Minister Byrne in European Parliament for first plenary session of Ireland’s EU Presidency and signature of EU legal acts and budgetary instruments

Minister Byrne in European Parliament for first plenary session of Ireland's EU Presidency and signature of EU legal acts and budgetary instruments

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 8 July 2026
• Last updated on: 8 July 2026

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, is today (8 July) representing the Council of the EU in Strasbourg at the first European Parliament plenary session of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Minister will also sign a number of budgetary instruments and EU legal acts during a ceremony with European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola. This will mark the first legislation adopted under the Irish Presidency.

In particular, these EU legal acts include new EU Digital AI rules which make it easier for businesses to comply with AI rules and introduce new bans on harmful AI. Other measures include strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain and improved requirements for vehicle design and for the disposal of end-of-life vehicles.

Minister Byrne will also sign budgetary instruments on the decision of the European Parliament and the Council on the Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, and the decision of the European Parliament and the Council on the Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund.

These decisions allow EU funds to be released to support workers affected by major economic changes, and to assist Member States in responding to major natural disasters or serious emergencies.

Commenting on the signature of EU legal acts alongside President Metsola, Minister Byrne said: "By working closely and constructively with the European Parliament during the next six months, Ireland will be to the fore in moving the EU agenda forward and delivering for EU citizens."

Commenting on the signature of EU legal acts alongside President Metsola, Minister Byrne said: "On behalf of the Council of the European Union, I am proud to join President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in signing budgetary instruments and EU legal acts into law. This is the first legislation adopted under the Irish Presidency.

"Ranging from vehicle design to strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain, to Artificial Intelligence, and the export of mixed municipal waste, the acts I signed today with President Metsola are evidence of European democracy in action. I also want to recognise the leading role that Irish MEPs are playing to advance the EU agenda."

Commenting on the signature of EU budgetary instruments, Minister Byrne said: "I welcome the signature of budgetary instruments on the decision of the European Parliament and the Council on the Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, and the decision of the European Parliament and the Council, on the Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund. Crucially in practice, these decisions will allow EU funds to be released to support workers affected by major economic changes, and to assist EU Member States in responding to major natural disasters or serious emergencies."

ENDS

Press Office

8 July 2026