22. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the discussion at the EU General Affairs Council on 16 June 2026 of national and regional partnership plans under the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2028 to 2034.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50049/26]

On 16 June, the General Affairs Council met in Luxembourg, where alongside a broader debate on the 2028 - 2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, Europe Ministers discussed briefly the three key instruments within the MFF. These are: the National and Regional Partnership Plans – the NRPPs; the European Competitiveness Fund; and, the Global Europe Instrument. At this meeting, through a qualified majority vote, the Council approved Partial General Approaches on all three Regulations.

As the central forum for negotiating the MFF, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, represented Ireland at this meeting.

In summary, Member States expressed their support for the Cyprus Presidency's proposed Partial General Approach on the NRPP, congratulating the Cyprus Presidency for their efforts in bringing Member States to agreement. As part of the discussion, Member States raised a range of technical issues related to implementation, including in the context of the interplay with the Common Agricultural Policy Regulation. A number of Member States raised specific considerations regarding the Eastern Border Region.

Following achievement of a Partial General Approach on the NRPP, there are a number of technical issues which remain for agreement, including outstanding recitals and final provisions. Facilitating agreement on these elements will fall to Ireland's EU Presidency. Should Member States reach agreement, Ireland will be ready and willing to commence inter-institutional negotiations through trilogues. Commencement will be dependent on the European Parliament's readiness.

More broadly, during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, it is expected that we will play a central role guiding the negotiating of the final stages of the MFF; seeking to reach workable compromises on the remaining and most challenges aspects of the budget. In this regard, I, alongside other responsible Ministers and officials, remain committed to acting as an 'honest broker' and reaching a timely agreement.

Advancing this work during our Presidency will be of central importance to the future of the Union and for all Member States, including Ireland. Reaching a pragmatic and well-balanced 2028 -2034 MFF, in a timely manner, will be an important testament of Ireland's ability to reach consensus and deliver a future EU budget that provides for our citizens, communities and businesses.