Dublin Summit Sets the Stage for Irish EU Presidency: European Tech Leaders Demand Regulatory Simplification
Following the conclusion of the DIGITALEUROPE National Trade Association (NTA) Summit in Dublin last week, technology leaders have signalled a decisive shift in strategy as Ireland prepares to take the helm of the Council of the European Union.
The summit served as a platform for DIGITALEUROPE—which represents over 56,000 businesses across 42 national trade associations and 120 corporations—to finalise a strategic roadmap for Europe’s digital future. Central to the discussions was a joint industry statement calling for a shift in EU policy: moving away from adding layers of complexity and toward a framework that prioritises cutting red tape and scaling investment.
The two-day summit was defined by a clear message to Brussels: Europe’s digital ambitions are being hampered by an increasingly dense regulatory thicket. While leaders celebrated technological milestones—such as the launch of "Lucy," the EU’s premier photonic quantum computer—the core focus remained on the economic "speed limit" imposed by current policy.
Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director General of DIGITALEUROPE, reflected on the outcomes:
"Europe is already delivering on its digital ambitions, from the inauguration of Lucy—the EU's most powerful photonic quantum computer—to pioneering 6G projects. However, simplification alone is not enough. As we look toward the Irish Presidency, our message is clear: Europe must focus on two priorities—cutting and simplifying the regulatory framework while scaling investment and demand to compete globally. We count on the Irish Presidency to deliver a regulatory environment that truly supports our industrial ambitions."
The summit was addressed by Frank Feighan, Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment who stated:
“It was a particularly valuable opportunity to address the DIGITALEUROPE Presidency Summit here in Dublin to discuss Ireland’s ambition to remain at the forefront of digital innovation, AI governance, and public sector transformation within the European Union.
As Ireland prepares for its upcoming EU Presidency, we are determined to help ensure Europe remains competitive, innovative, and capable of delivering at pace in an increasingly fast-moving global digital economy.”
The CEOs in attendance reached a consensus on four critical pillars that will form the basis of their advocacy during the Irish term:
- Cutting Regulatory Burden: Implementing a "Digital Omnibus" to address overlapping requirements, particularly within the AI Act and cybersecurity frameworks, which currently divert resources away from risk mitigation.
- Harmonising Data Use: Seeking greater clarity on GDPR definitions to unlock the potential of AI and advanced analytics across Member States.
- Scaling Investment & Demand: Rapidly expanding support from the European Investment Bank and kick-starting demand through joint, pan-European procurement to turn breakthroughs into industrial capability.
- Securing Connectivity: Ensuring the evolving framework supports Europe’s digital backbone, including 5G, 6G, and satellite connectivity, without introducing additional burdens.
Una Fitzpatrick, Director of Technology Ireland, noted: "As the Irish member of DIGITALEUROPE, we proudly hosted this summit in Dublin. Ireland’s position as a leading digital hub makes it perfectly placed to drive meaningful simplification across the EU’s digital framework. We are calling for the 'Digital Omnibus' to actively reduce fragmentation and ensure that B2B data sharing remains voluntary and based on contractual freedom, protecting the sensitive know-how of our innovative SMEs and scale-ups
