ARTICLE
23 June 2025

Europe As An Investment Destination: What Does The Future Hold? (Podcast)

AO
A&O Shearman

Contributor

A&O Shearman was formed in 2024 via the merger of two historic firms, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling. With nearly 4,000 lawyers globally, we are equally fluent in English law, U.S. law and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets. This combination creates a new kind of law firm, one built to achieve unparalleled outcomes for our clients on their most complex, multijurisdictional matters – everywhere in the world. A firm that advises at the forefront of the forces changing the current of global business and that is unrivalled in its global strength. Our clients benefit from the collective experience of teams who work with many of the world’s most influential companies and institutions, and have a history of precedent-setting innovations. Together our lawyers advise more than a third of NYSE-listed businesses, a fifth of the NASDAQ and a notable proportion of the London Stock Exchange, the Euronext, Euronext Paris and the Tokyo and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges.
In response to international developments, the EU has launched a variety of measures to improve its...
United States Finance and Banking
In response to international developments, the EU has launched a variety of measures to improve its competitiveness and boost business investment.

In our latest Global Insights podcast—hosted by former Financial Times EU correspondent, Javier Espinoza—our partners explore how the European Commission is adapting its policy agenda to global events and how multinational organizations are responding to its efforts to simplify its regulatory structures.

They also explain the latest updates on merger control, state aid, FDI screening and antitrust, analyze moves to foster a pan-European capital market to support EU industrial policy, and share their insights on the evolution of data and AI regulation.

Key takeaways from this podcast:

1. Europe remains an attractive investment destination.

Despite geopolitical tensions, Europe's large market, political stability, and adherence to the rule of law continue to draw investors.

2. Regulatory focus is shifting toward competitiveness and resilience.

The EU is simplifying and reforming its regulatory structures to promote business competitiveness.

3. Investment scrutiny is more complex, with Investors now facing multiple regimes Merger control, FDI screening, and the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (where relevant) make deal processes more complex.

4. The Commission is prioritizing investment in a number of strategic sectors.

Energy, defense, and technology are in focus, with simplified state aid and regulatory support to boost growth. It's possible defence mergers could face looser merger control rules as the EU looks to build its capabilities.

5. Capital markets union needs more than regulation.

Building a true pan-European capital market requires not just harmonized rules, but also cultural change, financial literacy, and national policy alignment.

You can listen to the full podcast or download the transcript below.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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