On 14 July 2026, Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis addressed the press following the first General Affairs Council under the Irish Presidency, expressing strong support for the Presidency's programme centred on competitiveness, values, and security. He highlighted alignment on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the 'One Europe, One Market' roadmap, and enlargement.
Dombrovskis stressed the need to maintain momentum on the simplification agenda, calling for ambitious proposals that deliver concrete results for citizens and businesses while preserving policy objectives. He urged co-legislators to keep delivery on track, noting that the Commission will continue to present omnibus packages, regulatory deep cleaning, and simplicity by design.
On rule of law, Dombrovskis welcomed the Council's adoption of conclusions on the evaluation of the annual Rule of Law Dialogue, confirming it will remain based on the Commission's Rule of Law Report. He announced that this year's report will be adopted on 17 July.
Regarding the next MFF, Dombrovskis noted that time is critical to reach an agreement by year-end, building on progress by previous presidencies. He emphasised that adequate funding requires sufficient new own resources, and the Commission will support the Irish Presidency in advancing this priority.
Dombrovskis also referenced the afternoon discussion with Enrico Letta on the 'One Europe, One Market' Roadmap, reaffirming the Commission's commitment to its timely delivery and implementation. The General Affairs Council will coordinate across Council formations and prepare political follow-up ahead of the European Council.
the adoption of the Rule of Law Report on 17 July, continued omnibus packages for simplification, and a push for new own resources to finance the MFF. However, it largely reiterated existing commitments and called for action rather than introducing new policy measures. The policy orientation is pro-integration, supporting deeper EU coordination on budget, rule of law, and market integration. No foreign-policy elements were addressed.
EU businesses and citizens stand to benefit from simplification measures that reduce administrative burden, though the lack of specific targets may delay tangible relief. National governments face pressure to agree on new own resources, which could increase their financial contributions to the EU budget. EU institutions, particularly the Commission and Council, will see their coordinating roles reinforced. The rule of law dialogue continues to provide a forum for peer review, but without enforcement mechanisms, its impact on member states with systemic issues remains limited.