We are pleased to share an article published by the Antitrust Alliance (ATA) on the first year of operation of Ireland’s new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening regime, which came into force on 6 January 2025. The first-year results reflect a measured yet active system aimed at safeguarding national security and public order through the review of investments originating from countries outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland. During its first year of operation, 102 transactions were notified, of which only 26 required an in-depth review. No transaction was prohibited, and only two were approved subject to conditions to ensure the continuity of essential services. 📃 ⚖️
The article highlights that the sectors most affected were energy, telecommunications, information and communication technologies, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, while also pointing to a growing trend towards precautionary filings, even where notification ultimately proves unnecessary. It further emphasises that an investor’s country of origin does not remove the risk of screening, as most of the transactions reviewed involved investors from the United States and the United Kingdom. Finally, it notes that Ireland will need to amend its regime before January 2028 to align it with the new EU FDI Screening Regulation, which will establish common minimum standards, broaden the scope of investments subject to review and strengthen cooperation among Member States.
Lupicinio International Law Firm is the sole Spanish member of the Antitrust Alliance, an outstanding example of the Cluster model, bringing together a European alliance of law firms specialised in Competition Law. ATA provides seamless Competition Law services across Europe and holds a Band 1 ranking in Chambers & Partners. The Alliance combines three key strengths: technical excellence, a collaborative approach and flexible pricing.
To read the full article, please follow the link below.
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Lupicinio International Law Firm
C/ Villanueva 29
28001 Madrid
P: +34 91 436 00 90
