Ireland will take on one of the European Union’s most influential roles when it assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026.
A competitive economy creates jobs, raises living standards, and supports public services. EU membership has helped Ireland build this kind of economic model, one that supports fair trade, attracts investment, and provides consumers with high‑quality, competitively priced goods and services.
The European Union’s trade policy with countries outside the EU is governed by the Common Commercial Policy. This means the EU, rather than individual countries, negotiates trade agreements on behalf of all Member States.
No country can tackle today’s complex security challenges alone, and the EU acts together to address emerging threats.
Europe’s shared housing challenge calls for a shared response. That is why the Commission has presented the European Affordable Housing Plan to help make housing more affordable, sustainable and accessible across Europe.
Enlargement happens when new countries join the European Union. This has taken place several times in the EU’s history, each time transforming both the EU and the countries that join.
Digital policy is a cross-cutting priority for the EU, integrated across areas such as competition, consumer protection, economic growth, public services and security.
The transformation of Ireland’s economy from mid-20th-century stagnation to a modern, outward-looking model driven by trade, foreign investment, and innovation has been largely shaped by European Union integration.
The European Commission is taking action to mitigate Europe’s energy vulnerabilities for the coming winters and proposing measures to ensure reliable energy supplies for future generations.
The EU supports Irish farmers and rural greening and sustainable development through financial support, funding for research and innovation.
Tackling climate change is one of the European Commission’s top priorities and the European Green Deal is its ambitious plan to transform Europe into the first climate-neutral continent.
A humane, comprehensive European approach to migration is a priority for the European Commission and for Ireland.
The interests of Irish fishermen, fishing communities, the marine environment and consumers of fish products are supported by being part of the EU.
Research and innovation (R&I) are key components in securing Ireland’s economic future and are at the heart of the European Commission’s policies.
EU Membership has led to several pieces of important Irish legislation that have improved the lives of Irish women.
The Irish language became a full working language of the EU in 2022.
The UK decision to leave the EU has far-reaching consequences for citizens, businesses, public administrations & stakeholders especially in Ireland.
The EU is active in a wide range of areas, from human rights to transport and trade. Click on the links below for a summary of what the EU does in that area, and for useful links to relevant bodies, laws and documents.