Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026, a central role in leading collaboration across Member States to progress key EU priorities.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) is playing a significant part in delivering a Presidency focused on building a more competitive, innovative and resilient European economy, with a strong emphasis on investment, simplification and business growth.
About the EU Presidency
The Presidency rotates among EU Member States every six months and Ireland assumes the Presidency from Cyprus and precedes Lithuania. This is the eighth time Ireland has held the rotating Presidency, the last time being in 2013.
Ireland’s role is to:
The 2026 Presidency reflects Ireland’s commitment to:
- strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and investment environment
- supporting sustainable and digital transitions
- promoting open, rules-based trade
DETE’s role in the Presidency
The department is leading a substantial legislative and policy agenda across enterprise, employment, consumers, tourism and strategic growth sectors, helping shape EU measures that directly impact businesses, workers and citizens across Europe. Through Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the department will drive progress on key initiatives to strengthen competitiveness, simplify regulation, support innovation, protect consumers and enable sustainable economic growth.
Key responsibilities include:
- leading negotiations on single market, enterprise and industry policy initiatives
- supporting EU competitiveness, productivity and innovation
- advancing digital, AI and green transformation across the economy
- promoting quality employment, skills development and labour market resilience
- strengthening consumer protections and consumer trust in the digital economy
- supporting sustainable tourism and regional economic development
- advancing strategic sectors including space, life sciences and emerging technologies
- delivering a programme of legislative simplification to help businesses grow and scale
Key themes and priorities
A competitive and resilient single market:
- strengthening the single market for goods and services
- reducing barriers facing SMEs and scaling businesses
- simplifying legislation and reducing regulatory burdens
- enhancing economic resilience and supply chain security
Innovation, technology and digital transformation:
- supporting adoption of emerging technologies, AI and digital solutions
- promoting research, entrepreneurship and business innovation
- strengthening Europe's digital competitiveness
- advancing technology sovereignty and strategic capabilities
Sustainable industry and the green transition:
- supporting businesses to decarbonise and remain competitive accelerating clean technology deployment
- promoting circular economy practices and sustainable growth
- enabling long-term industrial resilience
Jobs, skills and quality employment:
- promoting quality jobs and inclusive labour markets.
- addressing skills shortages in key sectors.
- supporting workforce participation and adaptability.
- strengthening fair labour mobility and worker protections.
Consumer confidence and protection:
- strengthening consumer rights and enforcement across the EU
- promoting fairness and transparency in digital markets
- enhancing consumer protection in online environments
- building trust in the digital economy
Tourism and regional growth:
- supporting a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector
- encouraging digital and green transformation in tourism businesses
- promoting year-round and accessible tourism
- strengthening the competitiveness of Europe's tourism economy
Strategic sectors and future growth:
- advancing Europe's space ecosystem and innovation capacity
- supporting life sciences and high-growth industries
- strengthening Europe's technological capabilities
- encouraging investment in strategic industries of the future
Delivering a strategic legislative agenda and progressing key EU initiatives:
- strengthening competitiveness and productivity
- simplifying regulatory frameworks
- supporting start-ups and scaling businesses
- modernising product, digital and consumer frameworks
- creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth
Driving impact for Europe
Through its Presidency role, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is focused on delivering:
- tangible benefits for businesses, workers, consumers and communities
- increased investment in Europe's future competitiveness
- a simpler and more effective regulatory environment
- stronger innovation and economic resilience
- sustainable growth and quality employment across the Union
- a more competitive, connected and consumer-focused Europe
Events and engagement
During the Presidency, Ireland will host a series of EU-level events bringing together European and global leaders across DETE policy areas, including:
- ministerial and Council meetings
- industry and stakeholder forums
- major EU-level conferences and assemblies
These meetings and events will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders from across Europe.
Explore the full programme and latest updates on Programme of the Irish Presidency.
Stay informed across DETE’s and Ireland's EU Presidency channels to:
- follow updates on DETE’s role in the Presidency
- learn about upcoming events and outcomes
- explore how EU decisions impact Irish businesses and workers