Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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63. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the priority areas within the European agenda that Ireland intends to shape or contribute to most actively during the 2026 to 2029 period, as outlined in the Statement of Strategy; the way in which her Department plans to enhance Ireland's influence within EU decision-making structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38357/26]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026. This will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda. It will also give us a unique opportunity to enhance Ireland’s influence in the EU’s decision making structures, not just over the six months of the Presidency but into the long term.

We are focused on delivering a successful presidency shaped around the thematic pillars of competitiveness, values and security, which reflect the pillars of the EU’s Strategic Agenda 2024-2029. We have a proud record of success from our previous Presidencies, and I am confident that, with the support of our partners, we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU through our Presidency.

As Presidency, we will have a significant role in shaping key EU policies, leading negotiations on the new European Budget, prioritising economic competitiveness, strengthening the single market, advancing simplification, supporting an ambitious EU trade agenda, working to strengthen rule of law, promoting a positive EU enlargement strategy, contributing to a productive and ambitious EU-UK relationship.

We will support the strengthening of the EU’s role as a principled global actor, advancing the EU’s leadership role in promoting multilateral cooperation and respect for international law, human rights, and the EU’s efforts to promote peace and stability globally. Advancing the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression will remain a defining priority, and we will actively engage in support of lasting peace and security in the Middle East.

In response to the deterioration in the international security environment, Ireland will take forward the EU’s security and defence agenda, which seeks to strengthen international security and bolster Member States’ defence readiness capabilities, reflecting the priorities of the Union, while acknowledging the specific character of Ireland’s own security and defence policy.

The experience of the Presidency will significantly enhance our expertise and networks at EU level, which will further strengthen our ability to continue to lead and shape the EU agenda in a way that is reflective of Irish values and interests well beyond 2026.

Building on the whole-of-government A Career for EU strategy, we will continue to deliver on plans to increase the number of Irish people applying for and securing positions in the EU in order to further expand our presence and influence in the EU institutions.

Deepening our influence and relationships with European partners will also be a central focus of our work, including through the implementation of the Joint Strategic Framework with France, the Joint Action Plan with Germany, and the Nordic-Baltic Strategy.