01/07/2026

Programme of the Irish Presidency

The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will focus on the following core themes:

  • Competitiveness: Fostering prosperity and wellbeing
  • Values: Upholding the indispensable foundation of our Union
  • Security: Protecting our citizens

During the Presidency, Ireland will chair negotiations, facilitate agreement between Member States and drive progress on key legislative and policy initiatives across the European Union. This page brings together insights and analysis from across Arthur Cox on the developments, proposals and policy priorities expected to shape the Presidency agenda.

Our insights

EU tax simplification package

On 24 June 2026, the European Commission adopted its tax simplification package designed to simplify EU tax rules and reduce compliance burdens for businesses. The package comprises two proposals, the Taxation Omnibus Directive and the Recast of the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC), which aim to modernise the EU’s direct tax framework and strengthen EU competitiveness.

The adoption comes as Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July, and progressing these files is expected to be a priority in the ECOFIN agenda. We examine the two proposals and likely impact on Ireland in the following briefings:

The European Commission adopts proposal for the tax simplification package
The Recast Directive on Administrative Cooperation

Europe’s biotech proposals

The EU Biotech Act is expected to be one of the key life sciences files progressing during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. As the EU seeks to strengthen innovation, competitiveness and investment in biotechnology, this briefing explores the latest developments and what businesses should expect as negotiations gather pace over the coming months.

Bridging the gap: An insight into Europe’s biotech proposals

Financial services priorities

Competitiveness is a central theme of Ireland’s EU Council Presidency, with a significant programme of financial services reforms expected to progress over the coming months. This briefing highlights the key priorities and legislative initiatives to watch.

Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union: Financial services priorities

Learn more

For businesses, Ireland’s term at the helm of the Council of the European Union is expected to be an important period for EU regulatory and policy developments. We will continue to monitor key proposals and share insights as the Presidency agenda progresses.

To learn more about the programme of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, visit the official Ireland 2026 website.