The development of Ireland’s Presidency programme was guided by an inclusive and open consultation process, through which the government:
Gathered observations, suggestions, and reflections on how Ireland can best fulfil its Presidency role
Ensured the Presidency policy programme was informed by diverse perspectives from across Irish society
Identified EU-wide issues, themes, and policy areas that should be given particular attention during Ireland’s Presidency
Structured Stakeholder Consultations
Through the autumn of 2025, Ministers undertook a programme of structured domestic stakeholder consultations with representatives from business, civil society, trade unions, and other stakeholder groups.
Informed and diverse feedback received from the consultations helped shape the development of Ireland’s Presidency programme. The consultations reaffirmed strong stakeholder interest in contributing to a successful Irish Presidency and highlighted clear expectations that Ireland will champion a balanced, values-driven and forward-looking Presidency agenda in 2026.
Open Call for Submissions
In late 2025, the government launched an open public consultation to ensure the public and interested groups could have a direct say in the development of Ireland’s Presidency programme.
The consultation received 484 submissions from individuals, civil society organisations, businesses, academics, and representative bodies. While respondents approached the issues from diverse sectoral and geographical perspectives, a number of clear and consistent conclusions emerged. Competitiveness and economic growth, values, health and wellbeing, and resilience were major themes highlighted by respondents.
A Summary Thematic Report of the submissions is available to read below and the submissions to the consultation are accessible via the gov.ie consultation portal.
Summary Thematic Report
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Summary Thematic Report - Public Consultation on the Development of the Priorities and Policy Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 (2).pdf
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Achoimre ar an Tuarascáil Théamach - Comhairliúchán Poiblí maidir le Forbairt an Chláir Tosaíochtaí agus Beartais d’Uachtaránacht na hÉireann ar Chomhairle an Aontais Eorpaigh, 2026.pdf
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Youth and University Engagement
Young people were centrally involved in the development of Ireland’s Presidency programme. Under the National Participation Framework, the 2025 session of Seanad na nÓg (Ireland’s youth senate) was designed to capture the views, experiences, and priorities of 55 delegates from across Ireland in advance of Ireland’s Presidency.
The consultation helped ensure the voices of young people informed the development of Ireland’s EU Presidency programme. Seanad na nÓg youth delegates presented their findings and recommendations to both the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD and the Minister of State for European Affairs and defence, Minister Byrne TD.