This Future Proofing Europe infographic provides a mid-point assessment of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. Using a football-themed structure, it outlines the Presidency’s three overarching priorities of Competitiveness, Security and Values, and considers the progress still required before the end of Ireland’s term. It examines five key areas that will shape the second half of the Presidency: the One Europe, One Market Roadmap; negotiations on the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework; EU Enlargement; energy security; and European defence readiness. For each area, the infographic sets out the current state of play, Ireland’s objectives and the political or legislative issues to watch. It also explains the Presidency’s role in coordinating Member States, working with the EU institutions and building agreement on complex policy files. Overall, it highlights both the opportunities and challenges Ireland faces as it seeks to translate its priorities into concrete progress coming into the second half of Ireland’s EU Presidency