EU Presidency Events July

• Dates: 1 July 2026
• Location: Dublin

• Dates: 2-3 July 2026
• Location: Cork, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of the Taoiseach

A visit of the College of Commissioners to Ireland will take place in Cork on 2 and 3 July 2026.

As part of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the College of Commissioners will meet with members of the Irish Government for discussions on a range of EU policy matters.

The visit will provide an opportunity for strategic engagement between the European Commission and the Irish Presidency at the outset of the Presidency term. Discussions will focus on key EU policy areas linked to the priorities of the Presidency and will conclude with a plenary session chaired by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

• Dates: 5-6 July 2026
• Location: Mayo, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of Social Protection

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for employment and social affairs will take place on 5 and 6 July in Ballina, Co Mayo.

Ireland’s Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, will chair the meeting.

The informal meeting will bring together ministers from the EU Member States, representatives of the European Commission, and invited participants, including European social partners, to discuss shared employment and social policy priorities across the European Union.

Informal meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (COMPET Internal Market and Industry)

• Date: 9-10 July 2026
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for competitiveness (internal market and industry) will take place on 9 and 10 July in Dublin.

The meeting will be chaired by Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, and will be attended by EU competitiveness ministers from the other twenty-six Member States, as well the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

 The Competitiveness (COMPET) Council (Internal Market and Industry) is one of the ten current formations of the Council of the European Union and is composed of Ministers responsible for the economy, internal market and industry. It meets regularly to focus on the single market and policies to boost competitiveness and growth including removing barriers to cross border movement, boosting access to finance, cutting red tape, fostering innovation, and protecting IP for businesses, as well as protecting and empowering consumers in the EU.

Informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers (JHA)

• Date: 16-17 July 2026
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for justice and home affairs will take place on 16 and 17 July in Dublin.

The meeting will be chaired by Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD.

The Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) is responsible for European Union policies on combatting crime, judicial cooperation, police cooperation and cooperation on immigration, borders and asylum issues. It also develops cooperation and common policies on various cross-border issues, with the aim of further strengthening the EU-wide area of freedom, security and justice.

• Date: 20-21 July 2026
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for research and innovation will take place on 20 and 21 July in Dublin.

The meeting will be chaired by Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, and will bring together research and innovation ministers from EU Member States and selected associated countries, together with representatives from the European Commission.

Discussions are expected to focus on how to maximise the contribution of research and innovation to improve Europe’s competitiveness, security and prosperity.

• Date: 23-24 July 2026
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for environment and climate will take place on 23 and 24 July in Dublin.

The informal meeting will be chaired by Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, TD and will convene EU ministers responsible for
environment and climate policy, together with representatives of the European Commission and invited partner countries.

The meeting will offer ministers an opportunity to exchange perspectives on long-term climate and environmental challenges impacting the European Union.

Informal meeting of Fisheries Ministers (AGRIFISH Fisheries)

• Date: 28-29 July 2026
• Location: Cork, Ireland
• Organiser:  Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for fisheries will take place on 28 and 29 July in Cork.

The informal meeting will be chaired by Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, and will bring together fisheries ministers, the European Commission, and invited institutional representatives.

Discussions are expected to focus on the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, including consideration of how the Union can sustainably develop its fisheries and aquaculture sectors and ensure that the important role of these sectors is appropriately reflected in the regulatory framework.