Irish Vice-President held talks with Amazon regarding Ireland's impending EU presidency
Ireland, set to preside over the European Union (EU) next year, has announced its intention to advance the competitiveness agenda, with a particular focus on addressing challenges posed by major digital platforms like Amazon.
This message from the Irish Government comes against a backdrop of uncertainty over US trade tariffs on EU goods. The country aims to use its presidency to navigate trade tensions with the US, safeguarding and enhancing market access for EU goods.
Amazon, an online retail and cloud computing giant, employs 6,500 people in Ireland and has invested some €22 billion in the country since 2004. The company has been vocal about the need for Europe to boost its competitiveness.
Tánaiste Simon Harris, the Irish Deputy Prime Minister, has confirmed that Ireland will use its presidency to "advance the competitiveness agenda." He has emphasised the country's focus on leveraging EU funds and innovation initiatives to strengthen competitiveness.
Ireland plans to support the further development of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation framework, and the Competitiveness Fund, a key instrument to boost EU-wide innovation and economic strength. The country also aims to engage in EU-level dialogues and policy shaping to respond to external trade pressures, including US tariffs on EU goods.
The Irish Government's strategy reflects the EU’s ambition to "compete without compromising" amidst industrial realignment and global fragmentation. It is expected that Ireland will work within EU institutions to seek fair trade terms and reduce barriers affecting EU exporters, including addressing the impact of US tariffs.
In the current economic climate, Ireland has worked to "control what it can control." This approach is evident in its proactive stance towards the EU presidency, with a clear focus on boosting competitiveness, addressing digital platform challenges, and navigating trade tensions with the US.
- As Ireland prepares to lead the European Union next year, Tánaiste Simon Harris has announced a focus on advancing the competitiveness agenda, specifically addressing challenges in business, technology, politics, and general-news sectors, such as those posed by major digital platforms like Amazon.
- In an attempt to safeguard and enhance market access for EU goods amidst US trade tariffs, Ireland's competitiveness strategy also includes supporting the further development of EU research and innovation frameworks like Horizon Europe, and using EU funds and innovation initiatives to boost competitiveness across various industries, including finance and general-news sectors.
