On 1 July 2026, Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, where it will focus on competitiveness, values, and security.

Amid Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflicts in the Middle East and the Gulf, and the evolution of new threats, the Ireland Presidency has highlighted the need for Europe to invest in all dimensions of its security. 

Ireland Presidency Priorities 

The Irish Presidency will take forward an ambitious agenda, focused on the core themes of competitiveness, values and security. 

Key priorities include: 

• Competitiveness: fostering prosperity and wellbeing, including boosting internal market trade and advancing the Union’s position on digital governance. 

• Values: enhancingthe EU’s unwaveringsupport forUkraine, promoting active engagement in support of lasting peace and security in the Middle East, and providing a platform for strategic discussions on the future of development cooperation.   

• Security: development and evolution of EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy to ensure it remains responsive to ongoing crises, enhancing environmental security, and supporting the Union’s ongoing work on strengthening cybersecurity, countering hybrid threats and international counterterrorism. 

Civilian Crisis Management in Focus 

Ireland’s Presidency Programme outlines several specific priorities and initiatives related to civilian crisis management and crisis preparedness. 

• The Civilian CSDP Compact: The Irish Presidency will facilitate the scoping and shaping of EU decision-making regarding the future strategic direction of the Civilian CSDP Compact ahead of its expiration in 2027.  To help kick-start these important discussions, the Irish Presidency hosted our Civilian CSDP Summer Forum in July. 

• Global Crisis Response: The Presidency will prioritise the EU’s continued focus on crisis preparedness and crisis management outside the Union and will champion a role for the EU in assisting the Lebanese authorities to enhance security for their citizens through a potential CSDP mission. 

• Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding: They will support the projection of the EU’s strengths in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, crisis management, and sustaining peace.   

• Comprehensive Approach: Ireland Presidency Programme focuses on advancing the Union’s capacity to anticipate, prevent, and respond to crises through an all-hazards, whole-of-society, and whole-of-government approach.   

• Cross-Border Cooperation: The Presidency will progress the roadmap to strengthen cross-border cooperation in the EU in the field of crisis preparedness and response. 

• Cyber Crisis Response: The Presidency will ensure that the Cyber Blueprint works effectively in relation to the broader EU crisis response approach.   

The CoE’s Role 

The CoE’s work in EU civilian CSDP supports Ireland’s Presidency priorities by: 

• Offering expertise and support to implement the Civilian CSDP Compact, resulting in a safer and more secure EU; 

• Supporting members’ contributions to EU civilian CSDP missions; 

• Promoting cooperation with EU Member States by the sharing of good practices and by offering a platform for exchange.   

Through these efforts, the CoE contributes to the Ireland Presidency’s vision of addressing Europe’s security in all its dimensions.