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EU presents its 2026 draft budget 

On Wednesday, 4 June, the European Commission presented its draft budget for 2026, outlining the EU’s planned expenditure in alignment with its strategic priorities. The budget builds on the mid-term revision of the EU’s long-term budget (2021-2027), ensuring continuity and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges and opportunities.

The 2026 draft budget aims to reinforce ongoing initiatives, including support for Ukraine, competitiveness, migration management, security and defence, strategic investments, and continued support for green and digital transitions. 

The total proposed budget consists of €193.26 billion, supported by an additional €105.32 billion estimated under the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument. Key allocations include: 

  • €22,054.4 billion for the single market, innovation and digital
  • €71,726.1 billion for cohesion, resilience, and values
  • €56,971.9 billion towards natural resources and environment.
  • €5,010.0 billion for migration and border management.
  • €2,803.5 billion for security and defence measures.
  • €15,505.0 billion for neighbourhood and the world. 

In addition to supporting EU strategic priorities, the draft budget allocates new resources under the cohesion mid-term review proposal, which gives Member States the flexibility to reprogramme cohesion funds in response to emerging challenges. These include fostering competitiveness, enhancing defence capabilities, increasing the availability of affordable housing, improving water resilience, and accelerating the energy transition.

The European Commission’s 2026 draft budget reflects a balanced and forward-looking approach, reinforcing resilience while fostering innovation and solidarity across Member States. It highlights the EU’s commitment to strategic autonomy and sustainable development. By aligning financial resources with political priorities, the budget lays the groundwork for a more secure, competitive, and inclusive Europe, capable of adapting to the rapidly changing global landscape. 

The annual budget for 2026 will need to be formally adopted by the European Parliament and Council before the end of the year. 

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Graduate Trainee (Ireland)
Preferred Start Date: January/February 2026
Dublin

Vulcan Consulting is looking to hire an upcoming or recent graduate with a passion for public affairs, policy and politics as part of our Graduate Trainee Programme. The ambitious trainee will participate in a 6–month full time programme – and will be based in our Dublin office for at least 3 days each week. 

Vulcan’s 6–month structured programme will provide the successful candidate with a hands-on experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement and policy analysis. They will become a key member of our client servicing team in Dublin and will primarily assist in supporting our wide range of multinational and domestic clients in the life sciences, technology and retail sectors. 

Vulcan hopes to instill insider knowledge of Ireland’s political landscape – as well as skills to collaborate with key decision makers in both the public and private sectors.

This position is remunerated – and there is potential, upon exemplary performance, for further progression. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who are strongly interested in developing a career in public affairs.
 
Skills & Experience:
  • A University degree (Master’s level ideally but not essential) in relevant subjects (e.g. EU Affairs, International Relations, Communications, Public Affairs etc.);
  • A demonstrable understanding of public policy in Ireland and the legislative process;
  • A strong interest in Irish public affairs; and
  • Excellent writing and research skills.

Personal qualities:

  • Be an enthusiastic team player and a quick learner;
  • Be able to take initiative and demonstrate proactiveness;
  • Demonstrate an attention to detail;
  • Have native-level English; and
  • Have excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.

Please send your CV along with a researched written exercise on a campaign of your choosing (no more than 1000 words) to ianfahey@vulcanconsulting.eu  

Please outline why you chose this campaign; why the campaign worked well; what stakeholder were involved in the campaign; what you would have done differently; and what was the result of the campaign in question.

The deadline for applications is 17:00 (Irish time) on Friday, 28 November 2025.

Interviews of short-listed candidates will take place on the week commencing 1 December 2025.