Joint Committee on European Union Affairs publishes Report on EU Presidency Planning: Key Issues and Insights

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Barry Ward said: “The Irish EU Presidency takes place during a period of geopolitical uncertainty, economic transformation, and rapid technological change, creating a complex environment for EU policymaking. This evolving context heightens the importance of coordinated action and sustained progress across key EU policy areas. 

“Throughout this term, the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs has sought to engage constructively with these questions, which will define the European agenda in the years ahead. These discussions highlighted both the scale of the issues confronting Europe and the importance of cooperation in addressing them. This report brings together the key findings from those engagements and reflects the principal considerations identified.”

“In this context, Ireland’s programme is expected to advance progress across three interlinked priorities – Competitiveness, Values and Security – while also progressing negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), which will be central to the Union’s capacity to respond effectively to emerging challenges.”  

This report of the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs sets out its engagement on the preparatory work undertaken in advance of the Presidency. This work enabled the Committee to engage directly with a wide range of key stakeholders at an important juncture, providing a platform to capture and reflect their views.  

The Committee made the following observations on each of the three Pillars of Ireland’s Presidency:
•    On Competitiveness, the Committee believes that the priorities of the Presidency balance well with the evidence presented in hearings. However, the Committee also considers that a core issue in leading negotiations is ensuring that vulnerable communities and groups are not adversely affected in the pursuit of a very ambitious EU agenda around competitiveness and trade. 

•    On Values, the Committee welcomes this as a pillar in the Presidency priorities. Ireland maintains a strong tradition of representative democracy and the rule of law, and this pillar serves as an important reminder of the core bedrock upon which the EU is built. This is particularly important in relation to EU Enlargement, and the Committee supports the active promotion of these values by the EU Institutions in continuing the accession processes of enlargement countries. The Committee also emphasises the importance of these principles guiding the EU’s external engagement, including respect for international law and human rights. 

•    On Security, the Committee notes close cooperation with bodies such as NATO and the OSCE. The Committee believes that the advancement of security priorities should focus on protecting individual citizens from hybrid threats and the digital space. The indications of this in the priorities are welcomed by the Committee.  

Deputy Ward said: “The Committee's engagement also reinforced the continuing importance of parliamentary scrutiny and democratic accountability in European affairs. As Ireland assumes the Presidency, national parliaments have an important role in facilitating informed debate, ensuring transparency, and strengthening citizens' understanding of how decisions taken at European level affect their daily lives. 

“As Cathaoirleach, I wish to thank all Members of the Committee for their commitment and contributions throughout this work. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the many individuals and organisations who shared their expertise with the Committee. Their insights have greatly informed our understanding of the issues that will shape the Presidency period. 

“Ireland's Presidency comes at an important moment for the European project. Guided by the principle of Ní neart go cur le chéile – strength through unity – it offers an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among Member States and contribute positively to the future development of the European Union. I am confident that this report will assist in that endeavour and help in supporting continued engagement on the key issues facing Europe today.” 

The Joint Committee on European Union Affairs has 14 Members, comprising nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad. The Report on EU Presidency Planning: Key Issues and Insights is available in Irish and English on the Oireachtas website.

ENDS