Chambers Ireland Calls for Action at EU Competitiveness Council Meeting

Dublin, 11 March 2025 – Geopolitical uncertainty and trade tensions mean European Competitiveness reforms are no longer choices but necessities. European policymakers and political leaders have in recent years become more aware of the limitations in the European Union’s economic model and the need to increase competitiveness. Key challenges which have been identified are the innovation gap with other regions in the global economy, and the need to enhance economic security by reducing dependencies in strategically critical areas. In the current turbulent climate, the European Union must solve these problems faster and more comprehensively than had been anticipated.

Chambers Ireland urges EU Competitiveness Ministers to address critical issues impacting businesses at the upcoming Competitiveness Council meeting on 12 March 2025. Representing around 10,000 businesses, Chambers Ireland highlights four key points for ministers to agree on, with a focus on enhancing competitiveness and supporting Irish and EU businesses:

  1. Economic Challenges and Single Market Potential: With deindustrialisation and stagnating growth it is crucial to capitalize on the single market potential and remove barriers to safeguard long-term competitiveness. Simplification and decarbonisation are key objectives that require the full commitment of all 27 member states.
  2. Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal: To reignite sustainable growth, Europe must act decisively on simplification, scale, security and skills. Access to affordable clean energy and raw materials, as well as addressing skills shortages, are critical for competitiveness. The success of these initiatives depends on swift, business-friendly implementation.
  3. Single Market Strategy: The upcoming strategy must focus on better harmonization, standardization, and interoperability of rules, eliminating obstacles to cross-border trade and finance. A comprehensive and ambitious strategy with clear roadmaps and timeframes is essential for business growth and scaling up.
  4. Omnibus Simplification Packages: Sustainability policies should encourage businesses to transition to sustainable practices. The current ESG framework is burdensome, and poorly designed legislation negatively impacts core business activities. The Council must address inconsistencies and align with the Commission’s objectives to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses.                   

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland and Director of Eurochambres, stated, “In such a turbulent climate, we must focus on what is within our control and with a heightened sense of urgency. Specifically within Ireland, our continued economic success allows us some breathing space, but we must urgently capitalise on the single market potential and remove remaining barriers to safeguard our long-term competitiveness. Chambers Ireland calls on EU Competitiveness Ministers to take decisive action on these points to ensure a competitive and sustainable future for businesses across Europe. We welcome the commitment to the Savings & Investment Union but commitment to the Capital Markets and Banking Unions are also essential to improve the availability of finance and foster growth.”

Contact: Ronan Ward, Chambers Ireland [publicaffairs@chambers.ie] +353 (1) 400 4300

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