What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union can put business issues on the agenda and help advance negotiations on EU rules. It cannot award grants to individual firms or make EU law on its own. The six-month term runs from 1 July to 31 December 2026; for practical business advice or funding, Irish firms should contact their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) or check Enterprise Ireland’s funding finder.
What the EU Presidency is—and what Ireland can do
The rotating Presidency is of the Council of the European Union, where ministers from Member States meet to negotiate and adopt EU legislation. It is distinct from the European Council and the European Commission. Ireland holds the Council Presidency from 1 July through 31 December 2026. The Council’s explanation of the Presidency describes its role; the European Commission Representation in Ireland sets out Ireland’s term and priorities.
During its term, Ireland chairs most Council meetings, helps organise Council work, and can broker compromises among Member States. The Council characterises the chair as a neutral “honest broker”: it is expected to advance collective work, not simply promote Ireland’s national position. Ireland has announced competitiveness, values and security as broad priorities, so issues affecting business conditions may receive political attention. That is an opportunity for discussion, not a promise of a particular small-business policy outcome.
What that may mean for small firms
- Greater visibility for business concerns: Competitiveness is an Irish Presidency priority. Relevant concerns may feature in agendas and stakeholder events, but visibility alone changes no obligations and creates no grant entitlement.
- Progress on pending legislation: Ireland can chair discussions and seek compromises on files affecting the business environment. It can help a proposal move forward, but cannot decide the outcome alone. Most EU legislation is adopted by the Council together with the European Parliament, generally on the basis of a Commission proposal. See how the Council makes decisions.
- A route to raise practical concerns: Businesses can engage through trade or sector associations and relevant stakeholder opportunities. Ireland’s published Presidency programme includes stakeholder engagements, but that does not establish a guaranteed individual SME consultation route or a right to have a request adopted.
Policy influence is not direct business assistance
| Route | What it can deliver | Who decides | Timing and eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Council Presidency | Chairing, agenda organisation and negotiation that may help collective EU rules progress | The Council and, for most legislation, the European Parliament; the Presidency does not legislate alone | A six-month chairing term; legislative discussions may continue beyond it. Rules apply according to the scope of each measure. |
| Business-support agencies | Firm-level advice, mentoring, development support and, where eligible, funding | The relevant support body under its programme rules | Programme-specific eligibility and application processes; check current terms with the agency or LEO. |
For advice and support, the Department of Enterprise identifies LEOs as a local access point for finance, mentoring, development, markets and trade promotion. The Department’s SME supports page explains the channels. Firms with a suitable growth profile can also use Enterprise Ireland’s funding and grants finder; not every small business will qualify for its programmes.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Examples of current digital supports
Digital for Business
The LEO describes Digital for Business as a support for small enterprises with 1 to 50 paid employees. Stated conditions include being established and trading for at least six months, registered and operating in the relevant LEO area, solvent, and not currently an Enterprise Ireland or IDA client. The support can assess existing digital systems, identify gaps, explore improvements and provide implementation guidance. Check the current requirements with your LEO. Details are on the Digital for Business page.
Grow Digital Voucher
The voucher is described as support for eligible off-the-shelf software subscriptions that are new to the business, for up to one year. The LEO eligibility page says applicants must have completed a Digital for Business project within the previous two years and satisfy other conditions. It is not a general reimbursement for any software purchase or custom website work. Confirm current rules and approval before committing to a purchase. See the National Enterprise Hub’s Grow Digital Voucher information and the LEO’s eligibility page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Where to start if you need help now
- Contact your Local Enterprise Office. Explain your business’s location, size, sector and trading history, and ask which supports fit your circumstances.
- Check scheme conditions before spending. For digital supports, confirm eligibility, approval requirements and current terms with the LEO before buying software or services.
- Explore Enterprise Ireland if relevant. Use its funding finder if your firm’s growth or export plans may fit its programmes, then verify details with the agency.
- Raise policy issues through an appropriate channel. A sector or business association can help present practical concerns in consultations or stakeholder engagement. This is separate from applying for business support.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
