*** #Ireland2026EU *** On 1 July 2026, Ireland takes over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The EDPS welcomes the start of the Irish Presidency, its intention to foster a broader reflection on EU digital policymaking and ambition to reach an agreement on the forthcoming amendments to the EU Data Protection Regulation for EU institutions and bodies (EUDPR). In a time of transformative technological change, strengthening the EU’s capacities in cloud computing and artificial intelligence, while advancing the Union’s approach to responsible digital governance, remains a crucial priority. We also look forward to close cooperation with the Presidency and EU institutions on key digital and justice and home affairs files, including cybersecurity, tech sovereignty and digital connectivity. In this context, innovation, security and competitiveness must go hand in hand with strong safeguards for privacy and fundamental rights. The protection of minors online will be a particularly important area of focus in the months ahead, requiring effective and future-proof solutions that ensure a high level of protection for children and their personal data in the digital environment. Best wishes to the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.