Post by Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide welcomes the publication of Ireland’s programme for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026. At a time of global instability, Ireland's programme clearly recognises the scale of the challenge. It highlights rising poverty and hunger, growing humanitarian need, and the importance of the EU’s role as the world’s largest provider of development and humanitarian assistance. We strongly welcome the Presidency’s commitment to providing a platform for strategic discussions on development cooperation and poverty; maintaining a focus on food security, health and gender as core global priorities; and reinforcing the EU’s role as a principled global actor grounded in human rights, multilateralism and international humanitarian law. These priorities reflect areas where Ireland has long demonstrated leadership, particularly on hunger, nutrition and humanitarian action. As Ireland takes on this role, we see a clear opportunity to ensure that EU external action delivers for those most in need. In particular, we encourage continued focus on: - Fragility and conflict-affected contexts: Global poverty and humanitarian need are increasingly concentrated in fragile settings, where progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is faltering or in some cases, reversing. Ireland's Presidency can steer EU policy and funding to prioritise reaching those furthest behind in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. - Protecting principled humanitarian action: As negotiations on the next EU budget accelerate, safeguarding dedicated, needs-based humanitarian funding will be critical to maintaining the EU’s leadership and credibility. - Food security and nutrition: The programme recognises the “urgent focus” needed on food security globally. With hunger rising for six consecutive years globally, sustained political leadership and investment in sustainable food systems and nutrition will be critical. - Coherent, joined-up EU action: The Presidency’s focus on addressing interconnected crises provides an important opportunity to strengthen coordination across humanitarian, development and peace efforts. Ireland’s Presidency comes at a pivotal moment. With the right political focus, it can help steer the EU towards a more consistent, principled and effective response to global hunger, poverty and fragility. Concern stands ready to support Ireland’s leadership with evidence from our programmes and partnerships. VOICE EU CONCORD Alliance2015 Irish Aid