Columns - Irish Examiner

John Whelan

An expert in Irish and international trade, John Whelan is a former Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, a role he held for more than a decade and previously served as an export industry adviser to the AIB Bank Group.

John Whelan: EU to simplify AI Act amid pressure from tech giants

In July, 56 EU-based AI companies signed a public letter urging the Commission to pause parts of the AI Act

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

Willie Walsh speaks to journalists in Paris

John Whelan: EU's €2bn plan to fix shortage of sustainable aviation fuel

Aer Lingus and Ryanair get on board as European Commission proposes €2bn sustainable fuel investment up to 2027 to support shipping and aviation fuel demands

Sun, 09 Nov, 2025

John Whelan: Sluggish German economy hits Irish exporters

German firms are failing at an alarming rate as the industrial powerhouse is hammered by tariffs, costs, and competition

Sun, 02 Nov, 2025

John Whelan: Will the EU's penchant for over-regulating stymie the AI miracle?

Prohibitions on certain types and uses of AI began applying in February, while rules impacting providers of so-called ‘general purpose AI models’ came into effect on August 2

Sun, 19 Oct, 2025

Beyond Meat Stays Focused On Growth Opportunity

John Whelan: Vegan meat alternatives already out of vogue before latest EU push

Last week, the EU parliament voted to limit the use of terms like ‘burgers’ and ‘sausages’ on vegan alternatives, paving the way for an EU-wide ban

Sun, 12 Oct, 2025

John Whelan: Oracle and Microsoft the real winners from ill-considered EU probe of SAP

The EC in an attempt to offer a level playing pitch, is holding back the major European player

Sun, 05 Oct, 2025

John Whelan: Why is Ireland opposing free trade deals it could benefit from?

Some EU countries are blocking the adoption of non-US free trade deals that have been negotiated, with Ireland being a particular offender

Sun, 28 Sep, 2025

John Whelan: US drug price shake-up threatens EU medicine access

Donald Trump tells 17 top pharmaceutical companies to align US prescription drug prices with lowest offered in other developed nations

Sun, 21 Sep, 2025

John Whelan: Ireland faces ripple from new US rules targeting low cost packages

There are growing fears of product 'dumping' by Chinese exporters shifting focus to Europe

Sun, 14 Sep, 2025

FILE PHOTO The EU General Court has upheld a €2.4 billion fine from 2017 against Google, for abusing its search engine dominance

John Whelan: EU tech fines put Ireland in crosshairs

US politicians visiting Dublin last month warned that US tech companies could pull back on the level of business they are doing in Europe, due to frustration at the extent of regulation

Sun, 07 Sep, 2025