EU General Affairs Council meeting outcomes and Irish Presidency priorities

On Tuesday in Brussels, the EU General Affairs Council held a meeting attended by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus, Marilena Raouna. During the opening, the incoming Irish Presidency presented its priorities for the second half of 2026, which align with the EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029. Ministers reviewed the roadmap “One Europe, One Market,” which was co-signed in Nicosia in April. The discussion focused on simplifying European legislation, expanding the Single Market, and supporting EU enlargement. Marilena Raouna noted that six simplification packages have already been completed, demonstrating institutional effectiveness. The roadmap aims to provide clear political direction and reduce fragmentation across member states. Ireland’s program was welcomed as a necessary step for continuity amidst current geopolitical and economic challenges.