EU Council

Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union at a moment of profound consequence, as citizens across the world face escalating conflict, the climate crisis, geopolitical uncertainty and threats to democracy itself. The Presidency comes at a particularly important time as the EU advances negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the future Global Europe instrument, the Tax Omnibus, implementation of the Migration Pact, the EU Humanitarian Communication, and key climate and digital policy files.  

This briefing sets out Oxfam’s recommendations for the Irish Presidency. It includes recommendations on key priorities under Ireland’s mandate while also addressing deeper structural challenges shaping the EU’s global role. 

Today, EU finance ministers agreed on the reform of the mandate of the Code of Conduct Group, the body within the Council of the EU that assesses harmful tax regimes and is responsible for the EU tax haven list. This reform updated the definition of harmful tax regimes in EU countries. No progress was made on updating the criteria for the EU tax haven list.  

EU leaders will meet this week to discuss Europe’s response to migration. Ahead of this, Stephanie Pope, Oxfam EU migration expert said “The latest proposal attempts to bully non-EU countries into doing its work and following Europe’s narrow-minded political objectives. EU countries must create a migration policy that works for people, not one built on blackmail, forced returns and fences.”