planning and preparations by Ireland over a number of years). While other challenges lie ahead for Ireland (particularly, on security and trade (as well as the MFF)), at “half time”, it has been a notable team performance so far.
For more information, please contact Anna-Marie Curran, Dervla Broderick, Alan McCarthy, Vincent Power or any other member of the EU, Competition & Procurement team.
Date published: 6 October 2026
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