On 7 July 2026, European Commission Maroš Šefčovič addressed the European Parliament plenary debate on the programme of activities of the Irish Presidency, welcoming the incoming presidency's alignment with the Commission's agenda on competitiveness, values, and security. Šefčovič highlighted the need for urgent action to enhance EU competitiveness and productivity, emphasising the central role of the Irish Presidency in delivering the 'One Europe, One Market' Roadmap signed in April 2026, which aims to complete the Single Market by the end of 2027.
Šefčovič outlined several upcoming initiatives during the Irish Presidency, including the Public Procurement Act and the Circular Economy Act, while urging progress on pending files such as the Savings and Investments Union, the Industrial Accelerator Act, and the EU Inc. Regulation. He also called for closure on four remaining omnibus proposals (digital, environmental, automotive, and food and feed), noting that two additional omnibuses on energy and taxation were presented in June 2026, with another on citizens planned later this year. On energy, Šefčovič stressed the importance of maintaining momentum to reach political agreement on the European Grids Package, proposed in December 2025, by the third quarter of 2026. He announced that next week the Commission will present an Energy Package including proposals on grid charges, an electrification plan, an ETS review, and benchmarks.
On trade, Šefčovič welcomed the Irish Presidency's role in advancing the EU-U.S. Trade and Investment agenda and ongoing negotiations with Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. He called on the Council to approve signing agreements with India and Indonesia, and on Parliament to grant swift consent. Regarding the UK, Šefčovič reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to strengthening ties while keeping Ireland and Northern Ireland's interests in mind, following a coordination session in Cork the previous week.
On values, Šefčovič noted the Irish Presidency's focus on the European Democracy Shield, rule of law, and citizens' rights, particularly online child protection. He linked enlargement to shared values, recalling Ireland's 2004 presidency that welcomed ten new member states, and expressed confidence in the current presidency to advance negotiations with candidate countries and contribute to global efforts, including peace in the Middle East.
On security, Šefčovič emphasised continued support for Ukraine across military, economic, and political fronts, and welcomed the presidency's work on the 21st sanctions package, with a commitment to reach agreement by next week. He also highlighted defence industry, military mobility, and drones as key files, and called for prompt implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. Finally, Šefčovič mentioned the future Multiannual Financial Framework, aiming for an agreement by year-end, and noted the Irish Presidency's strong mandate from the European Council to continue work on this complex topic.
The speech contained concrete proposals, including specific legislative acts (Public Procurement Act, Circular Economy Act, Grids Package, Energy Package) and numerical targets (Single Market completion by end of 2027, political agreement on Grids Package by Q3 2026). Policy orientation was towards deepening the Single Market, accelerating simplification, and advancing trade liberalisation, while maintaining support for Ukraine and enlargement. On foreign policy, the speech was conciliatory towards the UK and trade partners, but assertive on sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.