Economic governance
07/07/2010
In view of the 12 July meeting of the task force on economic governance, BUSINESSEUROPE has sent a letter to Presidents Van Rompuy and Barroso. The letters address specifically the issue of the performance scoreboard, reiterating BUSINESSEUROPE's support for the appropriate measurement of competitiveness and fiscal sustainability, and stressing the need to make an effective use of such a tool.

Presidents' debate at the European Business Summit
30/06/2010
President Jürgen R. Thumann participated in the Presidents’ debate at the European Business Summit together with Herman Van Rompuy, José Manuel Barroso and Thomas Leysen, President of the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium. In front of a packed room, President Thumann recalled BUSINESSEUROPE 's agenda 2010-2014 'Go for Growth' and insisted that getting the financial crisis under control is priority number one. He emphasised the role of education and innovation to make Europe competitive. European entrepreneurs are confident that there is a recovery and are prepared to work for that.

General Electric - BUSINESSEUROPE dinner
28/06/2010
Jeff Immelt, CEO and Chairman of General Electric, and Jürgen R. Thumann, President of BUSINESSEUROPE, hosted a dinner in Brussels. The event was honored by the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Philippe of Belgium. The high-level attendance included a selected group of Belgian and international business representatives covering key manufacturing and services sectors. In their welcome addresses, both Jeff Immelt and Jürgen R. Thumann focused on the state of the economy, trade issues and climate change. The dinner was part of Jeff Immelt’s programme in his current visit to Europe.

Financial reforms and the recovery
25/06/2010
BUSINESSEUROPE together with the European Banking Federation (EBF),the European Federation for Retirement Provision (EFRP), the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (EVCA) and the Federation of European Accountants (FEE) set out their ideas for effective financial reform to reinforce financial stability and achieve sustainable economic growth. The paper – with a joint letter - was sent to Presidents van Rompuy, Barroso and Buzek in view of the G20 meeting in Toronto.

Countdown for European Business Summit 2010
22/06/2010
One week ahead of the European Business Summit, Philippe de Buck, Director General of BUSINESSEUROPE and Rudi Thomaes, CEO of the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB-VBO) presented the event to the press. In their speeches, they referred to the competitiveness of Europe and how to put Europe on the track to recovery. At the presentation, Vincent Van Quickenborne, Minister for Economy and Reform, addressed the economic and social environment in Belgium. The European Business Summit will take place on 30 June-1 July.

Recovery consolidating despite uncertainty
14/06/2010
At a press conference, BUSINESSEUROPE presented its Economic Outlook: the recovery in the EU is consolidating, and BUSINESSEUROPE predicts real GDP growth in the EU to reach 1.1% this year and 1.6% in 2011. Unemployment is expected to stabilise at just below 10%, and job creation to resume at the end of 2011. However, the ripple effect of the sovereign debt crisis is an important source of uncertainty at present, which has significantly changed the broader economic environment. BUSINESSEUROPE also presented a report on governance of the euro area with concrete recommendations.

Lasting growth will only be achieved with greater stability
11/06/2010
The Presidents of BUSINESSEUROPE, meeting at their Council of Presidents in Madrid, agreed a declaration. The declaration, supported by the leaders of BUSINESSEUROPE’s 40 members in 34 countries looks at the economic recovery, growth strategy, global competitiveness, fiscal discipline and euro governance. The Madrid Declaration urges the leaders of EU countries meeting in Brussels next week to set the right course of action and instil a sense of urgency to reinforce European integration.

Europe at a crossroads: reform or decline
10/06/2010
President Jürgen R. Thumann spoke in Madrid at a luncheon debate organised by the Nueva Economía Fórum and Wall Street Journal, in presence of Gerardo Díaz Ferrán, President of the Spanish Employers Confederation CEOE. Europe should go for growth. The situation is serious, but not desperate. Combining fiscal discipline and growth remains a big challenge, but major stumbling blocks on the path to a sustained economic recovery must be addressed. Answer to Europe’s crossroads position is clear: reform. The path of reforms is hard and bumpy, but it is the only way leading to the growth we need so much.

EP urged to put raw materials high on the agenda
09/06/2010
BUSINESSEUROPE and MEP Michael Theurer organised a breakfast meeting in the EP to discuss the importance of undistorted access to raw materials for European industry. Director General Philippe de Buck underlined that this is one of the five challenges identified by BUSINESSEUROPE in its agenda for the EU 2010-2014. MEP Theurer urged the EU to put in place an effective raw materials diplomacy, which requires better coordination across the Commission’s external services.

European employers: Europe 2020 strategy lacks sense of urgency
04/06/2010
European social partners met EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Commissioner László Andor to discuss the economic and public debt crisis. They also presented them their joint statement on the Europe 2020 strategy. The joint statement reinforces the social dialogue at both the European and national level, and puts the emphasis on an ambitious growth strategy as a key way to foster recovery. European employers feel that a sense of urgency is missing from the Europe 2020 strategy. Europe is lagging behind in the global economic recovery. The Europe 2020 strategy must put Europe on a sustained growth path, ensure a rapid return to more and better jobs while securing fiscal sustainability.

Integrated guidelines for the Europe 2020 strategy and reforms at Member-State level
02/06/2010
The guidelines address the main priorities and fundamental economic issues necessary to put Europe back on track for sustainable growth and job creation. BUSINESSEUROPE welcomes the reduced number of guidelines chosen in order to focus Member States' efforts on delivering balanced reforms in line with the flexicurity approach. Europe can double its growth potential if it fosters innovation, develops entrepreneurship, improves education, defends open markets and puts in place an integrated industrial policy. Presenting suggestions for improving the recommendations made in the guidelines, we urge Member States to adopt ambitious national targets to back the commitments made and transform the Commission proposals for integrated guidelines into a real action plan.

Further unilateral emission targets are not the way forward
26/05/2010
Responding to the Commission’s communication inviting stakeholders to debate on the impacts of the move to 30% EU greenhouse gas emissions cuts, BUSINESSEUROPE calls for a new EU approach to tackling the low-carbon challenge by fully integrating EU policies for climate, energy and industry. Within a comprehensive policy framework, European companies can at the same time become more competitive and reduce emissions globally. BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Philippe de Buck said: 'We do need to bring the low-carbon agenda forward. Rather than focusing the discussion on new emission reduction targets the Commission should work on encouraging the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies.'

Securing Europe's economic future
26/05/2010
BUSINESSEUROPE's Director General Philippe de Buck participated in the Brussels Economic Forum to debate strategies to ensure Europe’s economic future in a post-crisis world. He said that immediate actions taken by European leaders, while welcome, are not sufficient.

Member States must now focus on key structural reforms that aim both at fiscal sustainability and growth. The value of investing in education, training, research and innovation was clearly stressed. Finally Mr de Buck insisted on the urgent need to restore confidence in the euro and the fundamental importance of improving business framework conditions for competitive companies to thrive in Europe.

Letter to the Competitiveness Council ahead of meeting on 25-26 May 2010
20/05/2010
The importance of competitiveness cannot be overemphasised in the current economic circumstances. The unprecedented stabilisation programme agreed on 9 and 10 May demonstrated a strong commitment to the single currency and to safeguarding financial stability at a critical moment. But beyond the short term, only decisive structural reforms at national and EU level will be able to respond to the need to combine significantly higher growth with a swift return to fiscal sustainability. The issues on the agenda of the Competitiveness Council on 25-26 May 2010: research and innovation, consumer rights, the services directive and intellectual property protection are all critical elements to improve growth and employment in Europe.

OEB 50th anniversary
19/05/2010
Philippe de Buck travelled to Nicosia on the occasion of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation's 50th anniversary. At the invitation of OEB’s President Andreas Pittas and Director General Michael Pilikos, he delivered a speech at the gala dinner in which he recalled OEB achievements, in particular its pioneer role in support of Cyprus’ EU accession, and called for a renewed support of the business community to the European project in these challenging times. He participated in OEB’s General Assembly in presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, during which Philios Zachariades was appointed as new President of the organisation.

President Thumann in round table with Climate Commissioner Hedegaard and business leaders
17/05/2010
At the round table of top business executives chaired by Commissioner Hedegaard on the issue of deeper cuts to Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, BUSINESSEUROPE President Thumann encouraged the Commission to work towards a comprehensive low-carbon vision for Europe by integrating fully EU policies for climate, energy and industry. The Commission should concentrate on creating a long-term framework for a sustainable, secure and cost-efficient energy future in Europe. Five key elements for creating such a future: Europe’s need to grow, the need for a strong and diversified industrial base, energy efficiency, investment in the European energy system, and improving conditions for R&D.

Mario Monti has put his finger on what must be changed
10/05/2010
We are pleased that Mario Monti has presented his report on the relaunch of the Single Market to the President of the European Commission and to the European Parliament. The strategy that Mario Monti proposes paves the way for a relaunch of the Single Market, one of the priorities that BUSINESSEUROPE called for in its 'Go for Growth' strategy. The Single Market is the cornerstone of European integration, said Philippe de Buck. Mario Monti has put the finger on what must be changed to revitalise it. We now call for the necessary political support.

Unprecedented anti-crisis measures demonstrate strong support for the euro
10/05/2010
The three euro-area institutions have been at their best this weekend. Faced by imminent risk of instability, the European Council, the European Commission and the ECB have taken bold actions to restore confidence in the euro and appease tensions on capital markets. These measures were needed and are strongly supported by the European business community.

Euro-area summit: responsibility and direction needed
07/05/2010
Ahead of the euro-area summit in Brussels, President Thumann and Director General Philippe de Buck sent a letter to Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso. The business community is concerned that a nascent recovery is put at risk by renewed financial instability and contagion effects from the sovereign debt crisis in Greece. We urge Heads of State and Government to work on a new governance structure and crisis resolution framework for the euro area.

President Thumann in Washington DC
04/05/2010
Jürgen R. Thumann travelled to Washington DC on 3 and 4 May to underline European companies continuing prioritisation of the transatlantic relationship. Mr Thumann met senior US officials and made a strong plea for action to move forward the Doha Round, and EU-US cooperation on financial regulation, energy/climate and secure trade. He also discussed strategic cooperation between the EU and US business community. A reception was held in his honour at the European Union Delegation to the United States.

G8-G20 leaders urged to commit to stronger cooperation
29/04/2010
On the occasion of the G8 – G20 Ottawa Business Summit President Jürgen R. Thumann urges leaders to commit to stronger cooperation to go for growth. BUSINESSEUROPE also says the G8 – G20 countries should do more to advance a global climate change agreement and called for a new drive by business leaders to get the WTO Doha Round moving again.

For an ambitious EU-Canada free-trade agreement
28/04/2010
President Jürgen R. Thumann met Canadian Trade Minister Peter Van Loan and business leaders in Ottawa to advance the EU-Canada free-trade negotiations. He said: 'The EU-Canada free-trade agreement must set a new benchmark for bilateral economic integration by securing real access for goods and procurement, facilitating investment in technology, boosting cooperation on energy and raw materials and strengthening intellectual property rights.' The meeting took place in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and in conjunction with BUSINESSEUROPE members Confindustria and BDI.

AIFM directive
27/04/2010
Philippe de Buck sent a letter to the European Parliament JURI and ECON Committees ahead of their vote on the draft directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM). BUSINESSEUROPE opposes EP amendments aiming to impose on investors information obligations towards employees in the acquired company. This could undermine established processes of workplace dialogue between employers and employees. In addition, the transfer of undertakings directive only applies where a change of employer occurs, which is not the case in the event of an AIFM gaining control over a company.

Best practices in alternative dispute resolution
14/04/2010
Our roundtable on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (ADRs), with representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission and our member federations, aimed at discussing how specific examples of ADRs promoted by BUSINESSEUROPE and its members could serve as best practices to provide better redress to European consumers. Philippe de Buck reiterated the great emphasis that the organisation has always put on taking advantage of the full potential of ADRs. When compared with judicial means, ADRs provide faster, cheaper and easier resolution of cases whilst avoiding risk of abuses.

Expectations for future EU-Japan cooperation
14/04/2010
BUSINESSEUROPE sees a lot of growth potential in a further strengthening and deepening of bilateral relations between the EU and Japan. A focus should be set on the elimination of non-tariff measures, as well as dealing with cultural barriers as this will be essential in order to remove existing barriers to trade and investment. Before engaging into negotiations of a new bilateral framework, a thorough assessment needs to be made of the achievements and shortcomings of the outgoing Ten-Year Action Plan.

Euro area governance: sense of collective responsibility at a critical moment
26/03/2010
The agreement reached on 25 March on the euro area in order to safeguard financial stability, restore confidence in the euro and commit to better governance in the future was indispensable. Philippe de Buck said: 'Confidence in the euro is key for European companies and citizens. It is also a factor for global stability. Collective responsibility of euro area governments at this critical moment is essential. This must now lead to a real drive for reforms in order to boost growth and restore fiscal sustainability in all EU countries. The only road to success for the EU, and the euro area, is the road of reforms.

Tripartite Social Summit: choose road of reforms
26/03/2010
On 25 March at the Tripartite Social Summit held ahead of the Spring European Council, President Thumann accompanied by Director General Philippe de Buck stressed the importance of an EU strategy that supports fiscal sustainability and growth at the same time. Furthermore, he emphasised that implementing flexicurity principles is crucial to achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. He presented a new European social partners' agreement to integrate more people in the labour market. Finally, endorsing the 75% employment target, President Thumann underlined that benchmarking is a powerful tool to encourage national reforms.

Priorities for TEC: joint letter to co-Chairs
25/03/2010
BUSINESSEUROPE co-hosted US Trade Representative Kirk and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Hightower for a discussion on the transatlantic relationship on 26 March. Director General Philippe de Buck highlighted the importance of improving EU-US cooperation, bilaterally and in the WTO Doha Round, stalled due to a lack of collective leadership. He also highlighted a joint letter that BUSINESSEUROPE co-signed to the Co-Chairs of the Transatlantic Economic Council, EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and his US counterpart Michael Froman, calling for work to resume around a core agenda of economic priorities.

European Council 25-26 March: priority is growth
22/03/2010
Ahead of the European Council on 25-26 March, BUSINESSEUROPE sent a letter to Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council as well as to José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, President of the Spanish government and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. The letter underlines that BUSINESSEUROPE is keen to ensure that the overarching priority of the EU 2020 strategy is growth. European business says that the sense of urgency and focus needs to be reinforced in order to transform the Commission document into a real action plan.

Late payment directive: We need stringent rules for public authorities
18/03/2010
In a joint statement, BUSINESSEUROPE and EUROCHAMBRES oppose the idea to impose 'equal treatment' in business-to-business and business-to-public authority relations alike, as it is based on a misconception. Private companies and public authorities are fundamentally different types of entities and thus should not be subject to the same legal requirements when it comes to aspects of commercial transactions. Both organisations reject any interference with the principle of contractual freedom in business-to-business relations and call on the European Parliament to maintain the focus on stringent rules for public authorities. Punctual payment should be encouraged further by 'prompt payment codes' and mediation roles.

Increase in public debt a major stumbling block
15/03/2010
Ahead of the Eurogroup and ECOFIN Council and in preparation of the Spring Summit, BUSINESSEUROPE presented its European Reform Barometer (.pdf/2.6 MB), evaluating the EU’s performance and individual country position on key structural indicators in 2009, and their relative evolution since 2008. It also presented a report on the sustainability of public finances (.pdf/836 kB) which spells out the parameters of a common exit strategy, restoring fiscal sustainability and redirecting resources where it matters for future growth and job creation. The conclusion from these two reports is clear: tackling the structural impediments to growth at EU and national level is the key to our future.

Keep better regulation at the top of the political agenda
08/03/2010
President Thumann called on the EU institutions to show the necessary leadership to keep better regulation at the top of the political agenda at a conference organised by the regional government of Hessen in Berlin on 8 March 2010. More progress should be made with respect to achieving the 25% reduction target for administrative burdens by 2012, and carrying out comprehensive impact assessments on new legislative initiatives is the only way to ascertain that new legislation is relevant, efficient, proportionate and cost-effective. He also argued for independence in the process commending the High Level Group of Independent Stakeholders under the leadership of Edmund Stoiber for its work on reducing administrative burdens.

EU 2020: a growth strategy is the answer
03/03/2010
President Barroso presented the European Commission's paper EU 2020 strategy: A European Strategy for smart, green and inclusive growth on 3 March. BUSINESSEUROPE sees the Commission document as a useful basis for developing a strategy to strengthen Europe and make it a greater player in the world. However, the sense of urgency and focus should be reinforced. BUSINESSEUROPE will soon present concrete recommendations on what needs to be changed in order to turn the Commission communication into a real road map for action.

Competitiveness Council urged to double growth potential
01/03/2010
Ahead of the Competitiveness Council on 1-2 March 2010, BUSINESSEUROPE underlined that the aim over the next five years must be doubling Europe's growth potential. European business urged the Competitiveness Council to call on the Commission to present an ambitious EU industrial policy agenda. The letter (.pdf/710 kB) also points out that improving research, education and the EU’s capacity to turn innovative ideas into products and services is critical for our future.

ACEI calls for a new industrial partnership
26/02/2010
On 26 February 2010, the Alliance for a Competitive European Industry (ACEI), of which BUSINESSEUROPE is a founding member, called for a new industrial partnership between the EU and its major industries. In a manifesto entitled 'Shifting gears for a new industrial policy' (.pdf/817 kB), the ACEI stresses what needs to be done so that manufacturing industry can remain a key engine for the European economy. This manifesto has been sent to the EU Institutions at the time when they discuss the future EU strategic objectives. The ACEI stands ready to contribute to the definition of these objectives, and of their implementation measures.

Meeting new Commissioners for Enterprise and Industry and Energy
24/02/2010
Jürgen R. Thumann and Philippe de Buck exchanged views with Antonio Tajani and Günther Oettinger. Allowing companies to play their role as the engine for growth will require an integrated industrial policy. Effective implementation of the Small Business Act and the 'think small first' principle should also be a priority. On energy, they stressed the need to upgrade the competitiveness, diversification and security of energy supply in Europe. Companies need not only effective unbundling and improved governance but also long-term contracts freely negotiated between energy suppliers and users. Nuclear energy must also receive proper strategic attention.

Building on Global Europe– Priorities for external competitiveness 2010-2014
22/02/2010
Priorities for external competitiveness from 2010 to 2014, Building on Global Europe' presents companies' views on the external dimension of the EU’s competitiveness strategy from 2010. The EU 2020 strategy should maintain the current Global Europe approach to external competitiveness while making improvements in some key areas. Recommendations include: advancing trade negotiations; creating strategic relationships with important partner countries; enabling EU competitiveness through targeted trade and investment policies; and ensuring coordination between commercial and related policies.. Download the report here (.pdf/1.4 MB).

Economic Outlook 2010 - Better but still fragile
15/02/2010
Economic conditions improved during the second half of 2009. We now forecast EU real GDP growth to reach 1.2% in 2010. The situation is still very fragile and uncertain. Unemployment and public indebtedness will continue to rise, reaching this year at EU level an average of 10.2% of the labour force and 80% of GDP. Recovery needs: a rapid restoration of trust in the sustainability of public finances; maintaining favourable financing conditions for companies; an effective European strategy to deal with speculative attacks; credible commitments by governments to address fiscal imbalances and to implement structural reforms, backed by strict surveillance by European institutions. Download here the Economic Outlook report (.pdf/1.6 MB).

BUSINESSEUROPE meets Spanish State Secretary for Climate
11/02/2010
On 11 February, Mrs Teresa Ribera presented the EU Spanish Presidency’s priorities for environment policy and in particular for climate to the BUSINESSEUROPE Industrial Affairs Committee. BUSINESSEUROPE underlined that the pledges for action recently appended to the Copenhagen Accord are insufficient to tackle climate challenge globally, and do not brighten the prospect for a level playing field for European industry. European companies will continue to face competition distortions at international level. The EU climate strategy on climate change should create more opportunities for European business to develop environmental technologies.

Go for Growth: double to make a difference
04/02/2010
On 4 February 2009, President Thumann and Director General de Buck presented 'Go for Growth', BUSINESSEUROPE’s agenda for the EU in 2010-2014. Together with the (Vice) Presidents from BUSINESSEUROPE’s Swedish, Polish and Italian member federations, Mrs Arnegård-Hansen, Mrs Bochniarz and Mr Moltrasio, they outlined that our 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.

Restructuring in the EU: successful conference of European social partners
22/01/2010
On 21 and 22 January, the European social partners BUSINESSEUROPE, UEAPME, CEEP and ETUC held the final conference of their joint project "Study on restructuring in the EU" which first began in 2005. The conference brought together over 100 social partner representatives from all across Europe. BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General Philippe de Buck, speaking in the closing panel, stressed that Europe needs to embrace a more positive attitude towards economic and social integration and adapt to it instead of combating it. He added that flexicurity provides the right framework to deal with the consequences of restructuring processes. Download Philippe de Buck's speech (.pdf/140 kB)

Jürgen Thumann meets new US Ambassador
13/01/2010
BUSINESSEUROPE’s President Jürgen Thumann, also co-Chair of the Transatlantic Business Dialogue, on 13 January welcomed the new US Ambassador to the European Union, H.E. William Kennard, to Brussels on behalf of the European business community. Mr Thumann highlighted the importance of enhanced transatlantic economic relations for European companies and raised a number of priority issues. These included the need for revitalised work on the Transatlantic Economic Council after a year of transition, BUSINESSEUROPE’s hopes for progress in the World Trade Organisation’s Doha Round and progress on energy and climate issues after the Copenhagen conference. BUSINESSEUROPE believes that a robust and cooperative EU-US relationship is vital to solving many global and bilateral challenges.

President Thumann meets BUSINESSEUROPE Belgian member FEB-VBO
12/01/2010
On 12 January 2010, Jürgen R. Thumann, President of BUSINESSEUROPE, attended a Board meeting of the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium VBO-FEB at the invitation of its President Thomas Leysen. He presented his views on challenges and priorities for 'Europe in a changing world', highlighting in particular the need to boost skills and innovation, put in place modern employment and social policies, bolster open trade, and reconcile energy, environment and competitiveness policies in the EU. The meeting was also the opportunity to discuss business priorities for the new Trio of presidencies, Spain, Belgium and Hungary. Download President Thumann's speech (.pdf/204 kB).

The game is not over for the services directive! – 2010 will be a decisive year
28/12/2009
On 28 December 2009, the Services Directive entered into force after three years of transposition into the various national legal orders. This is just the first important step towards realisation of the single market for services in Europe. 2010 will be a decisive year to judge through the mutual evaluation process whether theory in laws turns into tangible benefits for services providers and consumers so much needed in the current economic downturn. The Commission will play a key role in ensuring a robust and high-quality transposition and even enforcement. Equally important is to inform and raise awareness among citizens and particularly SMEs about those expected benefits.

European business disappointed by limited outcome of Copenhagen Summit
19/12/2009
European business is committed to tackling climate change globally and is therefore disappointed by the limited outcome of the Copenhagen climate summit. We welcome that the Copenhagen Accord reinforces the political commitment by international leaders to limit global warming to 2° C. It now has to quickly lead to a legally binding agreement because companies need predictability to develop the new green solutions on which a future low-carbon economy will depend. We strongly regret, however, that our major economic partners only repeated their limited mitigation commitments. Therefore the Copenhagen Accord has not brightened the prospect for a global level-playing field in the future.

China's public procurement policies: European business increasingly concerned
17/12/2009
In a letter to Benita Ferrero-Walder, Director General Philippe de Buck alerts the Trade Commissioner of the increasing concern by European business about China’s treatment of foreign companies in its domestic public procurement market. The recently issued rules for developing a catalogue of “national indigenous innovation products” are a further worrisome example in a gradual trend towards impeding access for non-Chinese companies.

Spanish Ambassador to the EU visits us to discuss policy priorities of the Spanish Presidency
15/12/2009
A couple of weeks before Spain takes the reins of the European Union for six months BUSINESSEUROPE received Ambassador of Spain to the EU Carlos Bastarreche for an exchange of views on the country’s priorities for its 4th EU presidency. Implementing the changes introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, following-up on the EU’s response to the crisis – especially on proposals on a future EU 2020 strategy and on financial supervision, and strengthening citizens’ involvement and the role of the EU as a global player are the Spanish presidency’s four priorities. Other fields for priority actions include external relations – especially relations with the USA and Latin America, follow-up to Copenhagen COP-15 decisions, energy and taxation. On this occasion BUSINESSEUROPE recalled that it expects the Spanish presidency to put companies and their competitiveness at the heart of its policy agenda.

Message to the European Council on 10-11 December 2009
08/12/2009
Ahead of the European Council on 10-11 December, BUSINESSEUROPE President Jürgen R. Thumann sent a letter to Swedish Prime Minister Reinfeldt outlining the concerns of the European business community. The letter summarises the main issues discussed during BUSINESSEUROPE’s Council of Presidents, held in Stockholm on 4 December 2009. On that occasion, the economic situation and the upcoming climate change conference in Copenhagen were discussed with Swedish Prime Minister Reinfeldt. President Thumann called on the EU to define an exit strategy from current interventions in the economy and create a level playing-field in the global agreement on climate change currently negotiated in Copenhagen.