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. 

On Tuesday 27 January, AmCham EU met with Aingeal O’Donoghue, Irish Ambassador to the EU to exchange views on Ireland’s Presidency priorities. Discussions focused on how the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU can support a more competitive, resilient and sustainable Europe, with a particular focus on trade, security and investment. AmCham EU shared its perspectives on strengthening Europe’s global economic position and how to ensure that EU policymaking supports long-term growth. The exchange reinforced the importance of close engagement between policymakers and the business community as preparations continue for Ireland’s Presidency in July. 

Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union at a decisive moment for the EU’s simplification agenda, with up to six Omnibus packages on the table in the first half of 2026. The Presidency’s programme spans security, Mediterranean policy, water resilience and strategic autonomy – all critical priorities. But none can succeed without a strong, competitive economy that fosters innovation and growth. In this context, AmCham EU’s Recommendations to the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union sets out concrete actions to advance a competitive, secure and open EU economy. These proposals aim to help shape Europe into an attractive place for businesses to invest, operate and grow. 

As Cyprus prepares to take on the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU in January 2026, AmCham EU was pleased to welcome Ambassador Giorgos Ioannides for a high-level exchange on Monday, 15 September. The discussions focused on shared priorities, including competitiveness, transatlantic relations, digital policy, healthcare and sustainability, among others. The Ambassador underlined Cyprus’ commitment to strengthening EU-US ties and driving forward a pragmatic agenda. AmCham EU looks forward to working closely with Cyprus on common objectives to help ensure a successful Presidency. Read our recommendations to the Danish Presidency here. 

Denmark assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union as the region grapples with its longstanding competitiveness challenges and transatlantic trade tensions. The EU has work to do to tackle the uncertainty and complexity businesses in the region currently face. By placing competitiveness and security at the heart of its Presidency programme, Denmark is well positioned to strengthen this business environment. In this context, AmCham EU’s Recommendations to the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union outlines a wide range of proposals to boost the region’s competitiveness, resilience and global standing. 

From Wednesday, 19 February to Friday, 21 February, AmCham EU visited Copenhagen, Denmark ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The delegates took part in several meetings, including with the Minister of European Affairs, Minister of Industry, Minister for Digital Affairs and Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities. This is part of AmCham EU’s longstanding efforts to engage with every Presidency given the important role they play in the Council.

The delegates were welcomed to Copenhagen on Wednesday, 19 February at a dinner with Jennifer Hall-Godfrey, Chargée d’Affaires, US Embassy and Consulate in the Kingdom of Denmark. 

Thursday, 20 February, began with a meeting with Sune Stampe Sørensen, Director-General and CEO, Danish Patent and Trademark Office on the importance of intellectual property enforcement. Afterwards, we sat down with Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs to speak about how business can support Denmark's upcoming Presidency. 

The first meeting of the afternoon was with Maria Schack Vindum, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Green Transition, where we discussed the upcoming Omnibus package and the need for regulatory simplification. We spoke with Rasmus Degn, Head of Department, International Economics and Financial Conditions, Ministry of Economic Affairs to discuss how to reinforce the EU's role in global finance. Afterwards we sat down with Nis Christensen, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries to discuss the upcoming review of the Common Agriculture Policy and the future of farming with a focus on digitisation. Rounding out the day was Tobias Elling Rehfeld, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Director, Defence Policy, Ministry of Defence. 

The delegation continued on Friday, 21 February when we spoke with Caroline Stage Olsen, Minister for Digital Affairs about how Europe can complete a digital Single Market where people can benefit from the free movement of online services, goods and data. Rounding out the morning was a meeting with Martin Hansen, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Gender Equality, where we underlined how the upcoming Chemicals Industry Package can enhance competitiveness and regulatory certainty. 

Before departing Denmark, the delegates met with Lars Aagaard, Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities and Morten Bødskov, Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. The first meeting focused on the EU’s 2040 climate targets. The second meeting covered the role of business in reinforcing transatlantic ties, especially when the relationship is tested. 

With Presidency of the Council of the European Union currently under Poland, find out what they should focus on for the rest of their mandate.