Presidency Workshop on International Climate Issues
Dates: 7 - 8 July 2026
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Organiser: Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment
The Working Party on International Environment Issues – Climate Change (WPIEI-CC) Informal Workshop is held at the beginning of each Presidency and will be the first meeting of the Heads of Delegation of EU Member States for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) during Ireland’s Presidency.
This meeting serves as an informal forum to facilitate an exchange of views on recent developments including the intersessional meetings in Bonn (June), upcoming negotiation issues, and current EU priorities. The workshop is a key opportunity to begin the development of the EU’s position for COP31 in November.
Meeting of the High-Level Working Party on Tax Questions
Dates: 6 - 7 July 2026
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Organiser: Department of Finance
This meeting will gather delegates from the High-Level Working Party on Tax Questions for an informal meeting.
Attendees will include senior officials from the EU Member States' national finance ministries, the European Commission, and the Council Secretariat, as well as Fiscal (Tax) attachés.
The meeting represents an opportunity for delegates to connect in an informal manner, exchange views and start aligning positions ahead of the launch of negotiations on the Tax Simplification Omnibus and the Directive on Administrative Cooperation recast, as well as other direct tax matters.
EU Ocean Act Conference
Dates: 7 - 8 July 2026
Location: Wexford, Ireland
Organiser: Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment
Ireland will host the EU Ocean Act Conference in Wexford on 7-8 July 2026 at which delegates will meet and discuss the draft European Ocean Act, a forthcoming EU law, planned for 2027, designed to unify ocean-related policies, strengthen maritime spatial planning, and promote sustainable use of marine resources.
Senior representatives of Government and EU Commissioners will be present, along with delegates from EU Member States.
The EU Ocean Act represents a strategic opportunity for the European Union to establish a comprehensive and legally binding framework for ocean governance, building on existing EU maritime initiatives and will
Strengthen policy coherence across EU maritime sectors
Support the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems
Facilitate a sustainable and competitive blue economy
Ensure transparent monitoring and accountability through legal obligations
Position the EU as a global leader in ocean science, technology, and governance
In hosting this event, Ireland will facilitate the move to unified and sustainable ocean management across the EU.
Presidency Workshop on International Climate Issues
Dates: 7 - 8 July 2026
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Organiser: Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment
The Working Party on International Environment Issues – Climate Change (WPIEI-CC) Informal Workshop is held at the beginning of each Presidency and will be the first meeting of the Heads of Delegation of EU Member States for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) during Ireland’s Presidency.
This meeting serves as an informal forum to facilitate an exchange of views on recent developments including the intersessional meetings in Bonn (June), upcoming negotiation issues, and current EU priorities. The workshop is a key opportunity to begin the development of the EU’s position for COP31 in November.
Working Party on Social Questions – Attaché Trip
Dates: 7 - 8 July 2026
Location: Mayo, Ireland
Organiser: Department of Social Protection
The event is the customary trip of the Working Party on Social Questions.
Attendees will be officials from all EU Member States who work on social policy files. It is an opportunity to facilitate informal discussion outside the usual negotiation setting, strengthening networking and trust among Member States.
EU Presidency Events July 2026
Visit of the College of Commissioners
- 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.
Informal meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers (EPSCO Employment and Social)
- 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, County 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.
The informal format of the meeting will facilitate strategic dialogue and the exchange of perspectives ahead of formal EPSCO Council meetings in October and December.
Informal (Agrifish) Fisheries Council
Cork City Hall July 2026
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