Robert Cain, Partner in our Financial Regulation Group, and Niamh McGovern, Partner in our Energy and Infrastructure Group, have contributed to The Irish Times special report examining Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the legislative priorities expected to shape Europe’s competitiveness, investment environment and infrastructure development.

In the article, Rob discusses the importance of the EU’s Savings and Investments Union (SIU) for Ireland’s financial services sector, and Niamh examines the role of energy infrastructure and security in supporting economic growth and competitiveness across Europe.

Commenting on the SIU, Rob notes:

“For Ireland, with one of the largest funds industries in the EU, the SIU is extremely relevant and has a genuine interest in it moving ahead – so this is probably the central priority for the financial services industry in Ireland.”

Niamh highlights the importance of investment in energy infrastructure, commenting:

“In terms of Ireland’s specific presidency focus, the legislative priorities now on the table are important for unlocking infrastructure development. Without expanded grid capacity deployed in an economically efficient way, we will not have the enabling infrastructure we need to realise energy resilience and economic growth.”

Visit The Irish Times to read the full article [behind paywall].