Taking stock of European competitiveness with AmCham Ireland
News
3 Mar 2026
Presidency, simplification

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. 

Related items

News
20 May 2026

Healthcare, competitiveness, innovation and simplification

Europe’s life sciences sector sits at the heart of the EU’s competitiveness agenda. It supports advanced manufacturing and helps bring new treatments and technologies to patients. Yet companies deciding where to invest need a regulatory environment that is predictable and open to global cooperation. 

The European Commission’s work on the Biotech Act and the targeted revision of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations (MDR/IVDR) offers an opportunity to improve that environment. Both files can help make Europe a stronger location for life sciences investment. 

The EU should use this moment to build a framework that keeps pace with scientific progress. That means faster and clearer procedures. It also means better use of data and intellectual property rules that recognise the realities of global supply chains. 

Healthcare
Simplification
Read more
Read more about Healthcare, competitiveness, innovation and simplification
Position Paper
13 Apr 2026

Delivering simpler, science-based rules for Europe’s agri-food sector

The EU’s agri-food regulatory framework is fragmented and lacks predictability. The Food and Feed Safety Omnibus is a chance to address these shortcomings by reducing delays, improving consistency and easing compliance burdens that limit market access. 

Uncertainty discourages investment and slows the uptake of new solutions. A more proportionate approach can improve legal certainty and support more consistent implementation across Member States. At the same time, maintaining a science-based, risk-based approach to trade measures is necessary to safeguard food security and avoid supply disruptions. 

Agriculture and food
Simplification
Read more
Read more about Delivering simpler, science-based rules for Europe’s agri-food sector
Position Paper
9 Apr 2026

Priorities for a pro-growth Tax Omnibus

The Tax Omnibus presents a critical opportunity to modernise the EU's tax rules in light of the evolving international framework, notably the implementation of Pillar 2. Many existing directives were designed in response to earlier Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) measures and now impose duplicative, fragmented and resource-intensive requirements on businesses. These burdens undermine tax certainty, increase compliance costs and weaken the EU’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

Tax
Simplification
Read more
Read more about Priorities for a pro-growth Tax Omnibus