Ireland’s energy and environment priorities for the EU Presidency

Energy Council will prioritise work to deliver sustainable, affordable and secure energy systems across the bloc

Environment Council will work towards a whole-of-society approach to building a climate-neutral, sustainable and resource-efficient economy

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien presented Ireland’s EU Presidency priorities to the European Parliament committees with responsibility for energy and for environment.

Energy and environmental priorities for Ireland

This morning, Minister O’Brien highlighted Ireland’s commitment to progressing key bloc-wide energy priorities at the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).

In the afternoon, the Minister addressed the European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, where he outlined Ireland’s priorities for its Presidency in relation to bloc-wide climate action and environmental protection.

Energy Council priorities:

Speaking to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Minister O’Brien said:

“During our Presidency, the Energy Council will prioritise work to deliver sustainable, affordable and secure energy systems across the European Union.

“Geopolitical instability continues to shape our energy landscape. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has contributed to rising global energy prices and renewed market volatility, creating challenges for affordability, competitiveness, and security of supply across Europe.

“Lasting resilience requires structural change. Ireland shares the view of the European Commission that the only lasting way out of fossil fuel dependency is to modernise by shifting electricity generation to renewables and clean energy, and by electrifying the economy as rapidly as possible. Ireland therefore welcomed the Electrification Action Plan, published by the Commission in July, and we look forward to working with Member States, Parliament, the Commission and industry to translate policy into delivery. I look forward to further discussing how we can turn ambition into action when I host Energy Ministers from across the EU in Dublin later this month.

“Ireland is also hugely committed to the energy objectives in the One Europe, One Market Roadmap. In alignment with this, the Irish Presidency will drive the EU’s energy agenda forward: to reach agreement with the European Parliament on the Grids Package; to deliver a General Approach on the Network Charges proposal and to introduce and progress the upcoming Energy Security Framework. All of these important legislative files will lead to a more electrified EU with more affordable and secure energy for households and businesses.”

Environment (ENVI) Council priorities:

Speaking to the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Minister O’Brien said:

“During the Irish Presidency, the Environment Council will work towards a whole-of-society approach to building a climate-neutral, sustainable and resource-efficient economy.

“As we move towards 2030, there is an urgent need to accelerate and strengthen climate action. We know that ambitious climate action is also essential to maintaining and enhancing Europe’s competitiveness.

“We will give particular priority to the review of ETS and to the work on CO? standards for cars and vans. Our objective will be to reach a General Approach on both files in December, enabling interinstitutional negotiations to begin in early 2027. Building on the agreement reached last year on an EU-wide 2040 emissions reduction target, we will begin discussions on the implementation package, including the Post-2030 Framework. We will also advance work on the European Climate Resilience and Risk Management Integrated Framework.

“The Irish Presidency is committed to accelerating the transition towards a circular economy by developing, implementing and advancing effective and pragmatic policies. In this context, we look forward to the Commission’s publication of the Circular Economy Act later this year. We intend to facilitate an initial examination of the proposal so that we can make substantial collective progress on this important legislation in 2027.

“The protection and restoration of our marine and freshwater environments will also be an important priority. We welcome the Commission’s proposals for a European Ocean Act, as well as the planned revisions to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Water Framework Directive.

“A significant focus of our work will be strengthening the EU’s international environmental leadership. Ireland recognises (UNFCCC) COP31 as an important opportunity for the EU to strengthen its position on the global stage as a trusted, pragmatic and constructive leader on climate action. We will seek to rethink and strengthen the way the EU approaches COPs by developing a considered, multi-annual approach to preparations, working closely with previous and future Presidencies and the Commission.”

Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union:

Ireland has taken on one of the European Union’s most influential roles – having assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (from 1 July to 31 December 2026).

Until the end of the year, Ireland will be at the centre of EU decision making, steering complex negotiations that shape laws and policy for around 450 million people. This comes at a challenging time for the EU as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, migration remains politically sensitive, competitiveness is under pressure, and the demand to meet climate targets is intensifying. Ireland has successfully held the Presidency seven times before, often during periods of significant change. The 2026 term offers another chance to steer the EU, relying on experience and diplomacy, and with a commitment to partnership.

This is the eighth time that Ireland has assumed the Presidency of the Council of the EU since its accession to the EU. The slogan of the Irish Presidency is the Irish phrase “Ní neart go cur le chéile”, meaning “Strength with unity”.

The Irish Presidency is centred around three key pillars: competitiveness – fostering prosperity and wellbeing; values – upholding the indispensable foundation of our Union; and security – protecting our citizens.

Environment Council meetings (Informal and Formal):

The Informal Meeting of Environment and Climate Ministers took place in Dublin on 23 and 24 July. Productive and constructive discussions held there will help to shape and guide work over the coming months.

The first formal Environment Council meeting under the Irish Presidency will take place in Luxembourg on 12 October. The Environment Council will meet again in Brussels on 11 December to conclude the Irish Presidency’s work and to welcome Lithuanian colleagues, as they prepare to assume responsibility for the Council Presidency.

Energy Council meetings (Informal and Formal):

An Informal Meeting of Energy Ministers will take place in Dublin on the 28 and 29 September.

The first formal TTE Energy Council under the Irish Presidency will take place in Luxembourg on 29 October, with the Council reconvening in Brussels on 10 December to conclude the work under the Irish Presidency and welcome Lithuanian colleagues, as they prepare to assume responsibility for the Council Presidency.

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