How U.S. policy uncertainty is driving companies to Europe

Group 1: Strategic Shifts in Expansion - American companies are increasingly looking overseas for growth opportunities due to frequent policy changes in the U.S. [1] - Ireland experienced a 37% year-over-year increase in foreign investment approvals, totaling 179 in the first half of 2025 [1]. Group 2: Regulatory Predictability - Executives are prioritizing regulatory predictability when planning international expansion, focusing on multi-year AI hiring plans, consistent research funding, and renewable energy programs [2]. - Long-term regulatory stability is becoming a critical factor in location decisions for companies [2]. Group 3: AI Talent Competition - The AI boom has intensified competition for specialized engineers in Silicon Valley, with tech giants offering substantial compensation packages [3]. - A new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants is prompting international talent to reconsider relocation to the U.S., making offers tied to international offices more appealing [3]. Group 4: Global Diversification of AI Operations - Major companies are diversifying their AI operations globally, with Microsoft committing $30 billion to UK operations and Google investing €5 billion in Belgium's AI and cloud infrastructure [4]. - In the last six months, companies like Workday, IBM, Equifax, OpenAI, and Anthropic have expanded or established AI operations in various European cities [4]. Group 5: Acquisitions for Talent - Companies are acquiring European AI talent through strategic deals, such as Workday's $1.1 billion acquisition of Swedish firm Sana and NiCE's $955 million acquisition of German startup Cognigy [5]. - These acquisitions provide access to deeper engineering talent and immigration systems with clearer pathways [5]. Group 6: Impact of Domestic Policy on Renewable Energy - Domestic policy decisions are significantly impacting funding in renewable energy, with over $22 billion in clean energy projects canceled or delayed in the first half of 2025, resulting in the loss of 16,500 jobs [6]. - Major cancellations included battery storage and electric vehicle factories, and the Department of Energy terminated nearly $8 billion in funding for over 200 projects [6].