9th July 2026
- Focus on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, innovation and investment environment
- Priority legislative files include EU Inc (28th Regime), Industrial Accelerator Act and European Competitiveness Fund
- Strong emphasis on reducing regulatory burden and supporting SMEs
- Flagship International AI Summit to position Europe at the forefront of applied AI and innovation
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD has outlined his Department’s priorities for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, centred on building a more competitive, innovative and resilient European economy. A defining feature of Ireland’s Presidency will be the International AI Summit, to be held in Dublin in October 2026. As a flagship event of the Presidency, the Summit will bring together global leaders from government, industry and academia to focus on how applied artificial intelligence can drive productivity, strengthen competitiveness and accelerate real-world innovation across key sectors of the European economy. The Summit will play a central role in shaping Europe’s approach to harnessing AI for growth and strategic advantage.
Commenting on the programme, Minister Burke said:
“Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union is an important opportunity to shape a stronger, more competitive and more innovative Europe.
“A key highlight of our Presidency will be the International AI Summit in Dublin, which will bring together global leaders to explore how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to drive productivity, competitiveness and innovation across Europe.”
Complementing this, the Department will lead an ambitious legislative agenda designed to deepen the Single Market, support business growth and strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness. A central focus will be progressing key legislative files to enhance the operating environment for companies across the EU. These include the proposed EU Inc (28th Regime) to simplify company law, the Industrial Accelerator Act to support strategic industries, the forthcoming Chips Act 2.0 and the EU Product Act. Investment in Europe’s future will also be a key priority. The Department will advance negotiations on the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), a new €409 billion fund under the Multiannual Financial Framework, aimed at scaling investment in strategic technologies critical to Europe’s long-term growth.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence, Niamh Smyth TD commented:
“Supporting innovation and digital transformation will be another cornerstone of the Presidency. Ireland will lead discussions on the Cloud and AI Development Act, which seeks to strengthen Europe’s capacity to incentivise investment in cloud and edge infrastructure.
“This Department will also host the International AI Summit in October, a key flagship event for Ireland’s Presidency”.
The Irish Presidency will also progress EU legislation in emerging and strategic sectors, including the EU Space Act and EU Space Services Agency Regulation as well as the forthcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy, ensuring future-facing industries are supported by modern, coherent EU frameworks. Reducing administrative burden and improving the business environment, particularly for SMEs, will be a cross-cutting priority. The Department will drive forward simplification measures to ensure EU rules are proportionate, effective and supportive of enterprise. On employment, we will seek to advance discussions on the Quality Jobs Roadmap, strengthen the role of the European Labour Authority and continue to improve the approach to occupational health and safety. Promoting the EU employment agenda via multilateral partnerships, notably through the International Labour Organisation and initiatives such as the UN Equal Pay International Coalition are also on the agenda.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon TD added that:
“As Ireland assumes the Presidency, we have an important opportunity to demonstrate leadership on the issues that matter most to workers, businesses and communities across Europe. Employment policy must continue to support economic competitiveness while ensuring that prosperity is shared through quality jobs, skills development and inclusive labour market participation”.
He continued:
“As Chair of the Competitiveness Council for Space during the Presidency, I look forward to advancing the EU Space Services Agency Regulation and the EU Space Act, placing competitiveness at the forefront of European space policy by unlocking the potential of a single market for space, fostering innovation, supporting the growth and scaling of SMEs, and ensuring a safe, secure and sustainable space sector.”
Combined with its legislative work, the Department will deliver a comprehensive programme of Presidency events, with the AI Summit at its core, the Informal Competitiveness Council, SME Assembly and other high-level engagements.
Concluding, Minister Burke said:
“Our focus will be on delivering tangible improvements for businesses and workers, driving investment, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and ensuring the Single Market continues to deliver for citizens and enterprises across the Union.
“My Department will play a central role across key Council formations, advancing a substantial legislative agenda while hosting a series of major Presidency events, showcasing Europe’s ambition and leadership.”
Back to Department News