As Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, from July to December 2026, it is placing three priorities at the heart of its agenda: competitiveness, values and security. These priorities reflect a shared ambition to build a Europe that is innovative, resilient and firmly grounded in democratic principles. During the Presidency, Ireland will play a key role in advancing discussions on the EU’s future budget, climate action, research, skills and strategic autonomy.

These goals resonate with CHARM-EU’s mission. Through transnational education, challenge-based learning and deep collaboration between universities, industry and policymakers, CHARM-EU is helping to develop the talent, knowledge and innovation ecosystems needed for Europe’s future competitiveness. At the same time, its commitment to inclusion, sustainability and democratic engagement reflects the values that underpin the European project. As Europe navigates complex global challenges, CHARM-EU demonstrates how universities can act as catalysts for a more connected, competitive and future-ready Union.