Invitation

PROGRAMME

Informal Mee ng of Compe veness Ministers - Internal Market and Industry

Dublin Castle 9 - 10 July 2026

PROGRAMME Thursday, 9 July — Cultural Programme and Gala Dinner

15:00 - 17:00 Site visit to the Guinness Storehouse

17:00 - 17:30 Transport back to Hotels

18:30 - 19:00 Transport to Gala Dinner at St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle

19:00 - 19:30 Recep on hosted by Mr. Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

19:30 - 21:30 Gala Dinner

Guest speaker Mr. Conor O’Riain, Managing Director for Europe, Ecocem

Arrivals - Transfer from Dublin Airport to the Chancery Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin

21:30 Transport from Dublin Castle to Hotels

14:30 - 14:45 Transport from Hotels to site visit

Friday, 10 July — Informal mee ng of Compe veness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry)

08:00 - 08:45 Transport from Hotels to Printworks Conference Centre, Dublin Castle

08:30 - 09:15 Doorstep handshake with Mr. Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

09:30 - 11:15 Session 1: Mobilising Private Finance for Scaling SMEs

11:15 - 11.45 Coffee Break and Family photo

11.45 - 13:15 Session 2: Powering industrial decarbonisa on: Energy systems, grids and compe veness in the EU

Guest Speaker: Mr. Enda Buckley, Director of Sustainability, Carbery Group

13:30 - 15:00 Working lunch for Heads of Delega ons: Reinforcing the Single Market: Shared responsibility, Stronger delivery

Guest Speaker: Mr. Anthony Gooch Gálvez, Secretary General, European Round Table for Industry (ERT)

15:15 - 15:45 Press Conference with Mr. Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and European Commission

15:00 - Transport of delega ons to Dublin airport

PROGRAMME

Informal Mee ng of Compe veness Ministers - Internal Market and Industry

Dublin Castle 9 - 10 July 2026

PROGRAMME Thursday, 9 July — Cultural Programme and Gala Dinner

15:00 - 17:00 Site visit to the Guinness Storehouse

17:00 - 17:30 Transport back to Hotels

18:30 - 19:00 Transport to Gala Dinner at St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle

19:00 - 19:30 Recep on hosted by Mr. Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

19:30 - 21:30 Gala Dinner

Guest speaker Mr. Conor O’Riain, Managing Director for Europe, Ecocem

Arrivals - Transfer from Dublin Airport to the Chancery Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin

21:30 Transport from Dublin Castle to Hotels

14:30 - 14:45 Transport from Hotels to site visit

Friday, 10 July — Informal mee ng of Compe veness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry)

08:00 - 08:45 Transport from Hotels to Printworks Conference Centre, Dublin Castle

08:30 - 09:15 Doorstep handshake with Mr. Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

09:30 - 11:15 Session 1: Mobilising Private Finance for Scaling SMEs

11:15 - 11.45 Coffee Break and Family photo

11.45 - 13:15 Session 2: Powering industrial decarbonisa on: Energy systems, grids and compe veness in the EU

Guest Speaker: Mr. Enda Buckley, Director of Sustainability, Carbery Group

13:30 - 15:00 Working lunch for Heads of Delega ons: Reinforcing the Single Market: Shared responsibility, Stronger delivery

Guest Speaker: Mr. Anthony Gooch Gálvez, Secretary General, European Round Table for Industry (ERT)

15:15 - 15:45 Press Conference with Mr. Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and European Commission

15:00 - Transport of delega ons to Dublin airport

Irish Presidency of the

Council of the European Union

2026

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Kildare Street

Dublin 2

2 June 2026

Dear Colleague,

It is my pleasure to invite you to the informal meeting of Ministers responsible for

Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) taking place in Dublin on 9-10 July 2026.

Ireland assumes the Presidency at a pivotal moment for EU competitiveness. We must all act

urgently to enhance European competitiveness and productivity, and this plenary meeting will

be an opportunity to exchange views on pertinent issues including finance for scaling,

decarbonisation challenges and achieving a fully integrated Single Market.

Our events will start on the afternoon of Thursday July 9 with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse

located at St. James Gate on the south quays of the river Liffey since the company began

making its iconic beer in 1759; following this our drinks reception and gala dinner will be held

in St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle.

The first discussion at our plenary meeting on Friday July 10 will focus on the persistent scale-

up finance gap in Europe, driven by the limited size and depth of Venture Capital and Private

Equity funds and the public instruments and regulatory reforms required to support investment.

Following a short refreshment break and the family photo our second discussion will be an

opportunity to explore how Member States can enable industrial decarbonisation domestically

while remaining competitive internationally.

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Council of the European Union

2026

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Our meeting will conclude with a working lunch which will provide an opportunity for

delegations to exchange views on our shared responsibility for stronger delivery on addressing

the significant barriers that continue to hinder a well-functioning fully integrated Single

Market.

Please find attached the Practical Information Note with details on accreditation,

accommodation and other logistics. The agenda and discussion papers will be circulated in the

coming weeks.

I look forward to welcoming you to Dublin very soon.

Yours sincerely

Peter Burke

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

DISCUSSION NOTE Informal Mee ng of Ministers responsible for Compe veness (Internal Market and Industry), 9 - 10 July 2026 (Dublin Castle)

Mobilising Private Financing for Scaling SMEs

A core compe veness challenge for the European Union is the persistent scale-up finance gap. While Europe generates a strong pipeline of innova ve firms, it struggles to support these firms in growing into globally compe ve enterprises. This gap is par cularly evident at the growth stage, where later-stage venture capital investment in the EU remains approximately 84% lower than in the United States1. As the Draghi and Le a reports emphasise, Europe needs to mobilise much greater volumes of private capital in order to close this gap and secure our strategic objec ves. Without interven on, the EU risks the con nued drain of our highest-poten al firms to markets equipped with deeper capital pools.

The root of this scale-up finance gap lies in under-developed capital markets, fragmented financial systems, and a risk-averse investment culture2. Crucially, ins tu onal investors, such as pension funds and insurers, remain under-represented. This is shaped by a combina on of regulatory and market- level constraints. Fragmented regulatory frameworks and pruden al requirements can discourage alloca on to venture or growth capital, while many ins tu onal investors lack the internal exper se required to invest at scale in venture capital. In addi on, the rela vely small size of European funds restricts the ability of investors to deploy capital efficiently.

As a result, there is limited size and depth in European venture, growth and private equity funds capable of suppor ng small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through later funding rounds. This inevitably constrains firms’ ability to scale effec vely within the Single Market.

Addressing the scale-up gap requires decisive, well-targeted ac on both on the removal of investment barriers and on targeted public interven ons that crowd-in private capital. Key priori es include reducing regulatory fragmenta on and barriers to cross-border investment and strengthening incen ves for ins tu onal investors to allocate capital to venture and growth assets. Advancing the ini a ves of the Savings and Investments Union will be a key enabler in integra ng our financing ecosystem, securely connect European savings with high-growth SMEs.

Public funding acts as a vital catalyst in this ecosystem. Instruments like the European Tech Champions Ini a ve and the Scaleup Europe Fund are already helping to build larger venture funds and a ract ins tu onal co-investment; with similar models also being developed by Member States. Complemen ng these efforts, the proposed European Compe veness Fund (ECF), which forms part of the next Mul annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, will also support access to finance for scale-ups.

References 1 EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy 2 Unlocking Europe’s Scale-up Poten al: Pension Funds and Sovereign Wealth | Shaping Europe’s digital future

However, to build a truly cohesive European approach, we must ensure these models are scalable and adaptable across all Member States, including those with less developed markets, thereby strengthening the EU’s collec ve compe ve edge.

Against this background, the Presidency would like to raise the following ques on for discussion:

 Unlocking Ins tu onal Capital: Beyond regulatory adjustments to the Savings and Investments Union, what targeted mechanisms or risk-sharing principles should the EU priori se to incen vise and crowd-in risk-averse ins tu onal investors into the venture capital market?

 Fostering a Common Approach: How can Member States be er align na onal public financing instruments with EU-level ini a ves to create a truly integrated, pan-European scale-up ecosystem, avoiding the fragmenta on of capital?

DISCUSSION NOTE Informal Mee ng of Ministers responsible for Compe veness (Internal Market and Industry), 9 - 10 July 2026 (Dublin Castle)

Powering Industrial Decarbonisa on: Energy Systems, Grids and Compe veness in the EU

Industrial decarbonisa on is not solely a climate objec ve; it is now a cri cal compe veness impera ve for the EU. European businesses increasingly compete on the global stage based on their environmental efficiency, product innova on, and progressive quality standards.

However, aligning our industrial base with the green transi on remains a formidable challenge. As highlighted in the Draghi Report, the commercial incen ves for electrifica on are currently undermined by stark structural barriers:

 The Energy Cost Gap: EU industrial electricity costs remain structurally higher than fossil fuels, some mes si ng at 2-3 mes higher than those faced by compe tors in the United States and China.

 Infrastructure Bo lenecks: Insufficient electricity network capacity and deeply delayed connec on processes con nue to stall cri cal investments.

 Regulatory Fric on: Slow, complex permi ng processes and overarching policy uncertainty deter the confident alloca on of capital.

Overcoming these barriers is essen al to achieving the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality targets while simultaneously securing our industrial edge.

Advancing this transi on requires a dual approach. First, we must s mulate demand for low-carbon products, sending clear market signals that embed decarbonisa on into core business strategies. Second, Member States must dras cally reduce the administra ve burden, and cost of doing business, on companies undertaking these cri cal investments and implement policy frameworks that mobilise the massive scale of capital required.

Energy grids are the backbone of this transi on. For industry to commit financially to accelerated electrifica on, the cost gap between electricity and fossil fuels must be closed, and grid access must be expedited. There is a broad willingness within European industry to adopt innova ve technologies and enhance energy security, provided the infrastructure and pricing models support them.

Ques ons for Discussion

1. Bridging the Cost Gap: How can Member States redesign electricity pricing and deliver support mechanisms to accelerate industrial electrifica on, alert to the cost-compe veness of our energy-intensive sectors?

2. Unlocking the Grid: What immediate, short-term regulatory measures, such as scaling of flexible connec on agreements, must be priori sed to bypass current gridlock and accelerate deployment?

DISCUSSION NOTE Informal Mee ng of Ministers responsible for Compe veness (Internal Market and Industry), 9 - 10 July 2026 (Dublin Castle)

Reinforcing the Single Market: Shared Responsibility, Stronger Delivery

The European Union’s compe veness, resilience and global economic standing must be built upon a well-func oning, fric onless Single Market. The One Europe One Market Joint Roadmap makes clear that achieving a fully integrated Single Market, accessible for people and businesses, is an urgent and shared responsibility of all Member States and EU ins tu ons.

To achieve this, structural barriers – including the ‘Terrible Ten’ iden fied in the Single Market Strategy – must be tackled in a focused and systema c manner. The most persistent barriers include weak ownership and internal coordina on among Member States, divergent and complex na onal rules with ‘gold pla ng’, and uncertain es in enforcement and EU-wide accountability for adhering to Single Market norms.

To bolster na onal accountability and EU-wide coordina on, Member States are deploying a network of senior Single Market Sherpas, working with the Commission to cut through long-standing obstacles. These officials are mandated to work above the level of domes c siloes, bridge the gap between poli cal commitments and technical execu on, and facilitate the crea ve solu ons and trade-offs needed for forward momentum.

In parallel with na onal efforts, the European Commission plays a central role in suppor ng compliance and consistent applica on of EU rules. The Commission’s recent Communica on on “A Simpler, Clearer and Be er Enforced EU Rulebook”, signals a shi toward more proac ve and focused enforcement. Key aspects of the new approach include: -

 A dedicated toolkit and stricter surveillance via the European Semester and the Single Market Enforcement Taskforce (SMET) to suppress domes c gold-pla ng

 Targeted, intensive enforcement across 11 high-impact focus areas

 Accelerated infringement procedures, shortened extension deadlines, automated AI compliance checks, and more severe financial penal es.

Crucially, the Commission proposes a systema c pivot toward exhaus ve Regula ons over Direc ves where EU competence allows, inten onally limi ng the scope for new fragmenta on or na onal top- up obliga ons.

Taken as a whole and with clear poli cal consensus and guidance, these measures have the poten al to move Europe decisively in the direc on advocated in Enrico Le a’s 2024 Report, Much More than a

Market, which envisaged a more integrated and compe ve Single Market through coherent na onal implementa on coupled with smarter policing of EU rules by the Commission.

Against this background, the Presidency encourages Member States to reflect on the following:

1. Empowering Na onal Governance: How can Member States step up na onal implementa on and understanding of Single Market rules, in par cular to avoid, iden fy and dismantle gold- pla ng and other barriers?

2. Priori es for EU-wide ac on: Based on the sugges ons put forward in the Commission communica on “A Simpler, Clearer and Be er Enforced EU rulebook”, in which areas could stronger, or more targeted Commission ac on and enforcement deliver the greatest impact for Single Market compliance across Member States?

Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

2026

Practical Information Note

INFORMAL MEETING OF COMPETITIVENESS MINISTERS (INTERNAL MARKET AND INDUSTRY) DUBLIN 9 – 10 July 2026

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Contents Contents .............................................................................................................................................. 2

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Deadlines................................................................................................................................................. 3

Location ................................................................................................................................................... 3

Printworks Conference Centre, Dublin Castle .................................................................................... 4

Guinness Storehouse .......................................................................................................................... 5

St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle ............................................................................................................ 5

Programme ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Thursday 9 July .................................................................................................................................... 6

Friday 10 July ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Interpretation ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Delegation ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Delegation size and format ................................................................................................................. 7

Registration and accreditation ............................................................................................................ 7

Types of accreditations ....................................................................................................................... 8

Opening and closing dates of the Accreditation Platform .................................................................. 8

Instructions for the Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO) .............................................................. 8

Delegation Liaison Officers (DLOs) ...................................................................................................... 9

Diplomatic Clearances ........................................................................................................................ 9

Delegation Flight Arrivals and Departures ........................................................................................ 10

Entering Ireland................................................................................................................................. 10

Transportation of Delegates ................................................................................................................. 10

Accommodation .................................................................................................................................... 11

Hotels ................................................................................................................................................ 11

Security ................................................................................................................................................. 12

Media .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Video footage and photographs ....................................................................................................... 12

General Information ............................................................................................................................. 13

Irish Presidency Sustainability Policy .................................................................................................... 14

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Introduction The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union looks forward to welcoming you to Dublin for the Informal meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry) on 9 - 10 July 2026. We are pleased to share this Practical Information Note (PIN) to assist delegations in preparing for the meeting.

Please note that the information contained in this PIN may be subject to change. Updated information, including any updates to the meeting programme, practical arrangements or meeting documentation, will be shared through the online Accreditation Platform. Registered delegation members will receive email notifications when updated material is shared on the Accreditation Platform. Additional support will be provided throughout your visit to Ireland by your assigned Delegation Liaison Officer (DLO) who will be in contact no later than three working days before the meeting.

If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact [email protected]

For queries about the content of the meeting, please contact [email protected]

Deadlines Date What you need to do Where to go From 3 to 9 June Appoint a Delegation Accreditation Officer

(DAO) to gain access to the Accreditation Portal Send the DAO’s details to [email protected]

From 9 June to 25 June

Register your delegation members Via the Accreditation Portal

26 June Deadline for registration of delegation Via the Accreditation Portal 9 – 10 July Informal meeting of Competitiveness Ministers

(Internal Market and Industry) Dublin Castle, Dublin

Location The Informal Meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry) will take place in Dublin. Located on the east coast of Ireland, the history of Ireland’s capital city dates back over 1,000 years when the first known settlement was built in what is now the city centre. Dublin’s streets reflect the many changes it has gone through since then, from the cobbled medieval streets of Temple Bar, to the Georgian townhouses and Victorian parks dotted throughout the city, and the modern architecture in the Docklands district. The iconic River Liffey flows through the heart of the city and connects it to the bustling Dublin Port.

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Printworks Conference Centre, Dublin Castle The working sessions will be hosted in the Printworks Conference Centre in Dublin Castle. Constructed in the early 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle lies at the heart of the city centre and is now the setting for some of Ireland’s most important state events. The Printworks is the largest and newest venue in Dublin Castle, originally opened for Ireland’s hosting of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013. It is located in the lower courtyard of Dublin Castle with unrivalled views of Dublin’s last intact medieval tower.

The meeting venue includes:

 A plenary room (format Head of Delegation and a maximum of two delegates)  A delegates’ lounge  Five bilateral meeting rooms. To reserve a bilateral meeting room in advance, please email

[email protected]. To reserve a bilateral meeting room on the day of the meeting, please inform your Delegation Liaison Officer.

 A media centre (located in the General Labour Office on Werburgh Street, adjacent to Dublin Castle)

 A press conference facility

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Guinness Storehouse On the afternoon of 9 July the delegation will visit the Guinness Storehouse site located at St. James’s Gate on the south quays of the River Liffey since the company began making its iconic beer in 1759. Delegates will be taken on a guided walk through the site followed by a presentation on single market, competitiveness and decarbonisation related topics as well as Diageo’s experience of doing business in the EU.

St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle The welcome reception and official dinner will be hosted in St. Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle. St. Patrick’s Hall is one of the most significant and prestigious venues in Ireland. The room is an important feature of Irish political and historical life and is used for the inauguration ceremonies of Irish Presidents.

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Programme This preliminary programme is subject to change. The final programme will be shared with registered delegation members via the Accreditation Platform in advance of the meeting.

Thursday 9 July Thursday 9 July

A.M. / P.M.

Arrivals via Dublin Airport

14:30 - 14:45 Departure from hotels to Guinness Storehouse 15:00 - 17:00 Site visit at Guinness Storehouse 17:00 - 17:30 Transport to hotels 18:30 - 19:00 Departure from hotels to Dublin Castle 19:00 - 21:30 Welcome reception and official dinner at St. Patrick’s

Hall, Dublin Castle 21:30 Transport to hotels

Friday 10 July Friday, 10 July

08:00 - 08:45 Transport from hotels 08:30 - 09:15 Arrival and handshake with Minister Peter Burke 09:30 - 11:15 Working Session (1a) 11:15 - 11:45 Coffee Break

Family photograph 11:45 - 13:15 Working Session (1b) 13:30 - 15:00 Working Lunch for Heads of Delegations

15:15 - 15:45 Press Conference 15:00 - Departures and transport to Dublin Airport

Interpretation The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Interpretation, DG SCIC, will provide simultaneous interpretation via interpretation booths.

The language regime for the Informal Meeting will be 5/5, English, French, German, Spanish and Italian into English, French, German, Spanish and Italian in the plenary session and during the working lunch. Simultaneous interpretation will not be provided at the welcome reception and dinner, during the site visit. The official press conference will be conducted through English and French.

Please note that interpretation will not be provided during breaks, between sessions, for bilateral meetings, or for individual Heads of Delegations’ media opportunities.

To facilitate interpretation of interventions, you are welcome to send any relevant meeting documentation such as speeches or speaking points to [email protected] one week before the date of the meeting, including “Informal Meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry)” and your country’s name in the title of your email.

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Please note that should your Head of Delegation be accompanied by a personal interpreter, they must be registered as part of the official delegation in order to have access to the meeting venue.

If a delegation indicates its intention to make an intervention in a language which is not available in the language regime provided, and a member of that delegation in the room repeats the comments made in a language which is covered, interpretation will be provided.

If a delegation chooses to make an intervention in a language which is not provided by the language regime and which is not known to members of the interpretation team, but provides a written translation, it is possible to read the text out in the booth. This does not constitute simultaneous interpreting and does not guarantee accuracy regarding what is said in the room.

Delegation Delegation size and format Delegations will be limited to the 1 + 2 + 1 format (Head of Delegation plus two accompanying delegates, plus a protection officer if required). These formats are fixed and no exceptions can be made.

Personal interpreters, official photographers, press officers and other categories of participant requiring access to the meeting venue must be accredited as members of the delegation. Please email [email protected] to request that a position on your delegation be designated for these roles, if required.

Please note that the Embassy of an EU Member State in Ireland may apply separately for an EU Presidency accreditation badge, in the name of the Ambassador or another nominated member of diplomatic staff. The holder of this EU Presidency accreditation badge will be permitted access to the meeting venue for all informal Ministerial meetings and, when accompanied by a DFAT Protocol team member and airport personnel, to the airport for the purpose of greeting / bidding farewell to the visiting Head of Delegation. Therefore, EU Member states do not need to accredit their Ambassador/nominated Embassy diplomatic staff member as a member of the delegation. Guest States may request accreditation for their Ambassador to Ireland, or a nominated Embassy diplomatic staff member, for this meeting, as an additional member of the delegation, by emailing [email protected].

Registration and accreditation For security reasons, each delegate must be registered and accredited in order to gain access to the meeting venue, the official welcome reception and dinner, and the site visit.

A Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO) must be appointed by each invited delegation. The DAO must register all members of the delegation on the Accreditation Platform, in line with the instructions below.

To facilitate the smooth running of the programme, DAOs are asked to submit all requested information relating to their delegation, including transport and accommodation details, and dietary and accessibility requirements of delegates, in accordance with deadlines as outlined below.

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Types of accreditations Heads of Delegation will receive a lapel pin. Other delegates will receive an accreditation badge (details below). All delegates must always visibly wear their valid lapel pin or badge, including during the official welcome reception, dinner and site visit.

Heads of Delegation and accompanying delegates will be given their lapel pin and accreditation badges by their Delegation Liaison Officer (DLO) upon arrival at the airport. Delegates arriving separately from the HoD will be given their badges by their DLO at the earliest opportunity.

Delegates will be requested to provide a photo i.d. document when receiving their badge from the DLO. Delegate badges are strictly personal and non-transferable. Floater badges can be transferred as required between delegates.

Badge type Participant Type Access

Lapel pin Head of Delegation Allows access to all areas

Blue badge Delegate Allows access to the plenary room, the delegates’ lounge, bilateral meeting rooms and the press area

If you lose your lapel pin or badge, you must immediately notify your DLO. Please also notify the event organisers by sending an email to [email protected]

Opening and closing dates of the Accreditation Platform Once the letter of invitation has been received, invited delegations are requested to appoint a DAO as soon as possible. Please send an email to [email protected] straight away (and no later than 9 June) containing:

 The delegation your DAO represents (i.e. country or organisation name)  DAO’s full name  DAO’s phone number  DAO’s email address

The Accreditation Platform will be open for registration of your delegation once your DAO has been appointed. The Accreditation Platform will be open until 26 June 2026.

Instructions for the Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO) The DAO is responsible for the accreditation of all members of their delegation. Once appointed by following the instructions above, the DAO will receive a link to the Accreditation Platform to register their delegation. Please note that in compliance with data security requirements, the Accreditation Platform requires Two-Factor Authentication. The DAO will require access to an authenticator application, such as Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator or similar, in order to access the Accreditation Platform.

DAOs are kindly requested to register their delegation as soon as possible, and no later than 26 June when the Accreditation Platform will close. To facilitate the smooth running of the programme, DAOs are asked to submit all requested information relating to their delegation, including transport and accommodation details, and delegates’ dietary and accessibility requirements. Please ensure that all

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details are completed correctly before submitting the registration request, as certain information (for example, the delegate’s name) will be printed on their accreditation badge.

All personal information provided for accreditation will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Full details can be found in the Privacy Notice on the Accreditation Platform.

If you have any queries about the registration process, please email [email protected].

Delegation Liaison Officers (DLOs) A Delegation Liaison Officer (DLO) will be assigned to each delegation to assist and accompany the Head of Delegation and delegates throughout the meeting programme. The DLO will:

 Serve as the principal point of contact between the delegation and the Irish EU Presidency meeting hosts

 Accompany and be available to the delegation, ensuring that their programme runs on time and that the delegation is able to participate in all programme elements

 Provide logistical assistance and administrative support at the airport, accommodation, and event venues

 Distribute accreditation lapel pins and badges on arrival  Reserve available rooms for bilateral meetings, if requested

DLOs will contact the Delegation Accreditation Officer no later than three working days before the meeting.

If you have any questions about the role of the DLO, or wish to share positive or negative feedback about the performance of your DLO, please email [email protected]

Diplomatic Clearances Diplomatic clearances are required in a number of cases as set out below. In all cases, the relevant accredited Embassy to Ireland must send a Third Party Note (TPN) to the relevant Department at the email address provided below. DAOs are requested to advise their Embassy to Ireland to submit the diplomatic clearance request at the earliest opportunity, in order to facilitate the timely processing of requests.

Scenario Required documentation Timeline Contact email address

Overflights or landings of military or state aircraft

TPN and a completed diplomatic clearance form (available from [email protected])

As early as possible, and no later than 48 hours in advance

[email protected]

Permission to bring firearm into Ireland (incl. for armed security protection officers)

TPN which includes details of the firearms which will be used, the personnel who will carry them

As early as possible

[email protected]; If travelling on a commercial or chartered flight, also: [email protected]

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Protection officer requiring radio frequency

TPN which includes details of the radio frequencies proposed

As early as possible

[email protected]

Requests to wear a military uniform while in Ireland

TPN and a completed Uniform Clearance form (available from [email protected])

As early as possible

[email protected]

If you have questions about the diplomatic clearance process, please email [email protected]

Delegation Flight Arrivals and Departures To facilitate arrival and departure procedures for delegations, DAOs are asked to provide all requested information about arrival and departure flights through the Accreditation Platform.

Please note that delegates who travel separately from the Head of Delegation will not be greeted at the point of arrival or provided with Irish EU Presidency transportation to and from the point of arrival or departure.

Handling of luggage

Delegations are strongly advised to travel with hand luggage only if possible, to facilitate smooth transfers to and from the airport on arrival and departure.

Please be advised that checked luggage must be collected at the baggage claim by accredited Embassies on arrival, and likewise transported to the airport to be checked in for departure. The delegation should arrange this directly with their Embassy.

Entering Ireland Please note that Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, EU citizens must present a valid passport or national identity card to enter Ireland. Full details are available here.

Citizens of other countries must present a valid passport or recognised travel document to enter Ireland and may also need a visa. You can find out if you need a visa to enter Ireland here.

Transportation of Delegates Transportation for Heads of Delegation and accompanying accredited delegates will be organised in close cooperation with An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police and security service.

The Irish EU Presidency will provide transport to and from the airport for Heads of Delegation and accompanying accredited delegates arriving on flights landing after 7:00 on Thursday 9 July and departing on flights leaving before 21:00 Friday 10 July only. Delegations arriving or departing outside of this window will be responsible for their own transport to/from the airport.

The Irish EU Presidency will provide transportation between venues for Heads of Delegation and accredited delegates throughout their official programme. Delegations who wish to undertake activities outside of the official meeting programme are expected to make their own transport arrangements and should inform their Delegation Liaison Officer of these plans when known.

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To facilitate provision of transport, DAOs are asked to provide full arrival and departure flight details via the accreditation portal, by the registration deadline.

Transportation for Delegates Travelling Separately from their HOD

Delegates travelling separately from their HoD are invited to make their own travel arrangements. Information on public transport and taxi options to and from Dublin Airport are available here.

Embassy Vehicles

It will not be possible for Embassy vehicles to join the official motorcade or to go airside at the Airport at any point.

Accommodation The Irish EU Presidency has reserved rooms for the Heads of Delegation and accompanying accredited delegates, for the night of 9 July 2026, in the hotels indicated below.

The Irish EU Presidency will cover the cost of accommodation and breakfast for the night of 9 July for the Head of Delegation and one delegate (1+1). Any additional expenses arising from use of the hotel’s facilities (such as meals, drinks, room service etc.) must be covered by the delegation.

All other delegates are assigned a room, the cost of which must be paid by the delegation, along with any additional expenses arising from use of the hotel’s facilities. For logistical and security reasons, delegations are strongly advised to avail of the assigned rooms. Should you opt to stay at a different hotel, the meeting organisers will be unable to provide you with transportation directly to and from that hotel, or other logistical supports.

The DAO must request the delegation’s accommodation reservations through the Accreditation Platform when registering the delegates. The DAO must indicate which delegate should be assigned the pre-paid room, along with the Head of Delegation, and which delegates are availing of the other reserved rooms.

The cost of the rooms to be paid by the delegation must be paid in advance using the link provided on the Accreditation Platform. The DAO can make payment on behalf of all of the delegates, or can send an invitation link to each applicable delegate to invite him/her to make the payment for his/her room directly.

If a Head of Delegation or delegate wishes to arrive earlier or extend their stay, they must make the necessary reservations directly with the hotel of their choice. The Irish EU Presidency is not responsible for reserving or paying for hotel stays before or after the night of 09 July 2026.

Hotels Heads of Delegation plus one accompanying delegate will stay in

 The Chancery Hotel - this hotel is 600 meters from Dublin Castle.

Additional delegates will stay in

 Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - this hotel is 180 meters distance from Chancery Hotel and 650 meters from Dublin Castle. Delegates staying in Radisson Blu Royal will make their way on

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foot to Hotel Chancery Hotel to join their Head of Delegation’s motorcade transfer to Dublin Castle on the morning of 10 July.

The cost of the rooms reserved for additional delegates is €280 per room. Please send any queries about accommodation arrangements to [email protected]

Security The Irish Presidency will provide security during the meeting through An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police and security service. Security zones designated by the Irish authorities will only be accessible to accredited vehicles and accredited individuals wearing a valid pin or badge. For this reason, delegates and other accredited participants must always visibly wear their valid pin or badge.

Heads of Delegation have the option to include a security officer in their delegation. This officer must be registered on the Accreditation Platform. Requests for authorisation to carry a weapon, use a radio frequency, and wear body armour and/or a military uniform while in Ireland must be made in line with the instructions in the Diplomatic Aircraft / Security Clearances section above. For any questions related to security, including requests to carry out a security visit to Ireland ahead of the meeting, please contact [email protected]

Media All media wishing to attend the Informal Meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry) must accredit on the media accreditation platform https://media.ireland2026.eu. Once media accreditation has been confirmed, accredited media can register for events they wish to attend through the accreditation platform.

Accredited and registered media will be permitted access to the media centre and to media opportunities, including doorstep interviews and press conferences.

Media representatives intending to accompany an official delegation must apply for accreditation as part of the delegation, not through the general media accreditation process. Official media who accredit through the media accreditation process cannot transfer into the delegation.

Media centre location, opening hours and other media information will be circulated to registered media in the media logistic note.

Video footage and photographs The host broadcaster of the Irish EU Presidency will record and stream the following material from the meeting: arrivals, initial handshake greeting, doorstep statements, family photo, tour de table before the plenary session, and the official press conference. This material will be available live on screens in the media centre, and via the European Broadcasting Service (EBS).

Photographs and video from the official Irish EU Presidency multimedia team will be available in high- resolution format on the Irish EU Presidency Flickr account. Content from the Flickr account may be used free of charge and should be attributed to the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

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General Information Useful contacts

For queries relating to accreditation or meeting logistics: [email protected]

For queries relating to accommodation: [email protected]

For queries relating to the content of the meeting agenda: [email protected]

Emergency services (police, ambulance, fire): 112 or 999

Internet/WiFi

Wireless internet access is available throughout the meeting venue. The network name and password will be available on signage in the venue.

Electricity

The standard electricity supply in Ireland is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz (the same as in other EU Member States). Three-pin power plugs and sockets of Type G are used. Delegates travelling from EU Member States will require a power plug adaptor in order to use electronic devices safely in Ireland.

First Aid and Medical Assistance

Each meeting venue will have a medical unit. If you require medical assistance during the meeting, please alert your Delegation Liaison Officer or a member of venue staff, or follow the signage in the venue to locate the medical unit. Accessibility

At the time of accreditation, the platform will ask for relevant information on allergies, dietary restrictions and dietary preferences of the Heads of Delegation and delegates, and invite sharing of any meeting-related accessibility requirements. It is important that this information is provided so that delegates may receive all appropriate supports.

Assisted Listening

An assisted listening system will be provided in the plenary room. The system used is Auracast™. This system is Bluetooth® capability which enables the transmission of meeting audio to an unlimited number of receivers with no pairing of devices. The Auracast™ logo will be displayed on screens in auditoriums where the system is in use.

For users with hearing aids or cochlear implants, depending on the manufacturer, most will allow users to connect via their designated app. The Auri audio will appear in the Bluetooth® pairing list. The user can select the desired Auracast™ channel to hear the audio. For users with devices that are not

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compatible Auracast™, neck loop devices will be made available from the control booth in the plenary room.

Lost and Found

If you have lost or found an item in the meeting venue or in an Irish EU Presidency vehicle, please bring it to the attention of your Delegation Liaison Officer. Please note that the Irish EU Presidency is not liable for personal injuries, losses or damage to the personal property of registered delegates. All delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance for their property.

Weather

Temperatures in Dublin in July typically range between 12°C and 20°C, and visitors can expect mixed sunny and rainy spells.

Links of interest

1. Tourism Ireland – https://www.ireland.com Official tourism website with destinations, itineraries, and travel inspiration.

2. Transport for Ireland – https://www.transportforireland.ie 3. Iarnród Éireann – https://www.irishrail.ie

Train schedules and ticket booking. 4. Bus Éireann – https://www.buseireann.ie

Regional bus services across the country. 5. Met Éireann – https://www.met.ie

Official weather forecasts and alerts. 6. Visit Dublin – https://www.visitdublin.com

Events, attractions, restaurants, and tours in Dublin 7. Tourist SOS Ireland – https://www.touristsos.ie

Free assistance service for tourists who lose documents or need support. 8. Wild Atlantic Way – https://www.wildatlanticway.com

Information on Ireland’s famous coastal scenic route.

Irish Presidency Sustainability Policy The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union provides a significant opportunity to demonstrate Ireland’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Ireland is committed to embedding sustainable practices across all aspects of planning and delivery of our EU Presidency.

To reaffirm our commitment, Ireland has developed a Sustainability Policy for our EU Presidency, applying it directly to official EU Presidency meetings and events held in Ireland. The objective of the policy is to support the organisation and delivery of EU Presidency meetings as sustainably as possible. We wish to encourage the implementation of initiatives that are environmentally, socially and economically responsible throughout the organisation and delivery stages.

We hope that our efforts will be visible across our meetings and events and that you will be inspired to continue making sustainable and environmentally conscious choices. More information about the

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Sustainability Policy will be available on the official website of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Irish Presidency of the

Council of the European Union

2026

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Kildare Street

Dublin 2

2 June 2026

Dear Colleague,

It is my pleasure to invite you to the informal meeting of Ministers responsible for

Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) taking place in Dublin on 9-10 July 2026.

Ireland assumes the Presidency at a pivotal moment for EU competitiveness. We must all act

urgently to enhance European competitiveness and productivity, and this plenary meeting will

be an opportunity to exchange views on pertinent issues including finance for scaling,

decarbonisation challenges and achieving a fully integrated Single Market.

Our events will start on the afternoon of Thursday July 9 with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse

located at St. James Gate on the south quays of the river Liffey since the company began

making its iconic beer in 1759; following this our drinks reception and gala dinner will be held

in St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle.

The first discussion at our plenary meeting on Friday July 10 will focus on the persistent scale-

up finance gap in Europe, driven by the limited size and depth of Venture Capital and Private

Equity funds and the public instruments and regulatory reforms required to support investment.

Following a short refreshment break and the family photo our second discussion will be an

opportunity to explore how Member States can enable industrial decarbonisation domestically

while remaining competitive internationally.

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Our meeting will conclude with a working lunch which will provide an opportunity for

delegations to exchange views on our shared responsibility for stronger delivery on addressing

the significant barriers that continue to hinder a well-functioning fully integrated Single

Market.

Please find attached the Practical Information Note with details on accreditation,

accommodation and other logistics. The agenda and discussion papers will be circulated in the

coming weeks.

I look forward to welcoming you to Dublin very soon.

Yours sincerely

Peter Burke

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

DISCUSSION NOTE Informal Mee ng of Ministers responsible for Compe veness (Internal Market and Industry), 9 - 10 July 2026 (Dublin Castle)

Mobilising Private Financing for Scaling SMEs

A core compe veness challenge for the European Union is the persistent scale-up finance gap. While Europe generates a strong pipeline of innova ve firms, it struggles to support these firms in growing into globally compe ve enterprises. This gap is par cularly evident at the growth stage, where later-stage venture capital investment in the EU remains approximately 84% lower than in the United States1. As the Draghi and Le a reports emphasise, Europe needs to mobilise much greater volumes of private capital in order to close this gap and secure our strategic objec ves. Without interven on, the EU risks the con nued drain of our highest-poten al firms to markets equipped with deeper capital pools.

The root of this scale-up finance gap lies in under-developed capital markets, fragmented financial systems, and a risk-averse investment culture2. Crucially, ins tu onal investors, such as pension funds and insurers, remain under-represented. This is shaped by a combina on of regulatory and market- level constraints. Fragmented regulatory frameworks and pruden al requirements can discourage alloca on to venture or growth capital, while many ins tu onal investors lack the internal exper se required to invest at scale in venture capital. In addi on, the rela vely small size of European funds restricts the ability of investors to deploy capital efficiently.

As a result, there is limited size and depth in European venture, growth and private equity funds capable of suppor ng small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through later funding rounds. This inevitably constrains firms’ ability to scale effec vely within the Single Market.

Addressing the scale-up gap requires decisive, well-targeted ac on both on the removal of investment barriers and on targeted public interven ons that crowd-in private capital. Key priori es include reducing regulatory fragmenta on and barriers to cross-border investment and strengthening incen ves for ins tu onal investors to allocate capital to venture and growth assets. Advancing the ini a ves of the Savings and Investments Union will be a key enabler in integra ng our financing ecosystem, securely connect European savings with high-growth SMEs.

Public funding acts as a vital catalyst in this ecosystem. Instruments like the European Tech Champions Ini a ve and the Scaleup Europe Fund are already helping to build larger venture funds and a ract ins tu onal co-investment; with similar models also being developed by Member States. Complemen ng these efforts, the proposed European Compe veness Fund (ECF), which forms part of the next Mul annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, will also support access to finance for scale-ups.

References 1 EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy 2 Unlocking Europe’s Scale-up Poten al: Pension Funds and Sovereign Wealth | Shaping Europe’s digital future

However, to build a truly cohesive European approach, we must ensure these models are scalable and adaptable across all Member States, including those with less developed markets, thereby strengthening the EU’s collec ve compe ve edge.

Against this background, the Presidency would like to raise the following ques on for discussion:

 Unlocking Ins tu onal Capital: Beyond regulatory adjustments to the Savings and Investments Union, what targeted mechanisms or risk-sharing principles should the EU priori se to incen vise and crowd-in risk-averse ins tu onal investors into the venture capital market?

 Fostering a Common Approach: How can Member States be er align na onal public financing instruments with EU-level ini a ves to create a truly integrated, pan-European scale-up ecosystem, avoiding the fragmenta on of capital?

DISCUSSION NOTE Informal Mee ng of Ministers responsible for Compe veness (Internal Market and Industry), 9 - 10 July 2026 (Dublin Castle)

Powering Industrial Decarbonisa on: Energy Systems, Grids and Compe veness in the EU

Industrial decarbonisa on is not solely a climate objec ve; it is now a cri cal compe veness impera ve for the EU. European businesses increasingly compete on the global stage based on their environmental efficiency, product innova on, and progressive quality standards.

However, aligning our industrial base with the green transi on remains a formidable challenge. As highlighted in the Draghi Report, the commercial incen ves for electrifica on are currently undermined by stark structural barriers:

 The Energy Cost Gap: EU industrial electricity costs remain structurally higher than fossil fuels, some mes si ng at 2-3 mes higher than those faced by compe tors in the United States and China.

 Infrastructure Bo lenecks: Insufficient electricity network capacity and deeply delayed connec on processes con nue to stall cri cal investments.

 Regulatory Fric on: Slow, complex permi ng processes and overarching policy uncertainty deter the confident alloca on of capital.

Overcoming these barriers is essen al to achieving the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality targets while simultaneously securing our industrial edge.

Advancing this transi on requires a dual approach. First, we must s mulate demand for low-carbon products, sending clear market signals that embed decarbonisa on into core business strategies. Second, Member States must dras cally reduce the administra ve burden, and cost of doing business, on companies undertaking these cri cal investments and implement policy frameworks that mobilise the massive scale of capital required.

Energy grids are the backbone of this transi on. For industry to commit financially to accelerated electrifica on, the cost gap between electricity and fossil fuels must be closed, and grid access must be expedited. There is a broad willingness within European industry to adopt innova ve technologies and enhance energy security, provided the infrastructure and pricing models support them.

Ques ons for Discussion

1. Bridging the Cost Gap: How can Member States redesign electricity pricing and deliver support mechanisms to accelerate industrial electrifica on, alert to the cost-compe veness of our energy-intensive sectors?

2. Unlocking the Grid: What immediate, short-term regulatory measures, such as scaling of flexible connec on agreements, must be priori sed to bypass current gridlock and accelerate deployment?

DISCUSSION NOTE Informal Mee ng of Ministers responsible for Compe veness (Internal Market and Industry), 9 - 10 July 2026 (Dublin Castle)

Reinforcing the Single Market: Shared Responsibility, Stronger Delivery

The European Union’s compe veness, resilience and global economic standing must be built upon a well-func oning, fric onless Single Market. The One Europe One Market Joint Roadmap makes clear that achieving a fully integrated Single Market, accessible for people and businesses, is an urgent and shared responsibility of all Member States and EU ins tu ons.

To achieve this, structural barriers – including the ‘Terrible Ten’ iden fied in the Single Market Strategy – must be tackled in a focused and systema c manner. The most persistent barriers include weak ownership and internal coordina on among Member States, divergent and complex na onal rules with ‘gold pla ng’, and uncertain es in enforcement and EU-wide accountability for adhering to Single Market norms.

To bolster na onal accountability and EU-wide coordina on, Member States are deploying a network of senior Single Market Sherpas, working with the Commission to cut through long-standing obstacles. These officials are mandated to work above the level of domes c siloes, bridge the gap between poli cal commitments and technical execu on, and facilitate the crea ve solu ons and trade-offs needed for forward momentum.

In parallel with na onal efforts, the European Commission plays a central role in suppor ng compliance and consistent applica on of EU rules. The Commission’s recent Communica on on “A Simpler, Clearer and Be er Enforced EU Rulebook”, signals a shi toward more proac ve and focused enforcement. Key aspects of the new approach include: -

 A dedicated toolkit and stricter surveillance via the European Semester and the Single Market Enforcement Taskforce (SMET) to suppress domes c gold-pla ng

 Targeted, intensive enforcement across 11 high-impact focus areas

 Accelerated infringement procedures, shortened extension deadlines, automated AI compliance checks, and more severe financial penal es.

Crucially, the Commission proposes a systema c pivot toward exhaus ve Regula ons over Direc ves where EU competence allows, inten onally limi ng the scope for new fragmenta on or na onal top- up obliga ons.

Taken as a whole and with clear poli cal consensus and guidance, these measures have the poten al to move Europe decisively in the direc on advocated in Enrico Le a’s 2024 Report, Much More than a

Market, which envisaged a more integrated and compe ve Single Market through coherent na onal implementa on coupled with smarter policing of EU rules by the Commission.

Against this background, the Presidency encourages Member States to reflect on the following:

1. Empowering Na onal Governance: How can Member States step up na onal implementa on and understanding of Single Market rules, in par cular to avoid, iden fy and dismantle gold- pla ng and other barriers?

2. Priori es for EU-wide ac on: Based on the sugges ons put forward in the Commission communica on “A Simpler, Clearer and Be er Enforced EU rulebook”, in which areas could stronger, or more targeted Commission ac on and enforcement deliver the greatest impact for Single Market compliance across Member States?

Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

2026

Practical Information Note

INFORMAL MEETING OF COMPETITIVENESS MINISTERS (INTERNAL MARKET AND INDUSTRY) DUBLIN 9 – 10 July 2026

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Contents Contents .............................................................................................................................................. 2

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Deadlines................................................................................................................................................. 3

Location ................................................................................................................................................... 3

Printworks Conference Centre, Dublin Castle .................................................................................... 4

Guinness Storehouse .......................................................................................................................... 5

St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle ............................................................................................................ 5

Programme ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Thursday 9 July .................................................................................................................................... 6

Friday 10 July ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Interpretation ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Delegation ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Delegation size and format ................................................................................................................. 7

Registration and accreditation ............................................................................................................ 7

Types of accreditations ....................................................................................................................... 8

Opening and closing dates of the Accreditation Platform .................................................................. 8

Instructions for the Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO) .............................................................. 8

Delegation Liaison Officers (DLOs) ...................................................................................................... 9

Diplomatic Clearances ........................................................................................................................ 9

Delegation Flight Arrivals and Departures ........................................................................................ 10

Entering Ireland................................................................................................................................. 10

Transportation of Delegates ................................................................................................................. 10

Accommodation .................................................................................................................................... 11

Hotels ................................................................................................................................................ 11

Security ................................................................................................................................................. 12

Media .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Video footage and photographs ....................................................................................................... 12

General Information ............................................................................................................................. 13

Irish Presidency Sustainability Policy .................................................................................................... 14

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Introduction The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union looks forward to welcoming you to Dublin for the Informal meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry) on 9 - 10 July 2026. We are pleased to share this Practical Information Note (PIN) to assist delegations in preparing for the meeting.

Please note that the information contained in this PIN may be subject to change. Updated information, including any updates to the meeting programme, practical arrangements or meeting documentation, will be shared through the online Accreditation Platform. Registered delegation members will receive email notifications when updated material is shared on the Accreditation Platform. Additional support will be provided throughout your visit to Ireland by your assigned Delegation Liaison Officer (DLO) who will be in contact no later than three working days before the meeting.

If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact [email protected]

For queries about the content of the meeting, please contact [email protected]

Deadlines Date What you need to do Where to go From 3 to 9 June Appoint a Delegation Accreditation Officer

(DAO) to gain access to the Accreditation Portal Send the DAO’s details to [email protected]

From 9 June to 25 June

Register your delegation members Via the Accreditation Portal

26 June Deadline for registration of delegation Via the Accreditation Portal 9 – 10 July Informal meeting of Competitiveness Ministers

(Internal Market and Industry) Dublin Castle, Dublin

Location The Informal Meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry) will take place in Dublin. Located on the east coast of Ireland, the history of Ireland’s capital city dates back over 1,000 years when the first known settlement was built in what is now the city centre. Dublin’s streets reflect the many changes it has gone through since then, from the cobbled medieval streets of Temple Bar, to the Georgian townhouses and Victorian parks dotted throughout the city, and the modern architecture in the Docklands district. The iconic River Liffey flows through the heart of the city and connects it to the bustling Dublin Port.

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Printworks Conference Centre, Dublin Castle The working sessions will be hosted in the Printworks Conference Centre in Dublin Castle. Constructed in the early 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle lies at the heart of the city centre and is now the setting for some of Ireland’s most important state events. The Printworks is the largest and newest venue in Dublin Castle, originally opened for Ireland’s hosting of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013. It is located in the lower courtyard of Dublin Castle with unrivalled views of Dublin’s last intact medieval tower.

The meeting venue includes:

 A plenary room (format Head of Delegation and a maximum of two delegates)  A delegates’ lounge  Five bilateral meeting rooms. To reserve a bilateral meeting room in advance, please email

[email protected]. To reserve a bilateral meeting room on the day of the meeting, please inform your Delegation Liaison Officer.

 A media centre (located in the General Labour Office on Werburgh Street, adjacent to Dublin Castle)

 A press conference facility

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Guinness Storehouse On the afternoon of 9 July the delegation will visit the Guinness Storehouse site located at St. James’s Gate on the south quays of the River Liffey since the company began making its iconic beer in 1759. Delegates will be taken on a guided walk through the site followed by a presentation on single market, competitiveness and decarbonisation related topics as well as Diageo’s experience of doing business in the EU.

St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle The welcome reception and official dinner will be hosted in St. Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle. St. Patrick’s Hall is one of the most significant and prestigious venues in Ireland. The room is an important feature of Irish political and historical life and is used for the inauguration ceremonies of Irish Presidents.

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Programme This preliminary programme is subject to change. The final programme will be shared with registered delegation members via the Accreditation Platform in advance of the meeting.

Thursday 9 July Thursday 9 July

A.M. / P.M.

Arrivals via Dublin Airport

14:30 - 14:45 Departure from hotels to Guinness Storehouse 15:00 - 17:00 Site visit at Guinness Storehouse 17:00 - 17:30 Transport to hotels 18:30 - 19:00 Departure from hotels to Dublin Castle 19:00 - 21:30 Welcome reception and official dinner at St. Patrick’s

Hall, Dublin Castle 21:30 Transport to hotels

Friday 10 July Friday, 10 July

08:00 - 08:45 Transport from hotels 08:30 - 09:15 Arrival and handshake with Minister Peter Burke 09:30 - 11:15 Working Session (1a) 11:15 - 11:45 Coffee Break

Family photograph 11:45 - 13:15 Working Session (1b) 13:30 - 15:00 Working Lunch for Heads of Delegations

15:15 - 15:45 Press Conference 15:00 - Departures and transport to Dublin Airport

Interpretation The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Interpretation, DG SCIC, will provide simultaneous interpretation via interpretation booths.

The language regime for the Informal Meeting will be 5/5, English, French, German, Spanish and Italian into English, French, German, Spanish and Italian in the plenary session and during the working lunch. Simultaneous interpretation will not be provided at the welcome reception and dinner, during the site visit. The official press conference will be conducted through English and French.

Please note that interpretation will not be provided during breaks, between sessions, for bilateral meetings, or for individual Heads of Delegations’ media opportunities.

To facilitate interpretation of interventions, you are welcome to send any relevant meeting documentation such as speeches or speaking points to [email protected] one week before the date of the meeting, including “Informal Meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry)” and your country’s name in the title of your email.

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Please note that should your Head of Delegation be accompanied by a personal interpreter, they must be registered as part of the official delegation in order to have access to the meeting venue.

If a delegation indicates its intention to make an intervention in a language which is not available in the language regime provided, and a member of that delegation in the room repeats the comments made in a language which is covered, interpretation will be provided.

If a delegation chooses to make an intervention in a language which is not provided by the language regime and which is not known to members of the interpretation team, but provides a written translation, it is possible to read the text out in the booth. This does not constitute simultaneous interpreting and does not guarantee accuracy regarding what is said in the room.

Delegation Delegation size and format Delegations will be limited to the 1 + 2 + 1 format (Head of Delegation plus two accompanying delegates, plus a protection officer if required). These formats are fixed and no exceptions can be made.

Personal interpreters, official photographers, press officers and other categories of participant requiring access to the meeting venue must be accredited as members of the delegation. Please email [email protected] to request that a position on your delegation be designated for these roles, if required.

Please note that the Embassy of an EU Member State in Ireland may apply separately for an EU Presidency accreditation badge, in the name of the Ambassador or another nominated member of diplomatic staff. The holder of this EU Presidency accreditation badge will be permitted access to the meeting venue for all informal Ministerial meetings and, when accompanied by a DFAT Protocol team member and airport personnel, to the airport for the purpose of greeting / bidding farewell to the visiting Head of Delegation. Therefore, EU Member states do not need to accredit their Ambassador/nominated Embassy diplomatic staff member as a member of the delegation. Guest States may request accreditation for their Ambassador to Ireland, or a nominated Embassy diplomatic staff member, for this meeting, as an additional member of the delegation, by emailing [email protected].

Registration and accreditation For security reasons, each delegate must be registered and accredited in order to gain access to the meeting venue, the official welcome reception and dinner, and the site visit.

A Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO) must be appointed by each invited delegation. The DAO must register all members of the delegation on the Accreditation Platform, in line with the instructions below.

To facilitate the smooth running of the programme, DAOs are asked to submit all requested information relating to their delegation, including transport and accommodation details, and dietary and accessibility requirements of delegates, in accordance with deadlines as outlined below.

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Types of accreditations Heads of Delegation will receive a lapel pin. Other delegates will receive an accreditation badge (details below). All delegates must always visibly wear their valid lapel pin or badge, including during the official welcome reception, dinner and site visit.

Heads of Delegation and accompanying delegates will be given their lapel pin and accreditation badges by their Delegation Liaison Officer (DLO) upon arrival at the airport. Delegates arriving separately from the HoD will be given their badges by their DLO at the earliest opportunity.

Delegates will be requested to provide a photo i.d. document when receiving their badge from the DLO. Delegate badges are strictly personal and non-transferable. Floater badges can be transferred as required between delegates.

Badge type Participant Type Access

Lapel pin Head of Delegation Allows access to all areas

Blue badge Delegate Allows access to the plenary room, the delegates’ lounge, bilateral meeting rooms and the press area

If you lose your lapel pin or badge, you must immediately notify your DLO. Please also notify the event organisers by sending an email to [email protected]

Opening and closing dates of the Accreditation Platform Once the letter of invitation has been received, invited delegations are requested to appoint a DAO as soon as possible. Please send an email to [email protected] straight away (and no later than 9 June) containing:

 The delegation your DAO represents (i.e. country or organisation name)  DAO’s full name  DAO’s phone number  DAO’s email address

The Accreditation Platform will be open for registration of your delegation once your DAO has been appointed. The Accreditation Platform will be open until 26 June 2026.

Instructions for the Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO) The DAO is responsible for the accreditation of all members of their delegation. Once appointed by following the instructions above, the DAO will receive a link to the Accreditation Platform to register their delegation. Please note that in compliance with data security requirements, the Accreditation Platform requires Two-Factor Authentication. The DAO will require access to an authenticator application, such as Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator or similar, in order to access the Accreditation Platform.

DAOs are kindly requested to register their delegation as soon as possible, and no later than 26 June when the Accreditation Platform will close. To facilitate the smooth running of the programme, DAOs are asked to submit all requested information relating to their delegation, including transport and accommodation details, and delegates’ dietary and accessibility requirements. Please ensure that all

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details are completed correctly before submitting the registration request, as certain information (for example, the delegate’s name) will be printed on their accreditation badge.

All personal information provided for accreditation will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Full details can be found in the Privacy Notice on the Accreditation Platform.

If you have any queries about the registration process, please email [email protected].

Delegation Liaison Officers (DLOs) A Delegation Liaison Officer (DLO) will be assigned to each delegation to assist and accompany the Head of Delegation and delegates throughout the meeting programme. The DLO will:

 Serve as the principal point of contact between the delegation and the Irish EU Presidency meeting hosts

 Accompany and be available to the delegation, ensuring that their programme runs on time and that the delegation is able to participate in all programme elements

 Provide logistical assistance and administrative support at the airport, accommodation, and event venues

 Distribute accreditation lapel pins and badges on arrival  Reserve available rooms for bilateral meetings, if requested

DLOs will contact the Delegation Accreditation Officer no later than three working days before the meeting.

If you have any questions about the role of the DLO, or wish to share positive or negative feedback about the performance of your DLO, please email [email protected]

Diplomatic Clearances Diplomatic clearances are required in a number of cases as set out below. In all cases, the relevant accredited Embassy to Ireland must send a Third Party Note (TPN) to the relevant Department at the email address provided below. DAOs are requested to advise their Embassy to Ireland to submit the diplomatic clearance request at the earliest opportunity, in order to facilitate the timely processing of requests.

Scenario Required documentation Timeline Contact email address

Overflights or landings of military or state aircraft

TPN and a completed diplomatic clearance form (available from [email protected])

As early as possible, and no later than 48 hours in advance

[email protected]

Permission to bring firearm into Ireland (incl. for armed security protection officers)

TPN which includes details of the firearms which will be used, the personnel who will carry them

As early as possible

[email protected]; If travelling on a commercial or chartered flight, also: [email protected]

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Protection officer requiring radio frequency

TPN which includes details of the radio frequencies proposed

As early as possible

[email protected]

Requests to wear a military uniform while in Ireland

TPN and a completed Uniform Clearance form (available from [email protected])

As early as possible

[email protected]

If you have questions about the diplomatic clearance process, please email [email protected]

Delegation Flight Arrivals and Departures To facilitate arrival and departure procedures for delegations, DAOs are asked to provide all requested information about arrival and departure flights through the Accreditation Platform.

Please note that delegates who travel separately from the Head of Delegation will not be greeted at the point of arrival or provided with Irish EU Presidency transportation to and from the point of arrival or departure.

Handling of luggage

Delegations are strongly advised to travel with hand luggage only if possible, to facilitate smooth transfers to and from the airport on arrival and departure.

Please be advised that checked luggage must be collected at the baggage claim by accredited Embassies on arrival, and likewise transported to the airport to be checked in for departure. The delegation should arrange this directly with their Embassy.

Entering Ireland Please note that Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, EU citizens must present a valid passport or national identity card to enter Ireland. Full details are available here.

Citizens of other countries must present a valid passport or recognised travel document to enter Ireland and may also need a visa. You can find out if you need a visa to enter Ireland here.

Transportation of Delegates Transportation for Heads of Delegation and accompanying accredited delegates will be organised in close cooperation with An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police and security service.

The Irish EU Presidency will provide transport to and from the airport for Heads of Delegation and accompanying accredited delegates arriving on flights landing after 7:00 on Thursday 9 July and departing on flights leaving before 21:00 Friday 10 July only. Delegations arriving or departing outside of this window will be responsible for their own transport to/from the airport.

The Irish EU Presidency will provide transportation between venues for Heads of Delegation and accredited delegates throughout their official programme. Delegations who wish to undertake activities outside of the official meeting programme are expected to make their own transport arrangements and should inform their Delegation Liaison Officer of these plans when known.

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To facilitate provision of transport, DAOs are asked to provide full arrival and departure flight details via the accreditation portal, by the registration deadline.

Transportation for Delegates Travelling Separately from their HOD

Delegates travelling separately from their HoD are invited to make their own travel arrangements. Information on public transport and taxi options to and from Dublin Airport are available here.

Embassy Vehicles

It will not be possible for Embassy vehicles to join the official motorcade or to go airside at the Airport at any point.

Accommodation The Irish EU Presidency has reserved rooms for the Heads of Delegation and accompanying accredited delegates, for the night of 9 July 2026, in the hotels indicated below.

The Irish EU Presidency will cover the cost of accommodation and breakfast for the night of 9 July for the Head of Delegation and one delegate (1+1). Any additional expenses arising from use of the hotel’s facilities (such as meals, drinks, room service etc.) must be covered by the delegation.

All other delegates are assigned a room, the cost of which must be paid by the delegation, along with any additional expenses arising from use of the hotel’s facilities. For logistical and security reasons, delegations are strongly advised to avail of the assigned rooms. Should you opt to stay at a different hotel, the meeting organisers will be unable to provide you with transportation directly to and from that hotel, or other logistical supports.

The DAO must request the delegation’s accommodation reservations through the Accreditation Platform when registering the delegates. The DAO must indicate which delegate should be assigned the pre-paid room, along with the Head of Delegation, and which delegates are availing of the other reserved rooms.

The cost of the rooms to be paid by the delegation must be paid in advance using the link provided on the Accreditation Platform. The DAO can make payment on behalf of all of the delegates, or can send an invitation link to each applicable delegate to invite him/her to make the payment for his/her room directly.

If a Head of Delegation or delegate wishes to arrive earlier or extend their stay, they must make the necessary reservations directly with the hotel of their choice. The Irish EU Presidency is not responsible for reserving or paying for hotel stays before or after the night of 09 July 2026.

Hotels Heads of Delegation plus one accompanying delegate will stay in

 The Chancery Hotel - this hotel is 600 meters from Dublin Castle.

Additional delegates will stay in

 Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - this hotel is 180 meters distance from Chancery Hotel and 650 meters from Dublin Castle. Delegates staying in Radisson Blu Royal will make their way on

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foot to Hotel Chancery Hotel to join their Head of Delegation’s motorcade transfer to Dublin Castle on the morning of 10 July.

The cost of the rooms reserved for additional delegates is €280 per room. Please send any queries about accommodation arrangements to [email protected]

Security The Irish Presidency will provide security during the meeting through An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police and security service. Security zones designated by the Irish authorities will only be accessible to accredited vehicles and accredited individuals wearing a valid pin or badge. For this reason, delegates and other accredited participants must always visibly wear their valid pin or badge.

Heads of Delegation have the option to include a security officer in their delegation. This officer must be registered on the Accreditation Platform. Requests for authorisation to carry a weapon, use a radio frequency, and wear body armour and/or a military uniform while in Ireland must be made in line with the instructions in the Diplomatic Aircraft / Security Clearances section above. For any questions related to security, including requests to carry out a security visit to Ireland ahead of the meeting, please contact [email protected]

Media All media wishing to attend the Informal Meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry) must accredit on the media accreditation platform https://media.ireland2026.eu. Once media accreditation has been confirmed, accredited media can register for events they wish to attend through the accreditation platform.

Accredited and registered media will be permitted access to the media centre and to media opportunities, including doorstep interviews and press conferences.

Media representatives intending to accompany an official delegation must apply for accreditation as part of the delegation, not through the general media accreditation process. Official media who accredit through the media accreditation process cannot transfer into the delegation.

Media centre location, opening hours and other media information will be circulated to registered media in the media logistic note.

Video footage and photographs The host broadcaster of the Irish EU Presidency will record and stream the following material from the meeting: arrivals, initial handshake greeting, doorstep statements, family photo, tour de table before the plenary session, and the official press conference. This material will be available live on screens in the media centre, and via the European Broadcasting Service (EBS).

Photographs and video from the official Irish EU Presidency multimedia team will be available in high- resolution format on the Irish EU Presidency Flickr account. Content from the Flickr account may be used free of charge and should be attributed to the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

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General Information Useful contacts

For queries relating to accreditation or meeting logistics: [email protected]

For queries relating to accommodation: [email protected]

For queries relating to the content of the meeting agenda: [email protected]

Emergency services (police, ambulance, fire): 112 or 999

Internet/WiFi

Wireless internet access is available throughout the meeting venue. The network name and password will be available on signage in the venue.

Electricity

The standard electricity supply in Ireland is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz (the same as in other EU Member States). Three-pin power plugs and sockets of Type G are used. Delegates travelling from EU Member States will require a power plug adaptor in order to use electronic devices safely in Ireland.

First Aid and Medical Assistance

Each meeting venue will have a medical unit. If you require medical assistance during the meeting, please alert your Delegation Liaison Officer or a member of venue staff, or follow the signage in the venue to locate the medical unit. Accessibility

At the time of accreditation, the platform will ask for relevant information on allergies, dietary restrictions and dietary preferences of the Heads of Delegation and delegates, and invite sharing of any meeting-related accessibility requirements. It is important that this information is provided so that delegates may receive all appropriate supports.

Assisted Listening

An assisted listening system will be provided in the plenary room. The system used is Auracast™. This system is Bluetooth® capability which enables the transmission of meeting audio to an unlimited number of receivers with no pairing of devices. The Auracast™ logo will be displayed on screens in auditoriums where the system is in use.

For users with hearing aids or cochlear implants, depending on the manufacturer, most will allow users to connect via their designated app. The Auri audio will appear in the Bluetooth® pairing list. The user can select the desired Auracast™ channel to hear the audio. For users with devices that are not

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compatible Auracast™, neck loop devices will be made available from the control booth in the plenary room.

Lost and Found

If you have lost or found an item in the meeting venue or in an Irish EU Presidency vehicle, please bring it to the attention of your Delegation Liaison Officer. Please note that the Irish EU Presidency is not liable for personal injuries, losses or damage to the personal property of registered delegates. All delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance for their property.

Weather

Temperatures in Dublin in July typically range between 12°C and 20°C, and visitors can expect mixed sunny and rainy spells.

Links of interest

1. Tourism Ireland – https://www.ireland.com Official tourism website with destinations, itineraries, and travel inspiration.

2. Transport for Ireland – https://www.transportforireland.ie 3. Iarnród Éireann – https://www.irishrail.ie

Train schedules and ticket booking. 4. Bus Éireann – https://www.buseireann.ie

Regional bus services across the country. 5. Met Éireann – https://www.met.ie

Official weather forecasts and alerts. 6. Visit Dublin – https://www.visitdublin.com

Events, attractions, restaurants, and tours in Dublin 7. Tourist SOS Ireland – https://www.touristsos.ie

Free assistance service for tourists who lose documents or need support. 8. Wild Atlantic Way – https://www.wildatlanticway.com

Information on Ireland’s famous coastal scenic route.

Irish Presidency Sustainability Policy The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union provides a significant opportunity to demonstrate Ireland’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Ireland is committed to embedding sustainable practices across all aspects of planning and delivery of our EU Presidency.

To reaffirm our commitment, Ireland has developed a Sustainability Policy for our EU Presidency, applying it directly to official EU Presidency meetings and events held in Ireland. The objective of the policy is to support the organisation and delivery of EU Presidency meetings as sustainably as possible. We wish to encourage the implementation of initiatives that are environmentally, socially and economically responsible throughout the organisation and delivery stages.

We hope that our efforts will be visible across our meetings and events and that you will be inspired to continue making sustainable and environmentally conscious choices. More information about the

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Sustainability Policy will be available on the official website of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.