The Council of the European Union has published indicative agendas for all Council meetings from 1 July to 31 December 2026, drawn up by the incoming Irish Presidency and the European External Action Service for the Foreign Affairs Council. The document, dated 25 June 2026, outlines the schedule for ten Council configurations, covering legislative and non-legislative work across all policy areas.
The General Affairs Council is set to meet on 14 July, 22 September, 13 October, 19 November, 23 November (Cohesion), and 15 December. The Foreign Affairs Council will convene on 13 July, 28 September (Defence), 12 October, 16 November, 17 November (Defence), 30 November (Trade), 1 December (Development), and 14 December. The Economic and Financial Affairs Council meets on 10 July, possibly 27 July (Budget), 9 October, 9 November, 10 November (Budget), and 11 December. The Justice and Home Affairs Council is scheduled for 1-2 October.
The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will meet on 19 October (Employment and Social Policy), 7 December (Employment and Social Policy), and 8 December (Health). The Competitiveness Council meets on 24 September (Internal Market and Industry), 3 November (Internal Market and Industry), and 4 November (Research and Space). The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council is scheduled for 29 September (Energy), 30 September (Transport), 1 October (Telecoms), and 10 December (Energy).
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meets on 13 July, 28-29 September, 26-27 October, 23-possibly 24 November, and 14-15 December. The Environment Council meets on 12 October and 11 December. The Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council meets on 19 November (Education and Youth) and 20 November (Culture and Sport).
The document notes that items for which approval is possible without discussion are entered as "A" items and generally do not appear in these indicative agendas. No item is placed on the agenda simply for presentation by the Commission or a Council member, except where a debate on new major initiatives is planned. All agendas must distinguish between legislative and non-legislative acts for both "A" and "B" items.
These draft agendas set the schedule and key topics for all Council configurations in the second half of 2026 under the Irish Presidency, covering legislative and non-legislative work across all policy areas. The agendas will be finalised closer to each meeting date.