From Wednesday, 4 March to Friday, 6 March, AmCham EU visited Dublin, Ireland ahead of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The delegation met with Irish policymakers and business representatives to exchange views on EU policy priorities, Europe’s competitiveness and the transatlantic partnership. The visit forms part of AmCham EU’s ongoing engagement with Member States ahead of their Presidency. 

Discussions focused on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and promoting a supportive policy environment for investment and innovation. Exchanges covered areas including financial services, digital policy, tax, life sciences and environmental policy, as well as the importance of maintaining a strong transatlantic partnership. 

With Ireland preparing to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, AmCham EU looks forward to continuing engagement with Irish stakeholders on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and the transatlantic economy. 

During the visit, the delegation met with representatives from the Irish Government, parliament and business community, including:

• Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 

• Thomas Byrne, Minister of State, European Affairs and Defence 

• Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health 

• Eoghan Glynn, Acting Head of UK and International Trade Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 

• Martina Hennessy, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications 

• Edwina Love, Head of EU Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 

• Philip Nugent, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications 

• Sinéad Ryan, Assistant Secretary, Business and International Tax Policy, Department of Finance 

• Robert Troy, Minister of State, Department of Finance 

• Maeve von Heynitz, Director-General, EU Division, Department of Foreign Affairs 

• Barry Ward, Chair, Committee on European Affairs, Oireachtas 

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.