Ireland’s EU Presidency and Disability Rights

On 1 July 2026, Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

This means that over the next 6 months, Ireland will head most of the major bodies of the council. The announced programme directly mentions persons with disabilities, aiming to “champion the full participation of disabled people in Europe’s social and economic life.”

In addition to working on the next long-term EU budget and other responsibilities, the Presidency will chair the Social Questions Working Party meetings. This is the technical body which typically discusses disability-related issues.

Under the motto of ‘Strength with Unity,’ the Presidency’s programme plans to focus on competitiveness, values, and security. Some of the specific priorities of the Presidency impacting disability include equality and human rights, supporting employment, and health innovation.

The European Disability Forum and Disability Federation of Ireland have begun communication with the Presidency. During this time, these organisations will represent the interests of persons with disabilities and collaborate to plan disability-related events.