Priorities of the Irish Council Presidency: What “Strength Through Unity” Means for Construction
On 1 July, Ireland took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU under the motto “Strength through Unity”. The six-month term opens an 18-month trio presidency with Lithuania and Greece. The programme places competitiveness, alongside values and security, at the centre of its agenda, with clear reference to housing and construction policy.
Housing as an economic priority
A key feature of the Irish Presidency is the endorsement of affordable housing as a driver of economic performance rather than solely a social policy issue. Housing is explicitly linked to labour market functioning and competitiveness, reflecting its growing role in EU economic debates.
The Presidency intends to advance work under the European Affordable Housing Plan, including the Affordable Housing Act and a Construction Services Act, both relevant for the construction sector in terms of supply-side measures to address housing shortages across the EU, and cross-border service provision.
Competitiveness and regulatory simplification
The Presidency prioritises regulatory simplification and further integration of the single market, guided by the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap agreed in April 2026. It aims to advance negotiations with the European Parliament on a series of simplification packages, notably the Environmental Omnibus (cf. permitting acceleration), by the end of the year.
These initiatives are intended to reduce administrative burden and support SMEs and start-ups. Related files include the reform of EU public procurement rules and the proposed “EU Inc.” legal form to facilitate cross-border business activity.
Industrial policy and construction relevance
The Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) and the forthcoming EU Product Act form part of the Presidency’s industrial policy agenda. While primarily focused on manufacturing, these initiatives are relevant for construction in the context of product standards, market surveillance, supply chain resilience and material flows within the EU single market.
Sustainable transition and infrastructure
The Presidency confirms continued support for the EU 2050 climate neutrality objective, framing the sustainable transition as a competitiveness driver. Priorities include the forthcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA) and the review of the EU Emission Trading System (ETS), both of which have direct implications for material availability and costs of construction.
Employment and social policy
In social affairs, the Presidency will follow initiatives such as the Quality Jobs Roadmap and the forthcoming Fair Labour Mobility Package. On the latter, the Presidency will focus "on the proposals to develop a digital European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) and to strengthen the mandate of the European Labour Authority (ELA)". They will also support the efforts toward better implementation and enforcement of current EU legislation.
Wider agenda
Discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 will proceed, and the Presidency aims at reaching agreement among Member States. Beyond economic priorities, the Presidency programme includes digital safety and child protection online, as well as EU enlargement discussions with Montenegro, Moldova, Albania and Ukraine. Security priorities cover defence cooperation, the White Paper on European Defence, internal security under the ProtectEU strategy and migration policy through implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Ireland hands the Presidency to Lithuania on 1 January 2027.
Access the website of the Irish Council Presidency here.