Ibec backs policy research through multi-year institute sponsorship

Irish business group Ibec has agreed a three-year sponsorship of the Dublin European Law Institute (DELI) at Dublin City University, placing sponsorship at the centre of research, policy influence and business competitiveness ahead of Ireland’s EU Council Presidency.

The sponsorship, commencing in February 2026, will support DELI’s research and policy work across European defence, industrial policy, economic competitiveness and prosperity. 

The timing aligns closely with Ireland’s forthcoming role at the heart of EU legislative and policy discussions, amplifying the relevance of the partnership for business and institutional stakeholders.

Professor Federico Fabbrini, full professor of EU law and founding director of the DELI, said: “The sponsorship by Ibec confirms the international standing of the DELI as an academic centre of excellence for research on EU law and policy, and cements our role as a key partner for industry and public institutions on European affairs. I am very grateful for the financial support that Ibec agreed to give us, which will empower us to strengthen our cutting-edge work at a critical time for the future of Europe and transatlantic relations.”

From Ibec’s perspective, the sponsorship is framed as a contribution to shaping Europe’s economic and industrial direction during a period of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty. 

Jackie King, executive director of Ibec Global, highlighted the opportunity created by Ireland’s EU Presidency and the broader challenges facing the Union, including energy security, skills transformation and defence capability.

“Ibec is delighted to be supporting critical research and policy work in the fields of European defence, industrial policy, economic competitiveness, and prosperity,” she said.

Professor Derek Hand, executive dean of DCU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, added: “This sponsorship ensures that the importance of European economic law and Irish business competitiveness is recognised.”

Explore the full partnership details in the original article.

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