Ireland’s EU Presidency: Shaping Europe’s Competitiveness, Innovation and Investment
As Brussels prepares for the summer break, work across the European Union institutions continues at full speed. Decisions currently being shaped will influence Europe’s business, industrial and innovation landscape for years to come.
Since 1 July 2026, Ireland has held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Over the next six months, Ireland will steer discussions on several strategic priorities that are highly relevant for Estonian businesses, including strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, accelerating innovation, increasing investment, developing the defence industry, and preparing the EU’s next long-term budget.
Although each Presidency lasts only six months, it often sets the political direction for initiatives whose impact extends well beyond its mandate. Many of the decisions taken during the Irish Presidency will influence European policies, funding programmes and investment priorities throughout the next decade.
Industrial Accelerator Act – Strengthening Europe’s Industrial Base
One of the Presidency’s key legislative priorities is the Industrial Accelerator Act, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of European industry, accelerating investment in strategic sectors and simplifying the establishment of new manufacturing capacity across Europe.
For Estonian companies, this initiative could create new opportunities in areas such as:
- Defence technologies
- Deep tech
- Clean technologies
- Energy
- Semiconductors
- Artificial intelligence
- Advanced manufacturing
Another closely related discussion concerns the proposed European Preference principle, which seeks to strengthen the position of European companies in strategic public procurement and supply chains. If incorporated into future legislation, this could improve the competitiveness of European businesses and create additional opportunities for innovative Estonian companies.
European Innovation Act – Creating a Better Environment for Innovative Businesses
The Irish Presidency will also advance discussions on the future European Innovation Act, one of the European Commission’s flagship initiatives to improve Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
Its objective is to make it easier to establish and scale innovative companies by:
- reducing regulatory barriers;
- improving access to regulatory sandboxes and testing facilities;
- accelerating the commercialisation of research and innovation.
Closely linked to this is the proposed 28th Regime, which aims to create a more harmonised legal framework for companies operating across the Single Market. If implemented, it could significantly simplify cross-border business activities, particularly for start-ups and scale-ups.
Europe’s Next Long-Term Budget Will Shape Future Funding Opportunities
One of Ireland’s most important responsibilities will be to launch political discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034.
This is far more than a budget negotiation, it is a strategic discussion on where Europe will invest over the next seven years.
For businesses, the coming months will help determine:
- future EU research and innovation funding;
- the scope of the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF);
- defence innovation funding;
- business support instruments;
- investments in strategic technologies.
For Estonian companies, following these discussions early is essential, as they will directly shape funding opportunities throughout the next decade.
Artificial Intelligence, Defence and Biotechnology – Europe’s Growth Engines
Ireland’s Presidency programme confirms that technological innovation remains one of Europe’s main drivers of economic growth.
Key priorities include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Deep technologies
- Digital and green technologies
- Research and innovation
Defence innovation is also becoming increasingly important. Defence is no longer viewed solely as a security issue but increasingly as an industrial and innovation policy priority.
This creates significant opportunities for companies working in:
- defence technologies;
- cybersecurity;
- drone technologies;
- autonomous systems;
- other dual-use technologies.
At the same time, Europe continues to strengthen its biotechnology and health technology sectors to reinforce the competitiveness of its life sciences ecosystem.
Biotechnology and Health Technologies
The Irish Presidency intends to advance discussions on both the proposed Biotech Act and the simplification of the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR).
The programme emphasises that Europe’s future competitiveness depends on a strong life sciences sector. Priorities include:
- accelerating innovation;
- supporting digital health;
- simplifying market access for new health technologies.
These developments could create valuable opportunities for Estonian:
- HealthTech companies;
- biotechnology companies;
- medical device manufacturers;
- digital health and health data companies.
Transport and Connectivity
Transport and connectivity are also among Ireland’s priorities.
The Presidency aims to strengthen Europe’s transport system by accelerating investment in infrastructure, logistics and sustainable mobility.
At the same time, Europe intends to reduce administrative burdens, simplify permitting procedures and create a more predictable business environment—particularly for SMEs and high-growth innovative companies.
What Does This Mean for Estonian Businesses?
Although many of these initiatives are still under development, the decisions made over the coming months will shape Europe’s business environment for many years.
Estonian companies should therefore:
- monitor the development of the Industrial Accelerator Act and the European Innovation Act;
- assess how these initiatives may affect their business;
- prepare for the next generation of EU funding programmes;
- build international partnerships and actively participate in European innovation networks.
Looking Ahead
Ireland’s Presidency clearly demonstrates that Europe’s priorities are focused on strengthening competitiveness, accelerating innovation, increasing investment and simplifying the business environment.
At the same time, Europe is defining the direction of its future funding programmes and strategic investments.
For Estonian businesses, the key developments to watch over the coming months include:
- Industrial Accelerator Act;
- European Innovation Act;
- Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034);
- European Competitiveness Fund;
- Artificial Intelligence;
- Defence Innovation;
- Deep Technologies.
Keeping track of these developments today will help Estonian companies better prepare for tomorrow’s funding opportunities, international partnerships and growth across Europe.
The official programme of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union is available here: Presidency of the Council of the European Union | Ireland.ie
The Brussels Office of the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) will continue to monitor these developments and keep Estonian businesses informed about new opportunities emerging from the European Union.
If you would like to discuss how these initiatives may affect your company or explore relevant EU opportunities, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Head of Brussels Office
Rue Guimard 11/13, 1040, Brussels
Enterprise Estonia
+372 522 8877; +32 (0)47 084 6627