28 May 2026 - CLG Europe met Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien TD, and officials from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment for a discussion on Ireland’s preparations for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on some of the key climate, energy and environment priorities expected to shape the Presidency agenda, including the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), electrification, the Grids Package, industrial competitiveness, the Circular Economy Act, and energy efficiency and security.
Ireland’s Presidency comes at an important point for the European Union as it looks to advance the clean energy transition while strengthening competitiveness, resilience and energy security. The discussion explored the role that upcoming policy initiatives can play in supporting these objectives and enabling businesses to invest and deliver at greater pace.
A key theme was the importance of close collaboration between government and business in developing ambitious policies that can also be implemented effectively across the economy. CLG Europe members highlighted the value of stable, coherent and predictable policy frameworks in providing businesses with the confidence needed to make long-term investment decisions and accelerate implementation.
The discussion also considered how Europe can continue to pursue its climate objectives alongside wider economic and industrial priorities. Participants emphasised the importance of ensuring that policies on areas such as electrification, grids, circularity and industrial decarbonisation work together to support a competitive and resilient European economy.
CLG Europe welcomed the opportunity to engage with Minister Darragh O’Brien TD, State Minister Timmy Dooley, Philip Nugent, and the wider Department team, and looks forward to continuing the dialogue with the Irish Presidency in the months ahead.