Informal meeting of Trade Ministers (FAC Trade)

Informal ministerial meeting
Aerial view looking down on a large container ship terminal with loading activity and vessel traffic

Practical information

Date

22 - 23 October 2026

Location

Dublin, Ireland

Organiser

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for trade will take place on 22 and 23 October in Dublin.

The informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in the trade format will be hosted by Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD.

The informal meeting provides an opportunity for EU trade ministers to discuss, negotiate, and shape the EU’s trade policy, and plays a crucial role in trade agreements with non-EU countries and regions.

During the meeting, the ministers will provide oversight and strategic direction for the EU’s trade policy. The agenda is expected to focus on current EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, as well as the EU’s trade relations with major partners. There will be a focus on opening new markets to support EU market diversification, economic resilience and European competitiveness, and to strengthen the multilateral, rules-based trading system.