Latest news
Ahead of the International Women’s Day, we launch our new paper “Priorities for Strengthening Gender Equality in Europe”, to highlight the critical role women play in boosting Europe’s workforce and propose ways to increase their participation. Unlocking their full potential is key to strengthening Europe’s economy. A shrinking population, an ageing society, and declining competitiveness are putting pressure on our economy. By 2100, the working-age population will decline by nearly 50 million. With birth rates below replacement levels, our future workforce is at risk. Currently, only 1 in 5 ICT specialists in the EU are women, and they make up just 30% of start-up entrepreneurs. Increasing their economic activity could add 17.3 million active workers to the EU labour market by 2030. We focus on 3 key areas: increasing women’s economic activity; fighting gender stereotypes; transforming education for the digital era. - Read more
Two key announcements from the European Commission on Wednesday signal progress in strengthening Europe’s business environment. The Clean Industrial Deal acknowledges the urgent need to lower energy costs, accelerate permitting, increase demand for low-carbon and circular products, and strengthen global engagement. But nine months after the European Elections, "we urgently need swifter, more impactful action to avoid these challenges becoming the new reality for businesses," our DG Markus J. Beyrer commented.
The 1st EU Omnibus is a milestone in reducing unnecessary reporting and regulatory burdens, helping companies contribute more effectively to the EU’s sustainability goals while preserving competitiveness. However, while the direction is right, delivery will be crucial. Challenges remain – for example, a harmonised approach to Due Diligence is key to avoid fragmentation. All co-legislators must be willing to play their part in addressing these issues. We will continue engaging with policymakers to turn ambition into concrete solutions.
Read our reactions: Clean Industrial Deal | Omnibus
BusinessEurope joined forces with five other EU business associations, DigitalEurope, Eurochambres, EuroCommerce, European Round Table for Industry and SMEunited, to call for a Single Market Strategy that delivers real progress focusing on removing concrete barriers for businesses – backed by clear roadmaps and timeframes. The EU and Member States need to intensify their efforts, dedicate adequate resources, and prioritise enforcement and strengthening of the Single Market. Alarmingly, 60% of the barriers in services from 20 years ago still hamper companies today. The upcoming horizontal Strategy is a unique opportunity to address persistent challenges, reaffirming the EU institutions’ commitment competitiveness and bringing Member States together in this endeavour. Discover our six recommendations for a stronger Single Market.
BusinessEurope today issued an urgent call to comprehensively reduce the growing regulatory burden on companies operating in the EU. "With over 60% of companies citing regulation as a barrier to investment", said Markus J. Beyrer, "businesses operating in Europe urgently need a bold signal that the EU is serious about cutting unnecessary red tape." We welcome the EU institutions’ renewed focus on competitiveness and the reduction of regulatory burdens, and in particular support the "Omnibus" approach to streamlining EU legislation on reporting requirements, due to be presented in February. We are optimistic that this will pave the way for a series of similar, impactful measures. However, the regulatory challenges facing EU businesses extend far beyond reporting obligations. This is why we are calling for an overall EU regulatory burden reduction target, with a dedicated programme and clear deadlines, and outline 68 concrete actions that should be taken this year.
Today, we unveil our business priorities for the next EU cycle: "Reboot Europe: Europe’s economic success – everyone’s business". This will be the focus of our event this evening in the European Parliament, which will bring together MEPs and the leadership of our member federations. "Europe’s economy is falling behind", said our President Fredrik Persson. "EU’s economic stagnation threatens our ability to achieve the vital green, digital, social and security transitions. We are calling for a reboot of European policies in this new EU cycle to address the structural weaknesses that are undermining our companies’ efforts to deliver for society. EU leaders have acknowledged that Europe’s prosperity is under threat and have committed to making competitiveness the top priority for the next five years. Now is the time for action. Today, we propose concrete actions for the EU to take during the first 100 days and beyond. These include cutting red tape, reducing energy costs, diversifying export and import markets, boosting the digital economy and fostering innovation.” Read more - Photos
Poland took over the Presidency of the EU Council at a critical moment for the European Union. In this context, the Council of Presidents of BusinessEurope gathered in Warsaw to define the business priorities for the Polish EU Presidency and adopted the Warsaw Declaration. "A strong and competitive economy is the foundation for Europe’s security", said BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson. "To continue being an anchor of peace, prosperity, and stability, Europe must act decisively to strengthen its economy and close the widening competitiveness gap towards our major competitors. We are looking forward to collaborating constructively with the Polish EU Presidency that begins alongside the new European Commission’s term, presenting a vital opportunity to reboot EU policies and drive investment and growth. - Read more in our Warsaw declaration
