BUSINESSEUROPE issues a number of studies, surveys, position paper collections etc. professionally printed for wide distribution of which the text is made generally available for print-out on this web-page. Reproduction of the text and data is allowed, except for commercial purposes, provided that BUSINESSEUROPE is credited as the source, and that its website is given as a reference (http://www.businesseurope.eu).

Framework agreement on inclusive labour markets

On 25 March 2010, the European social partners presented their framework agreement on inclusive labour markets (.pdf/2.7 MB) at the Tripartite Social Summit. This framework agreement is an autonomous initiative of European social partners that has been negotiated as part of their work programmes for 2006-2008 and for 2009-2010. The framework agreement recognises that achieving inclusive labour markets is a key concern involving the shared responsibilities of employers, individuals, workers and their representatives. It aims to facilitate access, return, retention and development in the labour market and provides some examples of concrete measures that social partners can take in this respect. National social partners have three years to implement the agreement.

Combining fiscal sustainability and growth: a European action plan

Fiscal sustainability is a concern for all member states and requires huge national consolidation efforts. In its report, presented on 15 March 2010 (.pdf/832 kB), BUSINESSEUROPE's high-level task force proposes a comprehensive agenda combining an exit strategy to cap public indebtedness with an entry strategy to support investment in future growth areas. Exit strategy: tighter fiscal rules, greater efficiency of public administrations, credible cost-cutting measures, reforms of pension and health care systems, and a greater role for the private sector in the supply of public services and infrastructure. Entry strategy: higher return on education and training, more and better targeted efforts in R&D and innovation, better prioritisation of infrastructure investments, and growth-enhancing tax reforms. Fiscal sustainability is also tightly connected with the health of the financial sector and the availability of credit for the recovery. Better access to finance must remain a priority in EU's growth agenda.

European Reform Barometer Spring 2010 - Benchmarking our way out of the crisis

Presented on 15 March 2010, ahead of the Eurogroup and ECOFIN Council and in preparation of the Spring European Summit, BUSINESSEUROPE's European Reform Barometer evaluates the EU's performance and individual country position on key structural indicators in 2009, and their relative evolution since 2008. Among larger EU economies, Sweden, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands are combining above-average scores on a number of fronts with a certain degree of resilience to the crisis. However, room for improvement is identified in each and every Member State. The report highlights main growth bottlenecks and presents key recommendations for an improved system of economic governance in the EU. The full report is available here (.pdf/2.6 MB, 15 March 2010). Detailed results can also be found in the table here.

Go for growth - An agenda for the European Union in 2010-2014

On 4 February 2009, BUSINESSEUROPE President Jürgen R. Thumann and Director General Philippe de Buck presented 'Go for Growth', BUSINESSEUROPE’s agenda for the EU in 2010-2014. Together with the (Vice-) Presidents from BUSINESSEUROPE’s Swedish, Slovenian, Polish and Italian member federations, Mrs Arnegård-Hansen, Mr Meh, Mrs Bochniarz and Mr Moltrasio, they outlined that BUSINESSEUROPE's agenda 2010-2014 is the recipe for doubling growth in Europe. Go for growth should be more than just a slogan. It should inspire every political decision. Meeting Presidents Van Rompuy, Barroso and Buzek to present them its agenda ahead of the EU Council on 11 February 2010, BUSINESSEUROPE counts on the EU institutions to implement this agenda for sustainable growth. Companies for their part bring their contribution to achieve a dynamic and innovative resource-efficient economy. Download the brochure here (.pdf/2.5 MB kB, 4 February 2010).

Better regulation

In this brochure BUSINESSEUROPE calls on the Member States, European Commission, and European Parliament to show the necessary leadership to keep efforts to improve legislation at the top of the political agenda and ensure that consideration of the relevance, efficiency, proportionality and cost-effectiveness of new legislation is a guiding principle in their work. It spells out BUSINESSEUROPE’s expectations on the following objectives: Improving the quality of new legislative initiatives; Improving consultation and implementation; Improving existing legislation. Download the brochure here (.pdf/835 kB, 12 November 2009).

Innovation - Building a successful future for Europe

BUSINESSEUROPE published a brochure 'Innovation: Building a successful future for Europe' on 12 October 2009. As a contribution to the future European Innovation Plan, this document lays the basis for a reinvigorated EU innovation strategy, based upon five top priorities: Increase public and private investments in R&D and innovation; Enhance the efficiency of public support policies; Nurture future talent, by adapting education and training systems in response to new competence requirements; Stimulate demand and markets for innovation, following the promising EU initiatives launched in the field of eco-innovation; Integrate better the EU policies influencing innovation. Defining selected societal objectives can foster this integration. Download the brochure here (.pdf/1.73 MB, 12 October 2009).

Unite and innovate! European clusters for recovery

Clusters are a market-driven phenomenon and companies are its main driving force. Greater consistency of EU initiatives and stronger cross-border links between clusters have been repeatedly mentioned as necessary conditions to achieve the necessary critical mass to compete internationally. The report was presented during a debate organised by BUSINESSEUROPE on 7 October 2009 during the Open Days, the European week of regions and cities. The debate emphasised that an ambitious European cluster strategy will support the recovery and provide stimulus for growth and innovation in the years ahead. Download the brochure here (.pdf/1.14 MB, 7 October 2009).

Unfolding Europe's future

On 28 April 2009, BUSINESSEUROPE published a document summing up what companies expect from the European Parliament in 2009-2014, urging MEPs to put companies and competitiveness at the heart of their campaigns and actions. In this manifesto, European entrepreneurs highlight the importance of dialogue between the European Parliament and the business community, and ask the new Parliament to focus on restoring the conditions for sustainable growth and employment in building on the European Union's value and achievements. Joining in the European Parliament's "It's your choice" campaign, BUSINESSEUROPE encouraged entrepreneurs to go and vote on 4-7 June 2009. Download here the full brochure (.pdf/2.8 MB).

Companies' access to finance: a European action plan

Unless additional actions are taken to improve access to finance for companies, a further escalation in the crisis could be expected in coming months as rising default risk and financial sector losses lead to a new round of financing restrictions. The report, published on 27 March 2009, proposes recommendations which are far-reaching but practical and conducive to a rapid return of self-sustaining activities by commercial banks and capital markets: Central banks, including the European Central Bank, to engage in the outright purchase of short-term debt instruments issued by corporations; Governments and the European Investment Bank to increase the scope of risk-sharing guarantees offered to ease financing restrictions; Governments to reduce payment delays, cut administrative burdens and implement targeted fiscal measures; Governments, the European Commission, central banks and regulators to take initiatives to revive securitisation and credit derivative markets; European Commission and governments to strengthen a common approach to support commercial banks in distress, maintaining a level playing-field and allowing the necessary restructuring of the banking sector to operate under market conditions. Download here the full report (.pdf/2.0 MB).

Implementation of the European autonomous framework agreement on work-related stress

On 15 December, in the presence of Commissioner Spidla, BUSINESSEUROPE, ETUC, CEEP and UEAPME presented a joint report on implementation of the Autonomous Framework Agreement on work-related stress. The agreement was negotiated in 2004 and places responsibilities on employers and workers to identify, prevent and manage problems of work-related stress. The report highlights the successful implementation by social partners at national level. The full text of the report is available here (.pdf/838 kB).

Ready, Steady, Service!

On 24 November 2008, a year before the national transposition deadline, BUSINESSEUROPE held the event "Ready, Steady, Service!" that provided a snapshot of the state of play on the transposition of the services directive - adopted in December 2006 - into national law. BUSINESSEUROPE presented a comparative report on national transposition based on information provided by its member federations. Speakers and participants had the opportunity to express their views and expectations. Participants agreed on some key recommendations for a high-quality transposition of the directive by 28 December 2009. The report can be downloaded here (.pdf/1.74 MB).

Going Global - The Way Forward

Openness to the international economy is at the heart of Europe's prosperity. International trade accounts for 15% of EU GDP and Europe is the world's largest exporter. However this strong position should not lead us to complacency. The EU must continue to focus on the competitiveness of its goods and services - Europe's future growth depends on remaining fully engaged with the world economy. The EU's answer to this challenge has been the Lisbon strategy, whose external dimension was fleshed out in the Global Europe strategy of 2006. Just how well are these strategies working for Europe? BUSINESSEUROPE outlines its views in a brochure, which highlights the main findings and recommendations of a larger study. Both were presented on 28 October 2008 during a major, successful conference which attracted more than 500 participants. Download here the brochure (.pdf/1.9 MB, 28 October 2008) or the full study "Securing the EU's export competitiveness" (.pdf/3.7 MB, 28 October 2008).

Combating climate change - Four key principles for a successful international agreement

European companies actively support the EU climate change objectives. But unilateral action will not solve the problem. A pragmatic global approach is needed which ensures that emission reductions in one place do not simply lead to emission increases somewhere else in the world. In view of the international climate change conferences in Poznan and Copenhagen, BUSINESSEUROPE is proposing four key principles that should guide negotiations towards a successful international agreement on combating climate change: 1. Mobilise all major economies to reduce emissions as soon as possible 2. Establish a level playing field for industry throughout the world 3. Strengthen global market mechanisms to reduce emissions, linking developed and developing regions 4. Ensure all cost-efficient climate technologies are deployed and developed The full brochure is available here (.pdf/2 MB, 14 October 2008).

Public-private partnerships - Adding value to Europe's public services

BUSINESSEUROPE's brochure called "Public-private partnerships: Adding value to Europe’s public services" aims to raise awareness of the benefits that PPPs can bring to the economy and society. This brochure was presented by President Seilličre on 8 October during BUSINESSEUROPE’s high-level event "Regions and companies: a question of partnership" in the framework of the Open Days. As illustrated in the brochure, public-private partnerships (PPP) can, if managed correctly, improve the quality of services, provide greater choice for citizens, allow for faster delivery and improve control of public spending. In this context, BUSINESSEUROPE calls on the EU and public authorities in Europe to remove barriers that restrict partnership between the public and private sectors and calls for the wider promotion and use of PPPs as a key way to improve public service innovation. The full brochure is available here (.pdf/1 MB, 8 October 2008).

The euro ten years on

To celebrate an important milestone for European integration - the tenth anniversary of the European Central Bank, created on 1 June 1998 which was then followed by the introduction of the European single currency on 1 January 1999 - President Ernest-Antoine Seillière sent a letter to ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet and members of the ECB Governing Board. This letter explains the benefits of the single currency and outlines challenges ahead. The full letter is available here (.pdf/214 kB, 28 May 2008).

Unleashing our economic potential - A primer on the Transatlantic Economic Council

BUSINESSEUROPE and the US Chamber of Commerce on 30 April 2008 presented a brochure outlining the vital importance of bringing the EU and US regulatory systems ever closer for future competitiveness of our companies. The document has been used extensively to press for future integration of our economies. The full brochure is available here (.pdf/131 kB, 30 April 2008).

Payments in Europe: a new step!

Since January 2008, Europe has been setting up the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The system will make it possible for payments to be made in the same way accross Europe: Paris, Frankfurt, Athens... same process and same conditions. SEPA will not be established overnight: it is a construction process in which businesses are invited to take part. "Payments in Europe: a new step!" has been put together by MEDEF, the French business federation. The full brochure is available here (.pdf/207 kB, 18 April 2008).

Successful companies for a successful Europe - BUSINESSEUROPE vision

At the 6th European Business Summit on 21 February 2008, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and BUSINESSEUROPE President Ernest-Antoine Seillière shared views on the way forward for Europe. Mr Seilliére called on the Commission to put a renewed emphasis on fostering growth, job creation and competitiveness. He recalled BUSINESSEUROPE’s six policy priorities which will ensure that Europe stays on the winning track: among them implementing the reforms for growth and jobs, completing the internal market and reconciling energy-efficiency and emission objectives with competitiveness and economic growth. Download here the full text of the brochure (.pdf/3.2 MB, 21 February 2008). A Spanish version is also available (.pdf/86 kB).

Energy efficiency: Reconciling economic growth and climate protection

At a press conference on 26 November 2007, President Seillière presented BUSINESSEUROPE's latest publication, which shows the enormous untapped potential of energy efficiency. Fostering efficient solutions to reduce energy and CO2 emissions necessitates keeping the industrial base in Europe, which is where efficient technologies are invented and developed. This implies avoiding competitive disadvantages imposed by the EU Emission Trading Scheme and by policies to increase the share of renewable energy in the EU. The brochure is available here (.pdf/1.4 MB, 26 November 2007).

SME Action Day - Thinking big!

European SMEs want to grow and think big! According to a survey conducted by KPMG for the SME Action Day on 21 November 2007, one out of two SMEs sets ambitious targets for growth. If they reach their goals, this could result in the creation of an additional 2.5 million jobs. At the same time, SMEs still face numerous obstacles to growth and internationalisation. The brochure is available here (.pdf/1.4 MB, 21 November 2007).

Key challenges facing European labour markets: a joint analysis of European social partners

On 7 November 2007, the secretaries general of BUSINESSEUROPE, UEAPME, CEEP and ETUC presented their joint analysis of the key challenges facing European labour markets. Negotiated over twelve months, the text describes current trends on European labour markets, identifies key challenges and issues recommendations to policy-makers and social partners on how to address these. The successful conclusion of this negotiation is a major achievement for the European social dialogue work programme 2006-2008 and constitutes the main contribution of the European social partners to the debate on flexicurity, which is expected to result in adoption of a common set of principles by the European Council in December 2007. The full brochure is available here (.pdf/2118 kB, October 2007).

Enforcement in the Internal Market: Challenges and proposals for improvement

Better enforcement of European legislation is decisive to reinvigorate the Internal Market project. However it is not given enough consideration by the EU and Member States, and improvements have to be made in that area. BUSINESSEUROPE makes proposals to give the Internal Market a fresh impetus to deliver more benefits for citizens and companies, and to adapt to the fast-moving environment. The full brochure is available here (.pdf/2293 kB, 20 June 2007).

Fit with the euro - Challenges to improve the economic performance of European Monetary Union

The business community is adamant about monetary union and measures its successes. Companies operating in the euro area enjoy a market of 318 million people immune from exchange rate risks, profit from a credible central bank delivering price stability and favourable financing conditions across this wide market, and do business with a currency that is extensively used by international financial markets and in transactions with the rest of world. However, there are still important obstacles to fully exploiting the benefits of the euro, and these are reflected in a modest growth potential of the euro area economy and in growing competitiveness imbalances across countries. The report presents key policy recommendations to improve adjustment dynamics in monetary union in the field of fiscal, wage, competition, innovation and internal market policies, and sets out the responsibility of various policy makers. The full brochure is available here (.pdf/751 kB, 30 May 2007).

Framework agreement on harassment and violence at work

On 26 April 2007, in the presence of Commissioner Spidla, the secretaries general of ETUC, BUSINESSEUROPE, UEAPME and CEEP officially signed an autonomous framework agreement to fight against harassment and violence at work. Negotiated during ten months, the text commits the members of the signatory parties to combat all unacceptable behaviour that can lead to harassment and violence at the workplace. The full text of the agreement is available here (.pdf/4,9 MB, 26 April 2007).

Declaration on the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome

On 23 January 2007, on the occasion of the launch of its new name, BUSINESSEUROPE made public its declaration on the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, as approved by its Council of Presidents in Helsinki on 1 December 2006. Business has always believed in the European project and supports it because of the benefits it brings to society as a whole. BUSINESSEUROPE supports a strong European Union capable of actions and able to deliver on reforms. But clearer objectives must be set, stronger focus on priorities must be ensured, and political will and support for these reforms must be more strongly shown. By doing this and progressing on the above actions, we can make a success of a reinvigorated Europe. Download the publication here (.pdf/347 kB, 23 January 2007)