3rd February 2026
Alan Dillion TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with special responsibility for Employment, Small Business and Retail will attend the informal Compet Council of Ministers meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus on 3 February, before Ireland holds the next informal Compet Council meeting in Dublin in July 2026.
The following three discussions will be held:
- Strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base will see Ministers discuss the structural industrial challenges facing Europe.
- Competitiveness Compass – A year after will see Minister’s reflect on their experience, highlight key challenges, and identify possible ways forward to accelerate the delivery and enhance the effectiveness of the EU’s competitiveness.
- Towards 2030: A Stronger, Fairer, and Safer Single Market for European Consumers will see Ministers reflect on the significant benefits that the Single Market offers to consumers as well as barriers that limit its full potential to continue to exist, particularly in cross-border transactions.
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Alan Dillon said:
“Europe is operating in a changed context arising from Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The next MFF (Multiannual Financial Framework) should recognise this reality and contribute to enhancing the security of Europe. Some Member States, including Ireland, have a policy of military neutrality and we will engage proactively to ensure this policy is understood and respected within the MFF.
"Ireland supports the Commission’s simplification agenda; an essential pillar of our Competitiveness agenda. Simplification must be about better and smarter regulation, not bare deregulation. Businesses, in particular our SMEs, are calling out for simplification and they are not convinced that the EU is moving with enough urgency. If we are serious about unlocking Europe’s competitiveness, we will need to demonstrate this through our actions. Ireland welcomes the 2030 Consumer Agenda and its focus on completing the Single Market, strengthening digital fairness, promoting sustainable consumption, and ensuring effective enforcement and redress.
"Finally, Ireland looks forward to taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from our Cypriot friends in July. We will work hard to ensure that we continue to progress the EU agenda.”
ENDS
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