What we do
We stand up for companies across the continent and campaign on the issues that influence their performance most. We work closely with the European Parliament, Commission, and Council to ensure that that the voice of business is heard in EU policy-making. As a recognised social partner, we are engaged in the European social dialogue, and can negotiate agreements with the ETUC. We also represent European business internationally, ensuring that Europe remains globally competitive.
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We represent 42 national business federations from 36 countries in the EU, European Economic Area and EU’s neighbourhood.
Our Vision and Mission
At BusinessEurope, our vision is to make Europe the most competitive, sustainable, and prosperous place to live, work, and invest. As the leading advocate for growth and competitiveness, we work with our member federations to ensure the business community’s voice is heard in European policy-making. We advocate for Europe’s global competitiveness. We engage with the European Parliament, Commission, and Council, shaping policies that foster a strong, business-friendly environment. As a recognised social partner, we represent enterprises of all sizes in 36 countries in the cross-sectoral European social dialogue.
Our history: Six decades of advocacy
Since 1958, the European business community has supported European integration from the very beginning. Founded as UNICE (Union des Industries de la Communauté Européenne) by business federations from the six founding EU member states, we have played a key role in shaping EU policies since the beginning of the EU project.
From calling for Economic and Monetary Union in 1973 to supporting the Single European Act in 1986, we have driven deeper integration and strengthened European social dialogue, securing recognition as a Social Partner in the 1992 Maastricht Treaty.
Committed to open markets and global trade, we collaborate with partners like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Japan’s Keidanren. As Europe navigates new challenges, we continue working to ensure a strong, innovative, and globally competitive economy.
The fundamental values of freedom and democracy, deeply rooted in Europe’s DNA, are fully shared by the European business community. The rule of law, along with the EU freedoms and values, underpins our social market economy, where economic progress drives social progress.
There is no freedom of enterprise without freedom of thought and speech, and the core freedoms of the European Single Market are essential to maximise the contribution of entrepreneurs to society. These principles remain at the heart of our mission to foster a strong, competitive, and prosperous Europe.
Our governance and structure
As the European Economic Community (EEC) expanded, so did BusinessEurope. Today, we represent 42 member federations from 36 countries, including EU member states, European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and the EU’s neighbourhood.
BusinessEurope operates under the leadership of President Fredrik Persson and Director General Markus J. Beyrer, working closely with our members to ensure that European businesses remain competitive, innovative, and influential on the global stage.
Our structure reflects our broad scope and expertise, with:
- the Council of Presidents, the general assembly of the organisation;
- the Executive Committee, the board of the organisation, supported by
- the Committee of Permanent Delegates, the ‘Coreper’ of the organisation,
And, our work is organised via:
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7 policy committees shaping policy direction
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Around 60 working groups covering key economic and business issues
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A dedicated team of nearly 50 professionals based in Brussels
Headquarters organigramme
Committed to transparency and ethical advocacy