There are more than 120 references to Europe threaded throughout the Programme for Government. So what does this draft programme tell us about the next government’s relationship with the EU?
The basis of a coalition agreement reached between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and a cluster of independents is an important moment.
Six and a half weeks after the election, there is now the basis for a return to power for FF and FG. This time they will be propped up by a group of independent TDs. Otherwise we can expect to see some familiar faces back as ministers.
From the outset the new government commits to Ireland’s relationship with the European Union with a pledge on page one.
“…ensuring that Ireland is a positive and active contributor to the European Union.”
A recent poll conducted for the European Parliament suggested that Irish people are the most EU-enthusiastic.
And the government would agree with that.
But that does not mean going along with the EU on everything.
The Programme for Government promises to stand up for what the government sees as Irish interests even when they are not the prevailing viewpoint.
TRADE
One example of that is on trade, where Ireland is favourable to trade agreements in general, but nervous about the impact of – for example – the deal with south American Mercosur countries if it threatens Irish agriculture
The government will “support an ambitious EU trade agenda, promoting new Free Trade Agreements, with proper assurances regarding sustainability, human rights and the protection of our agricultural sector.”
STATE AID
The Irish government is also critical of France and Germany for using their deep pockets to massively subsidise and protect their own industries. And there is a reference to this in the agreement too:
“[We will] work with likeminded EU member states to ensure the fair application of state aid rules.”
That means working with other smaller EU member states to try and balance out European interests.
Later the text pledges to protect “competitiveness, innovation, and a level playing field.”
DISABILITIES
But in some areas, Ireland is behind the curve and the government is pledging to play catch up including promising to “work with employers and across Government to improve employment of people with disabilities and ensure that supports for entrepreneurs and enterprise are accessible to all, including people with disabilities with a goal of reaching at least the EU average.”
LATE DELIVERY
Ireland does not always manage to get EU laws in place by the deadline leading to the European Commission threatening court action. Now the government has promised to do better through “increase[d] investment into the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to ensure that the Government’s legislative agenda can be delivered, including the on-time transposition of EU measures.”
IRELAND 2026
Ireland will take over the rotating presidency of the European Council in July 2026. During its six month stint, the new government has pledged to schedule ministerial meetings around to country and not just in Dublin.
FARMING
The government has also signaled an intention to lobby for farming whilst it is in the hot seat. The timing is good because the EU will be underway with considering a reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. With Ireland chairing the meetings, the government will hope to influence that process.
“As Ireland will hold the EU presidency in 2026, protecting farmers and farming at EU level will be an absolute priority for this government in terms of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).”
It is already clear from the agreement that the government will fight for more money for farmers. The CAP currently takes up one-third of the EU’s entire budget worth more than €380 billion (2021-27), but the government is pushing for more:
“This Government will fight at EU level for a fully supported CAP with an increased budget.”
The government will also lobby the EU for another exemption from environmental law on nitrates. Nitrates cause water pollution, kill wildlife and can make water undrinkable. But the government has previously been able to convince the EU that Irish farming and Ireland’s wet climate make an opt out essential.
Although it is an argument which is harder and harder to make in Brussels.
“This government will do everything within its power to make the case at EU level to secure the retention of the Nitrates Derogation given our unique grass-based production model. We will work with famers, industry, state agencies and local authorities to develop evidence-based solutions to assist farmers in improving water quality.
FISHERIES
For the fishing industry there are two big fights ahead. One is the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy which, like CAP for farmers, will soon be up for review.
The second fight will be over fish quotas with the UK. Since Brexit, Irish fishermen have suffered with lower quotas, but under the Brexit deal, even the share they get now could be lost when the current deal expires in 2027.
The government pledges to fight for “fairer quotas for Irish fishers and due recognition is given to the proportion of fish species caught in Irish waters.”
And on Brexit, “defend Irish Fishing interests ahead of the 2026 review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and in discussions on third countries.”
ENERGY
On energy, the government wants to use the EU as an opportunity to increase link ups with mainland Europe (and separately with the UK) particularly to be able to export more wind energy.
The government will “develop and accelerate the roll-out of new electricity interconnectors, to ensure Ireland is well positioned to be a net exporter of electricity to the UK and the EU.”
ENVIRONMENT
The EU is expected to introduce new environmental laws under the so called EU Green Deal in the coming few years.
The government says it will “work with EU Member States to encourage the further reduction and prevention of plastic packaging and consider ways to increase the use compostable materials.”
Ireland is currently at risk of missing key EU recycling targets this year.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The new government mentions using EU funding to boost the Midlands and North West. This could be a battle. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is thought to favour draining money out of EU regional funding to use for other pet projects. This could lead to Ireland’s poorer regions losing out.
The government pledges to “invest in regenerative tourism projects in the Midlands with the help of the EU Just Transition Fund….Continue to advance a balanced approach to regional development, cognisant that the European Commission has identified the North West as requiring additional support.”
HATRED ACT
Ireland’s Incitement to Hatred Act may be in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. A review was carried out in 2019, but it remains unresolved.
“Introduce amendments to modernise the Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 following engagement with the Joint Oireachtas Committee, in line with EU standards.”
MIGRATION
A topic which pushed up the political agenda in the local and European elections last year, did not appear to be a big issue in the general election.
The last government promised to follow through with the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact, and this government says it will continue down that road.
“We will introduce a new International Protection Act to implement the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which will strengthen and integrate key EU policies on migration, asylum, border management and integration. New domestic legislatio will be enacted in 2026 to provide for faster processing of applications, stronger border security, and a more efficient returns system.”
“Expand accelerated processing further with the inclusion of additional categories in line with the new EU
Migration and Asylum Pact.”
JOHN HUME
Former Irish MEP and Nobel Peace Prize laureate will have a new annual prize named after him.
“Introduce a new John Hume Fund in honour of one of Ireland’s greatest ever patriots and only member of the European Parliament to win a Nobel Prize. This is to be awarded annually by that Parliament to a person or organisation who promotes reconciliation and shared prosperity in Europe.”
ISRAEL
The Programme for Government was published on the day Israel and Hamas finally brokered a peace agreement. Nonetheless, the new government does not plan to back down on ways of holding Israel to account through the EU.
“Advocate for a meaningful interpretation of Israel’s human rights obligations under the EU-Israel association agreement at European Commission level and continue to advocate a review of the EU Trade Agreement”
“Support UNRWA and advocate within Europe for increased support.”
“Work with partners in the EU to introduce further sanctions against illegal settler activity in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.”
TRUMP
With Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President next week there is nervousness about whether he will follow through with tariffs.
The Programme for Government admits that Ireland is particularly vulnerable. No surprise then that the government thinks it will be stronger to work as an EU block in relations with the US.
“Work with our European partners to ensure a coordinated approach to the Transatlantic Relationship and boost intra-EU collaboration on competitiveness and productivity projects of common interest.”
SOCIAL MEDIA ADS
And one slightly curious mention which smells of lobbying from the tech giants headquartered in Ireland:
The government “advocate for national and EU legislation that permits online platforms to only advertise financial products from companies regulated by their competent national authority, helping to eliminate fake endorsements.”