Competitive Business, Competitive Europe

The positive impact of EU membership is clear, helping Ireland on its journey from an inward-looking, protectionist economy to a highly competitive, innovative, globalised hub. The European Single Market and an outward-looking approach have provided greater opportunities to trade, attract investment, and foster a skilled and flexible workforce.

A strong EU has helped shape a strong Ireland with economic and societal benefits flowing both ways. Today’s Ireland is at the heart of Europe’s business ecosystem and international trading relationships, in food and drink, digital and technology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices and financial and retail services.

The 2024-2029 EU institutional cycle is taking place at acritical juncture of challenge for Ireland and Europe. The global economy is in a turbulent period of rapid and accelerating change. Geopolitical tensions are continuing, global competition is intensifying and protectionism is increasing. Businesses are undergoing a significant period of adjustment and transition as landmark new EU legislation is introduced and implemented, unprecedented in complexity and scale, across a range of policy areas.

The EU is central to our ability to meet these challenges and achieve future success, as business and as citizens. The new EU political cycle for 2024-2029 is an opportunity to help shape that future. An opportunity to strengthen the EU for business and citizens and ensure that it meets the needs of small as well as large member states.

To strengthen the EU and react to the challenges facing business and society, we need to put competitiveness at the forefront. The strength of the European economy and its ability to deliver for its people depends on the success of businesses, large and small. This will determine our ability to grow and prosper, trade internationally and attract investment, provide job opportunities, enhance living standards, transition to a sustainable and digital economy while remaining competitive, and generate the resources needed to improve public services and infrastructure. It will also determine our ability to set and implement regulatory standards.

This Competitive Business, Competitive Europe campaign sets out the vision and key policy priorities of Irish business for the new EU political cycle 2024-2029, including Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026. The renewal of the EU institutions and Ireland’s Presidency offer opportunities to strengthen our influence and to realise our vision for the EU.

Key priorities