Irish Presidency aims at reaching progress related to negotiations on the MFF
Priorities with relevance for higher education
The Presidency emphasises the key role of education and training in delivering on the EU’s priorities of safeguarding its values, strengthening economic competitiveness, and building a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Union.
In particular, the presidency aims at reaching progress related to the next phase of negotiations on the Erasmus+ Regulation on behalf of the Council, striving to ensure that the programme continues to foster inclusive and high-quality mobility and partnership, with a strong focus on widening participation for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It will propose Council Conclusions on STEM education to promote enhanced STEM learning in all levels and types of education and training, and to support the green and digital transitions, as well as a Council Conclusion on skills and competences for the era of AI.
In youth policy, the Irish presidency will discuss barriers to inclusion, retention and participation in education, highlighting the roles of research and the student voice. It will showcase good practice and facilitate dialogue on anticipated policy developments in education, training and innovation.
Priorities with relevance for research and innovation
In line with the Draghi and Letta reports, which identified Europe’s research and innovation system as one of its strongest assets and a key driver of productivity, competitiveness, and broader social, environmental, and cultural progress, the Irish Presidency will work to ensure that research and innovation remain at the heart of EU policymaking.
The presidency will seek to advance negotiations on the next EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme (Horizon Europe) and on the proposed European Innovation Act.
Events with relevance for higher education, research and international collaboration
- 9-10 July Meeting of Directors General for European Affairs
- 20-21 July Informal meeting of Research and Innovation Ministers (COMPET Research)
- 24-26 June EU High Level Group on Education and Training
- 10 July 4th European Universities Initiative Forum
- 1-2 September Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Gymnich)
- 9-10 September Informal Meeting of Directors General for Development
- 22-24 September European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) Forum meeting and Stakeholder event
- 25 September Competitiveness Council (Research)
- 28 September – 1 October Meeting of National Agencies of Erasmus+ Directors and the Business Meeting of National Agencies for Youth
- 7 October National Cyber Security Conference
- 9-10 October Inclusive Education – Shaping an Inclusive and Empowering Higher Education System
- 12-13 October European Research Area and Innovation Committee
- 12-14 October Unlocking Skills Mobility: The Role of European Transparency Tools to Drive the Skills Portability Initiative and Talent Mobility
- 15-16 October Informal meeting of Education Ministers (EYCS Education)
- 15-16 October AI in Science Summit 2026 (AIS26)
- 22-23 October Meeting of Directors General for Higher Education
- 4-6 November Meeting of Bologna Follow-Up Group
- 4-5 November Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Presidency Conference: Celebrating Mobility, Shaping Resilience
- 6 November Empowering Europe’s Regional Economies Through AI Skills
- 11 November SOLAS Community Education Seminar – Connecting Communities
- 17 November Education for Sustainable Development: A Critical Enabler of European Values and Goals – 11th National Forum
- 19 November Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (Education and Youth)
- 30 November – 1 December Meeting of Standing Group on Indicators and Benchmarks
- 4 December Competitiveness Council (Research and space)
- 7-9 December ADVANCE: Progress and Future of the EU’s Startup and Scaleup Ecosystem
- 9-11 December Meeting of Education Attachés
