154. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his Department’s position on the current EU allocation under the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the AgoraEU programme considering the key role that civil society, independent journalism and culture play in safeguarding a Europe where democracy can thrive; and whether Ireland will be seeking an increase in this allocation during the MFF negotiation process. [47892/26]

The Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade jointly coordinate Ireland's overarching positions on the proposed EU Multiannual Framework 2028-2034 (MFF).

As regards AgoraEU specifically, Ireland, led by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport (DCCS), has been closely engaged in negotiations in the Council of the European Union, at Council and working party levels, on the Commission’s proposal for a Regulation establishing the AgoraEU programme.

In general, Ireland has welcomed the proposal for AgoraEU, in particular that culture, media and civil society actions will retain their status as part of standalone programmes under the next MFF, and that funding will be allocated to the sectors on a competitive basis. More broadly, Ireland considers that programmes under the next MFF should continue to contribute towards sustaining and further developing rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive societies.

The Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) Council agreed a partial general approach on the proposed Regulation at its most recent meeting on 12 May 2026, which Ireland supported.

Negotiations on budgetary allocations are expected to intensify as the year progresses, including under Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026. As Presidency, Ireland will act as an honest broker and lead negotiations in a manner that protects the interests of the EU.