Europe Direct Sligo

26/07/2026

Joint Statement of the European Union and the United Kingdom on United Kingdom participation under the Ukraine Support Loan
The European Union and the United Kingdom have welcomed the signing of a contractual agreement marking the end of negotiations on the UK's participation in the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. The agreement will help Ukraine access a broader pool of defence manufacturers and provide continued financial and defence support as the country faces ongoing challenges.

The move reflects the EU and UK's shared commitment to supporting Ukraine and strengthening European security through closer cooperation

24/07/2026

EU steps up support for Palestinians and Gaza's recovery

The European Commission has brought together 65 international delegations in Brussels to launch a new initiative supporting Gaza's early recovery and to advance the Palestinian Authority's reform agenda. The meeting also marked the launch of the Team Gaza Initiative, with €883.6 million in coordinated funding to help restore essential services and infrastructure for civilians in Gaza.

The initiative aims to strengthen international coordination and support recovery efforts in areas including water, sanitation, healthcare, energy, agriculture and food systems.

23/07/2026

EU approves €2 million support scheme for Irish horticulture businesses

The European Commission has approved a €2 million Irish State aid scheme to help horticulture companies facing increased fuel costs linked to the Middle East crisis. The scheme will support growers and other businesses involved in the primary production of agricultural products, helping to offset rising energy expenses.

The aid will be provided through direct grants and is designed to protect businesses affected by higher fuel prices while supporting the continued operation of Ireland's horticulture sector.

22/07/2026

EU approves €300 million support scheme for Irish energy-intensive businesses

The European Commission has approved a €300 million Irish State aid scheme that will provide temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive companies. The measure aims to support competitiveness while helping businesses invest in cleaner technologies and decarbonisation projects.

By linking support to green investment, the scheme will contribute to Ireland's transition towards a net-zero economy under the EU's Clean Industrial Deal

21/07/2026

Yeats: The Life and Work of W.B. Yeats

Visit the Local Studies Centre, Westward Town Centre, Bridge Street, to view the exhibition Yeats: The Life and Work of W.B. Yeats.

📍 On display until 5 August

🕰️ Opening Hours Tuesday: 9.30am - 12.45pm & 2.00pm - 4.45pm
Wednesday: 9.30am - 12.45pm & 2.00pm - 4.45pm
Thursday: 9.30am - 12.45pm & 2.00pm - 4.45pm
Friday: 9.30am - 12.45pm & 2.00pm - 4.45pm

The National Library of Ireland is delighted to bring a travelling banner version of its award-winning exhibition, Yeats: The Life and Work of W.B. Yeats, to Sligo as part of the official Cultural Programme for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Presented in partnership with Europe Direct at Sligo Central Library, this fascinating exhibition explores the life, work and legacy of one of Ireland's greatest literary figures.

We look forward to welcoming visitors before the exhibition moves on to its next location.


Sligo County Library
Culture Ireland
Sligo PPN
SWIBN - Sligo Women in Business Network
European Commission
Europe Direct Clones
Europe Direct, Waterford
Europe Direct Portlaoise
Europe Direct Ballinasloe
Europe Direct Carrigaline
Europe Direct Information Centre - Blanchardstown
Europe Direct Letterkenny

21/07/2026

Special panel on child safety online presents final report

The European Commission's Special Panel on Child Safety Online has delivered its final report, setting out recommendations to help better protect and empower children in the digital world. The report highlights the key challenges young people face online and explores age-appropriate approaches to social media and other digital services.

The recommendations will help inform future EU actions aimed at creating a safer, healthier, and more empowering online environment for children and young people

20/07/2026

EU and UK sign landmark agreement on Gibraltar

The European Commission and the United Kingdom have signed the EU-UK Agreement in respect of Gibraltar, bringing to a close more than four years of negotiations and completing the post-Brexit legal framework governing EU-UK relations. The agreement entered into provisional application on 15 July 2026.

The agreement aims to promote prosperity, legal certainty, and closer cooperation across the region while safeguarding the EU's Single Market, Customs Union, and Schengen rules. It will also help facilitate the movement of people and strengthen cross-border relations between Gibraltar and Spain

20/07/2026

EU launches Ukraine defence industrial partnership, Drone Deal and disburses €1 billion for drones

The EU has launched the EU-Ukraine Drone Deal to boost cooperation on drone and counter-drone technologies and support joint defence production. The European Commission has also provided an additional €1 billion to strengthen Ukraine's drone capabilities.

Together, these initiatives will drive innovation, strengthen defence industries, and enhance Europe's collective security.

20/07/2026

08/07/2026

Launch of EU Presidency Exhibition: Celebrating W.B. Yeats and Europe The Life and Work of William Butler Yeats Exhibition

We were delighted to launch The Life and Work of William Butler Yeats exhibition in Sligo, made possible through the collaboration between the National Library of Ireland and Europe Direct Sligo at Sligo Library and Sligo County Council.
The exhibition celebrates the life, work and enduring legacy of one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures, while also highlighting the cultural connections that unite Ireland and Europe.
We were especially honoured to welcome H.E. Jonas Grinevičius, Ambassador of Lithuania to Ireland, and Séadhna MacHugh, Ambassador of Ireland to Lithuania, to Sligo for the launch.
European Commission
Culture Ireland
Sligo County Library
Tubbercurry Community Library
Ballymote Community Library
SWIBN - Sligo Women in Business Network
Europe Direct Clones
Europe Direct Carrigaline
Europe Direct Information Centre - BlanchardstownEurope Direct Portlaoise