Ireland Sees 80% EU Capital Markets Deal by End-2026 as It Takes 27-Nation Presidency
Updated
Updated · Financial Times · Jun 22
Ireland Sees 80% EU Capital Markets Deal by End-2026 as It Takes 27-Nation Presidency
3 articles · Updated · Financial Times · Jun 22
Summary
Micheál Martin said Ireland believes the EU can reach a capital-markets deal by the end of 2026, with about 80% agreement already in place before Dublin takes the bloc’s rotating presidency.
The plan would deepen the savings and investment union by integrating the EU’s 27 national capital markets and channeling trillions of euros in savings into investment to narrow Europe’s gap with the US and China.
A central dispute is whether key financial entities should shift to EU-level supervision under the Paris-based European Securities and Markets Agency, a move many smaller states have resisted for fear of losing influence and business.
Martin said Ireland, despite its large financial sector and past objections, would act as an “honest broker” and seek a compromise with all 27 members rather than a deal driven only by the EU’s six biggest economies.
He cast the push as part of a broader competitiveness agenda for Ireland’s six-month presidency, alongside deepening the single market and advancing energy integration while avoiding over-regulation.
With Ireland now backing centralization, can the EU finally forge a single capital market against national interests?
Europe sits on trillions in savings. Will a new 'investment union' actually unlock this wealth for its citizens?
As Europe centralizes its markets to rival the US, can it avoid the over-regulation that stifles its own startups?
Ireland at the Helm: Advancing the EU Capital Markets Integration and Supervision Package in 2026
Overview
Starting July 1, 2026, Ireland will take over the EU Presidency and immediately face the challenge of advancing the Capital Markets Integration and Supervision Package. Although EU countries aimed to agree on most of this legislation by June 2026, the deadline was not fully met, leaving Ireland to drive these crucial reforms forward. A key part of this agenda is strengthening the European Securities and Markets Authority, transforming it into a more powerful financial watchdog. Ireland’s presidency will be pivotal in bridging political divides and turning these ambitious plans into concrete actions for deeper EU capital markets.