Ibec Europe & Global Focus

Welcome to the Winter 2023 edition of the Ibec Europe & Global Focus.

This edition focuses on trade, competitiveness and economic security in the context of intense geopolitical challenges. Ibec’s vision for an EU that is open for trade and investment is set out within in a profile of our new paper ‘Open, rules-based and digital trade to drive competitiveness’, as part of our Stronger Europe, Stronger Ireland campaign.

We also analyse this European Commission’s final work programme, which sets out an intention to improve existing legislation and the processes for approving future legislation, and reduce administrative burden on business. The economic impact of Europe’s competitiveness challenges have been acknowledged by the Commission as it nears the end of this political cycle, which will be renewed following the European Parliament elections in June 2024.

To examine these themes more thoroughly, we have compiled perspectives from business and government, including views on trade policy from Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and updates from our Sectors including the Irish Whiskey Association and Aircraft Leasing Ireland. We also profile Ibec’s Climate Action Toolkit for Business and analyse the EU’s AI Act, Economic Security Strategy, and positive developments in EU-UK relations following the entry into force of the Windsor Framework.   

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