“Competitiveness must guide EU Presidency”: Eurochambres and Chambers Ireland meet Taoiseach to discuss EU Presidency priorities
16 June 2026
A delegation led by Eurochambres President Vladimír Dlouhý and the Association’s Irish member Chambers Ireland met on Monday (15 June) with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to outline shared priorities for Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency.
Speaking following the meeting, Mr Dlouhý emphasised the importance of collective focus:
“We were encouraged by the Taoiseach’s familiarity with and understanding of our concerns.
Europe is at a pivotal moment and the Draghi and Letta reports have set out clearly the scale of the challenge facing our economy.
Competitiveness must be our guiding priority if the European Union is to remain an attractive place to invest, innovate and do business. In practical terms, it will have to be supported by strong industrial capacity and reform of public procurement rules, along with a fully functioning Single Market and a regulatory environment that enables companies to grow.”
Mr Dlouhý also pointed to trade and enlargement as strategic priorities:
“Working with likeminded partners on trade and focussing on the accession of EU-aspirant countries will enhance our supply chains and secure access to critical raw materials. Collectively, these actions will reinforce the EU’s global position. We encourage the Presidency to support the Commission in advancing new trade deals including with the ASEAN, and ratifying concluded deals such as those with Indonesia, India, Mercosur, Australia, or Mexico.”
On regulatory reform, Mr Dlouhý added:
“Better regulation must also move from commitment to delivery. Businesses continue to face a cumulative burden from overlapping rules. The ‘Terrible Ten’ legislative proposals identified by the European Commission illustrate where simplification is most urgently required.
A consistent and meaningful application of the SME Test will be essential to ensure that policy supports, rather than constrains, Europe’s smaller businesses.”
He noted sustainability as a core priority:
“The Presidency must also balance green and competitiveness goals, fast-track permitting reform and ensure the Industrial Accelerator Act remains SME-friendly. ETS reform should extend the free allowance period and channel revenues back into industry to catalyse green investment, while an effective Circular Economy Act demands the creation of a truly integrated single market for waste and secondary raw materials.”
Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot echoed the focus on competitiveness:
“The presidency is a moment that calls for the practical, consensus-building leadership that Ireland has historically brought to the European project. This means working with Member States and ensuring that national interests align with and contribute to progress on key legislative files.
In particular, progress on the next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034 will be a key test. Ensuring that it supports investment in infrastructure, skills, and the green and digital transitions will provide businesses with the certainty they need to plan and grow.”
-ENDS-
For more information contact publicaffairs@chambers.ie
About Eurochambres
Eurochambres – the association of European chambers of commerce and industry – represents over 20 million businesses via its network of national chambers across Europe. Eurochambres is the leading voice for the broad business community at EU level, building on chambers’ strong connections with the grass roots economy and their hands-on support to entrepreneurs. Chambers’ member businesses – of which around 93% are SMEs – collectively employ over 120 million people.
About Chambers Ireland
Chambers Ireland are members of Eurochambres. Chambers Ireland is an all-island business organisation with a unique geographical reach. Our members are the Chambers of Commerce in the cities and towns throughout the country – active in every constituency. Each of our member Chambers is central to their local business community and all seek to promote thriving local economies that can support sustainable cities and communities.