Ireland’s priorities for EU Presidency will deliver lasting benefits – Lynch

Ireland’s Presidency of the council of the European Union is a real honour for the country and a chance for Ireland to steer where Europe goes at a genuinely pivotal moment, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Ireland officially takes over the rotating Presidency today, chairing negotiations between Member States, pushing forward legislation and representing the Council in talks with the European Parliament over the next six months.

Senator Eileen Lynch is a member of Ireland’s delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

She said: “It is a tremendous honour for Ireland to once again hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. At a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty, economic change and technological transformation, Ireland can provide leadership, build consensus and help deliver practical outcomes for citizens across Europe.

“The Government has set three priorities: making Europe more competitive, strengthening our collective security and defence and standing up for the values the EU is built on. They’re big goals, but they’re the right ones for where Europe is now.”

Senator Lynch said that improving Europe’s competitiveness will be key to long-term prosperity – cutting red tape for businesses, backing innovation, and keeping Europe a place where people want to invest and create jobs.

She also pointed to the growing importance of security cooperation.

“Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and just how uncertain the world has become, shows why European countries need to work closer together. We’ll always respect Ireland’s neutrality, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help make Europe more resilient and better protected against cyber and hybrid threats.”

On values, Senator Lynch said they must keep guiding decisions.

“The EU is built on democracy, the rule of law, human rights and basic freedoms. Those values are under pressure right now and Ireland is well placed to stand up for them throughout our Presidency.”

Senator Lynch flagged that one of the biggest jobs ahead will be negotiating the EU’s next long-term budget.

“These talks matter a lot for Ireland and Member States. They’ll decide how Europe invests in agriculture, regional development, research, innovation, infrastructure and rural communities.

“We need a fair deal for Ireland, while making sure the EU has what it needs to face whatever come next.”

Senator Lynch said she looked forward to engaging with colleagues across Europe over the coming months through her work in the Council of Europe and in the Oireachtas.

“Ireland has built a strong reputation as an honest broker and consensus-builder within the European Union. I have every confidence that our Presidency will reinforce that reputation while delivering meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to our citizens, businesses and communities.”