8th June 2026
The Minister of State for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth is representing Ireland at the Digital 9+ (D9+) Ministerial Meeting in Luxembourg.
This meeting takes place at a pivotal moment, as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with a strong focus on key digital priorities. Among these, digital sovereignty in an open manner will be explored alongside efforts on digital simplification and online safety, ensuring a broad exchange of perspectives on Europe’s digital future.
D9+ ministers placed the delivery of the European competitiveness agenda at the forefront.
Minister Smyth said:
“Ireland’s EU Presidency will champion a forward-looking digital agenda and the D9+ group of Digital leaders is a key platform to set an ambitious narrative ahead of the Formal Telecom Council tomorrow. Through our active role in the D9+ we will continue to support a competitive, secure and globally connected Europe to ensure that digital transformation delivers real benefits for our citizens and businesses.”
In Luxembourg, D9+ ministers engaged in strategic discussions on accelerating Europe’s digital transition, with digital sovereignty in an open manner addressed through a collaborative exchange of views. Ministers also focused on maintaining momentum behind an ambitious simplification agenda, alongside in-depth discussions on practical measures to ensure a safer, age-appropriate online environment for minors.
Minister Smyth highlighted Ireland’s leadership in digital transformation which supports the EU’s strategic positioning as the location of choice for trustworthy digital innovation.
The D9+ is a strategic alliance of the EU’s most digitally advanced member states, established to foster collaboration and share best practices in driving Europe’s digital transformation. Ireland is a founding member of the group, which now includes 13 countries.
Notes for editors
Background to D9+ grouping
The Digital 9+ (D9+) is an informal, strategic grouping of the more digitally advanced EU member states which was formed in 2016. The group’s aim is to exchange opinions and best practices on different areas of action related to EU’s digital transformation. The group has 13 members. The original members Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg were subsequently joined by Czechia and Poland in 2018, Spain and Portugal in 2019 and most recently Slovenia in 2023.
The group meets at ministerial level twice a year.
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