Ierland begint aan voorzitterschap Europese Unie (en)
Economic stability, growth and jobs are Ireland’s priorities for the next 6 months as it takes over the EU presidency from Cyprus.
This is Ireland's 7th turn at the EU helm, and by chance it coincides with the 40th anniversary of Ireland’s joining the EU.
The 6-month presidency gives Ireland a chance to prioritise issues that it considers to be particularly important - in this case economic stability, jobs and growth.
Jobs & growth
Ireland will push ahead with the compact on growth and jobs - a package of measures addressing fiscal consolidation, lending, unemployment, international trade and other areas with the potential to create growth and jobs.
Other priorities include new rules
on the recognition of professional qualifications in other EU countries
modernising public procurement
making clear the rights of workers posted abroad within the EU.
To stimulate innovation and research, Ireland will seek to conclude negotiations on the next round of EU funding, known as the Horizon 2020 programme, and will in particular promote nanotechnology, photonics, advanced manufacturing, cloud computing and high-speed computing.
The economy
To restore confidence in the European economy, Ireland will ensure that the new EU system for economic and budgetary coordination includes a focus on fundamental issues, such as wages, wage indexation, labour market reforms, pensions, education and poverty.
EU budget
With agreement on the EU's budget for 2014-2020 eluding EU leaders in November, a new meeting will take place under the Irish presidency. Once the overall figures have been agreed, Ireland will focus on how the budget is divided between policy areas.
Ireland’s priorities here are reform of the common agricultural policy and fisheries policy, spending on research and innovation, funding for poorer EU regions and the Connecting Europe Facility, which will create growth and jobs by improving European infrastructure.
In addition to initiatives intended to promote growth and jobs, Ireland will also stress the environment, transport, new countries joining the EU, justice and support for development.
On 1 July, Ireland will hand over to Lithuania, who will hold the presidency until the end of 2013.