Irish Presidency

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. 

Attacks on aid workers are rising, accountability is dwindling, and protection systems are chronically underfunded. The Brussels Conference on the Protection of Aid Workers on 15 and 16 October 2026, should move beyond expressions of concern and deliver concrete commitments on prevention, duty of care, monitoring, accountability, and respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with particular attention to the needs and leadership of national and local humanitarian actors.