Business message to the Irish EU Presidency: Europe needs decisive economic action

BusinessEurope's Council of Presidents gathered today in Dublin at the invitation of Ibec, five weeks ahead of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The meeting brought together Presidents and Directors General from across Europe for high-level discussions with Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence; Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence; and MEP Barry Andrews.

"Important efforts have been made to put competitiveness at the top of the agenda, but companies have not yet felt the effects", our President Fredrik Persson emphasised. "The six months of the Irish Presidency will be crucial in turning ambition into action."

It is urgently needed to accelerate the reduction of the regulatory burden, deepen the Single Market, and adapt the EU Emissions Trading System. To address geopolitical risks, the EU must also continue to diversify its trade partnerships and secure access to new markets.

The Council of Presidents also marked an important milestone: Maciej Witucki was unanimously elected to succeed Fredrik Persson as President of BusinessEurope, starting 1 July 2026. He has been the Chairman of the Main Council of our Polish member federation Lewiatan, and Vice-President of BusinessEurope since 2023. You can find his biography here.