Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has presented Ireland’s energy and environment priorities for its Presidency of the Council of the EU to the European Parliament.

On energy, the Presidency will focus on delivering more sustainable, affordable and secure energy systems, with Minister O’Brien highlighting the impact of geopolitical instability and energy price volatility on European competitiveness. Key priorities include progressing the EU’s Grids Package, Network Charges proposal and Energy Security Framework, alongside accelerating electrification and the transition towards renewable and clean energy.

The Minister also outlined Ireland’s environmental priorities, including progressing the review of the EU Emissions Trading System, advancing the transition to a circular economy and strengthening Europe’s climate resilience. The Presidency will seek to balance progress towards Europe’s climate objectives with the need to support long-term economic competitiveness.

These priorities are particularly relevant to Dublin businesses, with energy costs, grid capacity and security of supply remaining important competitiveness concerns for firms. Ireland will host EU Energy Ministers in Dublin later this month, ahead of the first formal Energy Council under the Irish Presidency in October.

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