The INOU, as part of the Community and Voluntary Pillar, has been working to advocate for a social and inclusive EU as Ireland takes on the Presidency of the Council of the EU from July 2026. This is an important for Ireland to lead on the political agenda for the EU while there are complex issues to face during this period.
As part of our engagements, we have met with Minister of State Thomas Byrne to highlight the priorities of the Pillar as the Governments continues to develop its agenda for the Presidency.
A Social and Inclusive European Union
The INOU are strong advocates for social policy to become a priority for the EU. All Members States are now tackling similar issues such as housing shortages, the complex effects of AI adoption on the labour market and the rise of the far-right; investment in our communities and social infrastructure are now essential to face these growing threats.
Social Rights for All
The first priority from the Pillar is to secure social rights through strengthening the tools that are currently available. This should include using the European Pillar of Social Rights in governance and economic processes, such as the Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations. EU monitoring tools, such as Country Specific Recommendations, should ensure that social rights are being progressed in each country.
The EU Anti-Poverty Strategy will also be published in 2026; Ireland has a strong history of addressing poverty, and should continue to do so while driving forward the objectives of this Strategy and eradicating poverty in all Member States.
Enhancing Democracy and Partnership with Civil Society
Civil Society Organisations play a fundamental role in upholding and protecting democracy and civic participation across communities. Enabling these organisations to develop and grow is needed to allow EU citizens to embed social values such as social justice, human rights and equality in their community. The rise of the far-right is putting these values at risk across the EU; funding and protective measures must be available to drive forward social inclusion and social cohesion measures that will face up to these risks.
Renewed Emphasis on a Just Transition
The drive for competitiveness and defence spending across the EU is challenging to policy developments that invest in our people and our societies, as well as tackling the urgent impacts of climate change. There is a need to prioritise developments that promote resilience and protect future generations and groups that will be disproportionately affected by climate change.
Looking Ahead to 2026
A strengthened vision of Social Europe is urgently needed. This vision is reflected in the values of the EU outlined in the Treaty of the European Union:
“The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.”
The Irish Presidency of the EU provides the opportunity to put those values at the centre of European policymaking.