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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. 

The European Commission’s Environmental Omnibus proposal is a positive first step towards reducing the administrative and regulatory burdens on businesses operating in the EU. Key measures such as streamlining permitting, simplifying industrial emissions reporting, removing the SCIP database and easing Extended Producer Responsibility schemes would help create more efficient and harmonised processes across the EU. Additionally, the proposal’s indication of upcoming work on the Circular Economy Act and the swift implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation would further support a simplified regulatory environment.

By improving efficiency and predictability, the proposal would help foster a stable, investment-driven market in Europe and reinforce the case for sustainable practices. To fully deliver on the potential to reduce burdens for business, co-legislators must now move the Environmental Omnibus across the finish line. AmCham EU stands ready to serve as a resource in their efforts. These simplification initiatives in environmental regulation are crucial to maintaining Europe’s global standing as a hub for business and innovation. 

The Environmental Omnibus proposal is part of the Commission’s simplification agenda and follows its proposed Chemicals Omnibus, which introduced related environmental simplifications in July 2025. These important initiatives continue to drive efforts to cut red tape, reduce regulatory burdens and enhance the EU’s competitiveness.

AmCham EU has joined 16 industry partners in urging support for the amended Taxonomy Delegated Act. With application set for 1 January 2026, any delay would create legal uncertainty and disrupt company preparations already underway. The revised rules offer simplified and more consistent reporting obligations, essential for business confidence and regulatory stability. Reopening the process now would increase costs and undermine Europe’s competitiveness. Learn why timely adoption of the Delegated Act is critical to ensure predictable implementation, maintain trust in the EU Taxonomy framework and support companies’ sustainability efforts in the joint industry statement.