Minister presents Ireland’s transport priorities for EU Presidency

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, presented Ireland’s transport priorities for the EU Presidency at the European Parliament Committee for Transport and Tourism in Brussels on 15th July, alongside Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session with Members of the European Parliament.

Minister Canney outlined the policy areas that Ireland is committed to progressing over the six months of the EU Presidency under key themes:

• Transport as an Enabler for Competitiveness
• Decarbonisation and Delivering a Just Transition
• Delivering for Citizens
• A Safe, Secure and Resilient Transport Network.

These priorities will be guided by Ireland’s overarching Presidency pillars of competitiveness, values, and security.

Minister Canney said: “I am very pleased to have set out Ireland’s Presidency priorities to the European Parliament Committee on Transport and Tourism, alongside Minister Burke. The European Parliament, in its role as co-legislator, is an essential partner in delivering elements of our ambitious Presidency agenda over the next six months.

“Today was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Members of the European Parliament on their priorities, and to build consensus on how we can achieve progress during the term of our Presidency.

“I look forward to working constructively with Parliament and Member States to deliver on these priorities for citizens, businesses and the transport sector.”

EU policy priorities set the strategic direction for progress, while legislative proposals are developed to help achieve these objectives. The EU Parliament and Council are committed to advancing key transport legislation that includes:

• The Roadworthiness Package, which aims to modernise vehicle inspection rules and further enhance road safety;
• The Weights and Dimensions Directive, which sets out the maximum authorised dimensions and weights for heavy-duty vehicles;
• The Automotive Package, including a review of CO₂ emissions standards for cars and vans, measures on clean corporate vehicle fleets, and broader simplification initiatives.

Over the course of its Presidency, Ireland aims to work to support practical and constructive progress on these and other priority legislative areas, while maintaining continuity with the subsequent Presidencies of Lithuania (January to June 2027) and Greece (July to December 2027).