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Will Europe choose alignment or fragmentation in foreign investment screening? In a recent blog for fDi Intelligence, Malte Lohan, CEO, and Andrew Hill, Senior Policy Adviser, AmCham EU, examine how divergent national regimes have created legal uncertainty and unnecessary administrative burden for investors and authorities alike. Today’s patchwork encourages over-notification, overwhelms regulators with low-risk cases and introduces avoidable friction for capital. The revised EU Foreign Investment Screening Regulation presents an opportunity to enhance coherence and competitiveness. Its success will depend on consistent implementation across Member States. Convergence would streamline beneficial investment and strengthen the Single Market, while gold-plating risks renewed fragmentation. Read the full op-ed in fDi Intelligence’s Economic Security Watch.

Ahead of Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU in July, Thibaut L’Ortye, Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, AmCham EU joined business and policy leaders at the AmCham Ireland’s Global Business Conference to reflect on the opportunities facing Europe’s economy. Against a complex geopolitical backdrop, the conversation looked at how forthcoming EU initiatives can strengthen Europe’s attractiveness for investment and long-term growth. From simplification efforts and the Industry Accelerator Act to the 28th regime, the Biotech Act and progress on the Savings and Investment Union, the scale of the agenda is significant. A renewed focus on deepening the Single Market was a clear priority, alongside maintaining openness to foreign investment as a driver of innovation, competitiveness and a stronger industrial base across Europe. Joining Mr L’Ortye on the panel was Lucinda Creighton, Founder and CEO, Vulcan Consulting and Colm O'Callaghan, Director of Public Affairs and Advocacy, AmCham Ireland. 

Business associations have expressed full support for the European Commission’s decision to provisionally apply the EU–Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement. The move marks a decisive step towards implementation after more than 25 years of negotiations. The economic case is compelling. The European Commission estimates indicate that, once fully implemented, the Agreement could increase EU exports to Mercosur by nearly 40%, generating €48.7 billion in additional annual exports and €77.6 billion in annual EU GDP gains by 2040. At the same time, prolonged delays have carried significant costs for European competitiveness. Swift operationalisation of the Agreement will enhance market access, diversify trade relationships and reinforce the EU’s leadership in sustainable, rules-based trade.