Ireland in the EU - Focus on the future
Irish business priorities for the 2019 - 2024 EU institutional cycle
1. Unlock the potential of the Single Market
The EU has created vast new opportunities for business, but there’s much more to do. It must now prioritise the deepening of the Single Market, including completing the capital markets union, the banking union and enhancing our digital Single Market. By focusing on these ‘big-wins’, the EU can create enormous economic opportunities, drive growth, promote innovation, create jobs and raise the living standards of millions of Europeans.
2. Embrace digital transformation
The European Commission and Parliament can play a key role in preparing for further technological change. Member States must also play their part if the EU is to lead on digital development. The EU should lead further digital transformation, championing innovation and enterprise, and enabling everyone to reach their potential in the digital era.
3. Lead the world in trade and investment
The EU must strengthen its role as a global economic leader that facilitates trade and investment. It should continue to advance ambitious, balanced trade deals with key partners and work to promote rules-based trade and tackle global challenges. Trade policy should be designed for the 21st century, facilitating cross-border data flows, trade in services (including e-commerce) and unlocking the potential of EU business in a digitalised world.
4. Embrace competitive taxation policy
The EU must support companies, economies and Member States as they strive to compete effectively, grow and prosper. We need dynamic, competitive markets across the EU and the EU needs to be able to compete and win internationally. For this to happen, Member States must have the power to choose tax strategies that meet their economic needs.
5. Respect Member State competency to design labour market and social policy
The EU should focus on its core competencies and objectives, and avoid legislating in areas where Member States are better placed to act. In key areas of social policy, for example, local labour market needs mean that decisions should be left to national governments.
6. Tackle climate change
The EU must continue to lead international efforts to implement the 2015 Paris Agreement, reverse climate change, and build a truly circular economy. The EU must prioritise cost-effective decarbonisation, support low carbon investment, protect sectors at risk of carbon leakage, and ensure a just transition for vulnerable workers and communities.
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