A meeting of the Working Party of Foreign Relations Counsellors on Horizontal Questions (WP RELEX-HQ) is scheduled for 10 July 2026, according to a notice of meeting and provisional agenda published by the Council of the European Union on 2 July 2026. The meeting will focus on adopting the agenda, discussing priorities under the Irish Presidency, and advancing Global Gateway initiatives, including SME participation and follow-up on Council Conclusions.
adoption of the meeting agenda; discussion of the priorities and indicative work programme for WP RELEX-HQ under the Irish Presidency; an exchange with a member of the Business Advisory Group on SME participation in Global Gateway; and follow-up on Global Gateway Council Conclusions. The meeting aims to shape the EU's foreign relations work programme under the Irish Presidency, which began in January 2026, and to ensure continuity in implementing Global Gateway, the EU's strategy for boosting sustainable investment and connectivity worldwide.
The inclusion of an exchange with the Business Advisory Group signals an effort to enhance SME engagement in Global Gateway projects, potentially broadening the impact of EU investment and connectivity initiatives. The follow-up on Council Conclusions indicates that the Working Party will review progress and coordinate next steps among EU bodies on horizontal foreign relations issues. The meeting is expected to influence policy direction and coordination on EU external action, with implications for how the EU implements its global strategy under the Irish Presidency.