Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026 at a decisive moment for Europe’s competitiveness agenda. With the EU seeking to advance simplification, strengthen the Single Market and shape the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the Presidency will have a critical role to play in turning ambition into action. Its programme spans competitiveness, values and security. However, none of these priorities can succeed without a strong economy that fosters innovation and growth. In this context, AmCham EU’s Recommendations to the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU sets out concrete actions to advance a competitive and resilient EU economy. These proposals aim to help shape Europe into an attractive place for businesses to invest, operate and grow.

How can Europe strengthen its digital resilience while remaining open to the partnerships that drive AI innovation? On Wednesday, 17 June, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, addressed this at a conference organised by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in Nicosia, Cyprus. Discussions focused on how Europe can build a more resilient digital ecosystem while remaining an attractive destination for investment and innovation. Mr Lohan underlined that secure supply chains and trusted partnerships are essential to Europe’s AI competitiveness. He also highlighted the role of US businesses as committed partners in helping Europe build and compete globally, while stressing the need for balanced policies that strengthen resilience and give companies the confidence to invest in Europe.

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.