21st-century democracy: How Ireland consulted the public on its EU Presidency

Ireland launched an unusually open five-week public consultation ahead of its 2026 Presidency of the Council of the EU.

It asked citizens and stakeholders which priorities, policy files and communication goals should shape the agenda.

The process drew 484 submissions from individuals, civil society, businesses, academics and representative bodies, and a detailed summary was published.

Themes such as competitiveness, health and values featured prominently, highlighting a more transparent and inclusive model for setting an EU Presidency agenda.