Ireland

Europe’s 32 Million Micro-Enterprises Are Getting More Productive: Trends, AI Adoption Gaps, and Growth Barriers

by
Bar chart showing SME performance scores by EU member state in 2025. Ireland scores highest and Bulgaria lowest. Yellow Bar chart titled "Figure 38. SME performance inside the Single Market by Member State based on the SME 2025 Scoreboard." Shows 2025 performance scores (scale 0 to 1) for EU Member States and the EU27 average, alongside yellow dash markers indicating 2024 scores. Lithuania leads at 0.71, while Bulgaria ranks lowest at 0.26, with the EU27 average at 0.49.

The European Commission’s report reveals that micro-enterprises, constituting 94.5% of EU SMEs, show remarkable productivity growth, projected at 13.5% by 2026, surpassing larger firms. However, significant barriers such as regulatory burdens restrict their growth potential. Policymakers must enhance AI and digital adoption while reducing compliance costs to support these businesses.

A Decade of Neglect: Ireland’s Urgent Need to Improve Disability Transportation Access

by

Facing a decade-long delay in providing transport supports for people with disabilities, Ireland’s Ombudsman calls for immediate action. Despite numerous governmental commitments, progress remains negligible, leaving the nation’s disability transport in crisis

Fermented foods and fibre may lower stress levels – new study

by

When it comes to dealing with stress, we’re often told the best things we can do are exercise, make time for our favourite activities or try meditation or mindfulness.

But the kinds of foods we eat may also be an effective way of dealing with stress, according to research published by me and other members of APC Microbiome Ireland. Our latest study has shown that eating more fermented foods and fibre daily for just four weeks had a significant effect on lowering perceived stress levels.