Overview   News

Discover how the EU is supporting the future of farming at the National Ploughing Championships, with a focus on livestock, sustainability, innovation and the next generation of farmers. Test your knowledge with interactive games and quizzes, enjoy European food tastings, chat with EU experts and try our AI-powered photobooth. Find us at the EU stand, Stand 165, Row 9, Block 3.

The Commission has presented a strategy to strengthen the long-term supply of medical radioisotopes in the European Union through the European Radioisotope Valley Initiative (ERVI). Medical radioisotopes are essential for the diagnosis of several illnesses and for cancer treatment, and demand is expected to grow strongly in the coming years.

The European Commission has proposed a framework agreement with the United States for an Enhanced Border Security Partnership, setting conditions for reciprocal information exchange. The framework includes safeguards on data protection in line with EU law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The proposal will now go to the Council for a decision on signing, followed by European Parliament consent.

The European Commission disbursed €150 million in Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This marks the second disbursement under the EU's fourth MFA programme to Jordan, worth a total of €500 million approved by the European Parliament and the Council in April 2025. It follows the first tranche of €250 million in September 2025.

On 10 September, the European Commission strengthened the framework for the European Capitals of Culture beyond 2033, applying the lessons of more than 40 years of experience into the programme's next generation. The aim is to simplify the selection process, strengthen long-term legacy and sustainability planning. It will also strengthen citizen and youth participation and give greater weight to inclusive and sustainable urban development.

The European Union is looking for highly qualified ICT professionals to join its civil service. The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising an open competition to establish reserve lists for administrators (grade AD 8) in two ICT fields: Artificial intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity. Candidates may apply for one field only. The application period runs from 8 September 2026 to 13 October 2026 (12.00 midday Brussels time).

The Commission has decided to provide Spain with €114.7 million in emergency assistance to help manage the situation in Ceuta, following the large-scale illegal border crossings on 30-31 July. This financial support builds on the Commission's immediate response from the first day, when it offered Spain both financial and operational assistance.

The Commission has proposed a new European Innovation Act to help Europe's companies to grow across borders and compete globally. As a key initiative under the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy and the Competitiveness Compass for the EU, the proposal will strengthen the EU's long-term competitiveness, prosperity and technological sovereignty.

On 9 September, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new Regulation to modernise and simplify the EU's public procurement framework to support effective investments in public services and infrastructure in line with the Union's policy objectives. Drawing on extensive consultations with public buyers, businesses, trade unions, and civil society, the Commission is proposing an ambitious reform to make public procurement simpler, more flexible, and more effective

The lack of affordable housing has become one of the most urgent concerns for Europeans. With the Affordable Housing Act presented on 9 September, the European Commission supports Member States and cities addressing housing affordability and availability. The Act responds to highly localised concerns and addresses the request of Member States and municipalities for greater legal certainty when they choose to act, based on local specificities, within EU law.

After a short summer break, we’re back with our newsletter, and September has already got off to a busy start. Last week, HRVP Kaja Kallas and Commissioners Marta Kos, Jessika Roswall, Michael McGrath and Piotr Serafin were in Ireland for meetings hosted by the Irish Presidency, discussing EU support for Ukraine, defence and maritime security, the EU’s next long-term budget, enlargement and the European Democracy Shield. They also took the opportunity to engage with people across Ireland, from meeting students in Dublin to discussing the role of rural communities and civil society in Offaly, and visiting Bull Island Nature Reserve to see work to protect biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. We look forward to keeping you up to date on the work of the Irish Presidency and the European Commission in Ireland over the coming months, with the latest EU news, upcoming events, insights and more!

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed Member States’ agreement to allow Ukraine to purchase crucial products for Patriot air defence systems. The next €3.2 billion disbursement under the Ukraine Support Loan will help Ukraine better protect its skies from Russia’s attacks, building on €8.4 billion already disbursed, including for air defence. President von der Leyen said the EU would continue working with NATO to support Ukraine and strengthen Europe’s defence posture.

Fuel and lubricant prices in Ireland increased by 3.2% in July 2026 compared with July 2025, among the lowest increases in the EU. The EU-wide increase was 16.9%, with the largest rises recorded in Romania (24.2%), Germany and Lithuania (22.9% each). On a monthly basis, Ireland saw fuel prices fall between June and July, with diesel down 6.4% and petrol down 4.1%.

Ireland had the highest share in the EU of internet users paying for film, series or sports streaming services in 2025, at 63.9%. This was almost double the EU average of 32.7%, with Denmark next at 61.1% and the Netherlands at 59.2%. Across the EU, film, series and sports streaming was the most popular type of paid online subscription, ahead of music streaming at 23.0%.

The European Commission has adopted a Communication on a New Strategic Approach to Research and Innovation for competitive and resilient agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems. The Communication puts greater emphasis on users’ challenges, needs and on the delivery of real impact on the ground by bringing together end users, researchers and businesses to co-create, test and demonstrate solutions in real-world settings, while still ensuring food safety.

This Brussels-based hybrid event will explore how Ireland and Europe can effectively and strategically promote AI uptake, adoption, and innovation, to drive Europe’s competitiveness. The expert panel will discuss how Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU can steer and tailor the direction of EU AI policy to bolster Europe’s competitiveness, following the various recent EU initiatives and strategies to promote AI in Europe. Please note the different start time for in-person and online attendees.

On Culture Night, guests will first be welcomed to the IIEA’s Georgian townhouse to view a curated and interactive exhibition, that will showcase Ireland’s European story including debates during the Lisbon and Nice referenda, moments from Eurovision, and other cultural and political moments. Guests will then be invited to a fireside chat amongst authors, journalists and policymakers to discuss Ireland’s European journey, how far we have come, and what the future might have in store for Ireland and the European project.

This Culture Night, the Creative Europe Desk and European Movement Ireland are collaborating to put the ‘fun’ in EU funding and showcase the power that culture and media has to bring citizens across Europe together. The event will take place at 8 Fitzwilliam St. Lower and you can join any time between 17.00-20.30 and check out our exhibition of successfully funded creative projects, chat with staff about funding options for your next piece and enjoy live music.

Agenda can be found via the link.

Agenda can be found via the link.