Ibec Europe & Global Focus

Welcome to the spring 2023 edition of the Ibec Europe and Global Focus. 

In this edition, we focus on the 30-year anniversary of the EU single market, which we celebrate this year. The anniversary comes at a time of international adversity, with the continuing aggression against Ukraine and ongoing international energy, economic, and geopolitical challenges. With such challenges in mind, we call on the EU to act decisively to ensure its long-term competitiveness, prosperity and central role on the global stage. Preserving the integrity and building on the strength of the single market will ensure Europe can face these challenges.

To further explore the possibilities for the single market of the future, we outline perspectives from both business and politics, including views from Anna Cavazzini MEP, Chair of the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, and Ibec’s Sectors, including Financial Services Ireland, Food Drink Ireland, and the Irish Medtech Association. While focussing on the necessity of a strong internal market, we also underline the importance of the EU and its member states recognising the necessity of remaining open to trade and investment. On the international front, we analyse the proposed EU response to the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including the European Commission’s Green Deal Industrial Plan. We also provide updates on EU-US relations, Free Trade Agreements and the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework.

We also mark the 25-year anniversary of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement and its importance for peace and prosperity.

Please contact our EU and International Affairs team in Brussels or Dublin if you wish to discuss any of the items covered.