Europe Direct Sligo

20/06/2026

Pact on Migration and Asylum enters into application on 12 June
From 12 June 2026, the Pact on Migration and Asylum will apply in all EU Member States. Adopted in May 2024, the Pact has overhauled the EU’s migration and asylum framework and now forms the centrepiece of the EU’s new approach on migration. For the first time, the EU has a comprehensive migration and asylum framework in place, with strong external border protection, fair and firm asylum rules, and a balance between solidarity and responsibility.

19/06/2026

Commission presents first-ever EU strategies for islands and coastal communities
On 10 June, the European Commission adopted two dedicated strategies, one for EU islands and one for EU coastal communities, setting out for the first time a coordinated European approach to support both types of territories and unlock their long-term potential. The initiatives are dedicated to the specific needs and challenges of 17 million people living on more than 4,000 islands across 16 EU Member States, and 95 million people living along the 70,000 km of EU coastlines and in coastal areas across 22 EU Member States.

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

Commissioner Roswall visits Dublin for talks on environment

European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall visited Dublin for meetings with ministers, parliamentarians and environmental organisations. Discussions focused on issues including the nitrates derogation, nature restoration, biodiversity, the circular economy and public participation in environmental decision-making. Commissioner Roswall met Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, Ministers of State Alan Dillon and Christopher O’Sullivan, and members of the Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy.

18/06/2026

EU proposes 21st package of sanctions against Russia

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia, targeting energy, financial services, trade and sanctions circumvention. The measures include additional restrictions on Russia’s shadow fleet, banks and crypto firms, as well as new import and export bans, including on certain fish products. The package also proposes banning entry to the EU for people who have served in the Russian armed forces since the start of the invasion of Ukraine.

18/06/2026

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos visited Dublin , where she discussed the EU enlargement process and the accession prospects of candidate countries including Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans. During her visit, Commissioner Kos highlighted enlargement as a key priority for the EU and outlined the reforms candidate countries must undertake on the path to membership. Listen to her interview with RTÉ’s Today with David McCullagh via the link. https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22620477/

17/06/2026

Irish energy leader driving decarbonisation and gender equality wins European Sustainable Energy Award 2026

Donna Gartland, the head of Dublin’s Energy Agency Codema, has won the European Sustainable Energy Award 2026 in the Women in Energy category, recognising her role in driving Ireland’s transition to low-carbon heat, while promoting gender equality in the workplace. Donna came first in an online public vote, receiving the award at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) Awards Ceremony on 9 June 2026 in Brussels. Donna has been instrumental in leading a landmark district heating project using waste heat from a nearby data centre to supply municipal and residential buildings. Congratulations Donna!

17/06/2026

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas visits Dublin

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, visited Dublin ahead of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU. During her visit, she met Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee, and Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne to discuss key foreign policy priorities.

02/06/2026

Galway is set to host Europe’s top political minds as the Summer University lands from June 10–12. Expect high-level talks on transatlantic ties and key EU priorities—featuring EPP President Manfred Weber and senior leaders from across the continent.