McCann Fitzgerald | Security – A Priority of Ireland’s EU Council Presidency

While some commentators have questioned Ireland’s credibility to lead on security pointing to, for example, its comparatively low spend on defence, its defence capabilities, and its policy of military neutrality, Ireland has set an ambitious programme for its EU Council Presidency to advance measures that contribute to the strengthening of European defence and security in support of a more resilient and secure Europe.  In this context, particular importance will likely be placed on the following measures:

• Active support (political, military and financial) for Ukraine will be a defining priority for the Irish Presidency.  Support measures  will include ensuring the swift disbursement of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan which provides €30 billion for budgetary aid and €60 billion for defence support across 2026 and 2027.  The first tranche of €3.9 billion for advanced drone technology to strengthen Ukraine’s defence was released on 30 June.  Further Ireland is set to “champion” the full integration of Ukraine into EU defence initiatives with the same access as EU Member States.
• Leading on finalizing the proposed new European Security Strategy which is to be delivered on a very tight timeline – in time for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the European Union address in September.
• Advancing work on the measures set out in the White Paper for European Defence, and the associated Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 (“DRR”).  The White Paper offers solutions to strengthen the defence industry by closing important gaps and ensuring long-term readiness.  It also suggests ways for Member States to invest heavily in defence, buy necessary equipment, and support the industry’s growth.  The DRR  is a comprehensive plan to strengthen European defence capabilities.  It outlines clear objectives and concrete milestones to close capability gaps, accelerate defence investments across Member States, and achieve full defence readiness by 2030.  The Annual Defence Readiness Report, which will provide an update on collective progress across key indicators set out in the DRR, will be presented at the October meeting of the European Council.
• Progress the Commission’s proposed Regulation on Military Mobility, which aims to streamline processes across Member States to facilitate the movement of military personnel and equipment across the EU, with the goal of finalising agreement with the co-legislators.
• Progress the revision of the Defence Procurement Directive to strengthen the efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness of EU defence procurement, and to incentivise and streamline joint procurement.
• Contribute to EU efforts to address maritime security challenges, and security of critical infrastructure and support the mid-term review of the EU’s Maritime Security Strategy and Action Plan which will take place in the second half of 2026.
• Promote the development and evolution of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (the EU’s primary framework for crisis management and international security) to ensure it remains responsive to ongoing crises.
• Support the Union’s ongoing work on strengthening cybersecurity, countering hybrid threats and international counterterrorism.  Particularly with respect to countering hybrid threats, Ireland will work to progress the EU agenda in this regard through implementation of the EU Hybrid Toolbox while the Presidency will also focus on the EU response to Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference and the threats posed to critical infrastructure by hybrid activity.
• Seek to facilitate consensus among Member States on European Defence Projects of Common Interest (“EDPCIs”), ensuring that they deliver for all Member States.  The European Council has recently announced its proposal to identify a first set of projects as EDPCIs.  The list of projects under this proposal include: drones and counter-drone systems; maritime and seabed defence; space; air and missile defence; and strengthening security along the EU’s Eastern Flank.  Supported by €325 million in EU funding, the EDPCIs will provide a framework for EU countries to cooperate on major defence initiatives that are too large or complex for individual countries to develop alone.  The projects aim to strengthen Europe’s defence industry and security capabilities in line with NATO priorities.
• The European Peace Facility (“EPF”), an EU fund created to prevent conflicts and build peace, will be used to enhance the EU’s ability to strengthen international security and stability, including through the provision of military support to Ukraine.  The Irish 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 Common Security and Defence Policy mission and support through the EPF.

Ireland approaches its Presidency of the Council of the European Union with a clear and confident ambition – to place the security of the Union and its citizens at the very heart of its term.  In a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, Ireland will seek to use its Presidency to reinforce a united and resilient European response to the shared threats facing the twenty-seven Member States.  As a small, open and outward-looking Member State with its own distinctive perspective on security, Ireland appears well placed to act, and to build consensus across differing national positions.

For more information, please contact:
Audrey Byrne, Partner, McCANN FITZGERALD
Liam Heylin, Partner, McCANN FITZGERALD

Compliments of McCann Fitzgerald – a member of the EACCNY