Visitors will find here BUSINESSEUROPE's latest information and messages on the following:

• Economic Outlook: it provides a business insight into recent and projected economic developments in Europe, based on a survey of BUSINESSEUROPE's member federations, as well as policy messages for a strong and competitive EU economy.
• The European Reform Barometer: it provides a comprehensive review of structural reform across EU member states based on a survey of BUSINESSEUROPE's national nmember federations. It includes recommendations to member states and European institutions in the context of the EU strategy for growth and jobs.
• Figures, data and country sheets (as at end-April 2009)

Economic Outlook Autumn 2009 - A bumpy road to recovery

Signs of economic stabilisation have emerged during the summer but the business community remains cautious regarding the outlook for 2010 and beyond.

Second quarter GDP data and confidence indicators suggest that the recession might be drawing to a close. In particular fiscal and monetary stimuli together with relatively resilient growth in Asia have led to improved economic prospects.

However, these developments do not justify leaps of joy. We do not yet see conditions for sustained growth and predict that the road ahead for recovery will be very bumpy. The crisis will have long-lasting consequences on the level of investment, unemployment and public indebtedness. Unless appropriate policies are put in place, the EU’s growth potential will be negatively affected for a considerable period of time.

BUSINESSEUROPE Autumn 2009 Economic Outlook report (.pdf/1.4 MB) presents the challenges ahead and outlines key priorities for the recovery. Individual country evaluations can be downloaded from the table below.

The European Reform Barometer - Reforms are a vital pillar of the recovery

This Spring 2009 European Reform Barometer provides a comprehensive review of structural reforms across EU member states based on a survey of BUSINESSEUROPE’s national member federations conducted in January and February 2009. It presents a business perspective on recent reform progress and on key priorities against the backdrop of a severe economic recession and rising structural challenges.

According to our survey, a reform slowdown is already evident as the economy took a turn for the worse in the second half of 2008. Labour market has been the only policy area where our member federations reported faster progress than in our 2007 survey. Quite obviously, progress towards sustainable public finances has taken a significant hit in the light of rising deficits and growing state interventions.

Looking forward, the list of key priorities has been reassessed this year, reflecting the way forward to respond to the crisis. Better regulation, labour-market reforms focusing on adaptability and skills, sustainable social security systems and public finances are the new priorities for 2009.

Detailed recommendations to Member States and European institutions are presented in the report (.pdf/2.8 MB), and individual country evaluations can be downloaded from the table below.