Ireland holds the presidency of the Council until the end of 2026. This text will be updated as the hearings take place.

Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee

On 13 July, Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne said the priorities are strengthening EU competitiveness, protecting citizens and safeguarding EU values. He also highlighted regulatory simplification, support for Ukraine, enlargement and continued attention to the Article 7 procedure on Hungary as key issues. He added that reaching an agreement on the next long term EU budget as a horizontal priority.

MEPs focused on the issues of protecting children online and securing a permanent framework to combat child sexual abuse. They also raised concerns about rule of law developments in member states, migration and returns, digital sovereignty and spyware misuse, as well as support for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Public Health Committee

On 13 July, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll…