Press releases
COVID-19: EU institutions and member states must support and protect businesses and workers
The European business community fully supports the measures taken so far and calls on the European Commission, the Council and the European Central Bank to do whatever it takes to make sure that as ma...
Circular economy
Strong EU circular economy is a win-win for environment and business
Today, the European Commission presented its new circular economy action plan (CEAP 2.0). This is a welcome action as European business has long supported the EU’s circular economy agenda.
Busine...
EU SME strategy
EU industrial and SME strategies: getting real economy back on track
Today, the European Commission published the EU industrial strategy and the SME strategy, both essential for Europe’s real economy businesses.
BusinessEurope President Pierre Gattaz said: "...
EU single market
EU action against Single Market barriers most welcome
Today the European Commission published its long-term action plan for better implementation and enforcement of Single Market rules and its report on Single Market barriers. This is a most welcome acti...
Climate change
European climate law: moving the EU towards climate neutrality
Today, the European Commission published its proposal for a binding objective for EU climate neutrality by 2050. The proposed European climate law is an important step to further organise actions towa...
Digital economy
Europe’s digital masterplan: a push into the digital age
Today, the European Commission published its digital strategy for Europe with a series of measures for the data economy over the next five years.
It is key to urgently set Europe on its path to becom...
ASEAN
Ratification of EU-Vietnam agreements of high economic and strategic value
EU Parliament gives green light for EU-Vietnam deals
Today, the European Parliament backed the free-trade (FTA) and investment protection agreements (IPA) between the European Union and Vietnam.
Bus...
Bilateral relations
European business sets priorities for the future EU-UK relationship
Negotiators need to work towards an agreement that works for business
Today, BusinessEurope published its position paper on the future EU-UK relations. European business wants to maintain strong econ...
Bilateral relations
Brexit – now we must focus on the future
On 31 January 2020, the UK will leave the EU ending a withdrawal process that lasted more than three years.
BusinessEurope President Pierre Gattaz said: "We regret that the UK will no longe...
Green Deal has to work for companies and citizens
Today, the European Commission presented its work programme 2020. This concrete roadmap includes some key areas for Europe’s future, such as digitalisation and the deepening of the Economic and...
Bilateral relations
EU should fundamentally rebalance its relationship with China
Systemic challenge and market-distorting practices must be addressed
Today, BusinessEurope published its key strategy paper on the EU’s economic relationship with China. European business wants to...
Labour markets and social policy
EU can only deliver for people if the economy works well
Wage-setting is best done by social partners at national level
Today, the European Commission published a communication on building a strong social Europe for just transitions. The Commission also la...
Access to finance / financial affairs
Sustainable Europe Investment Plan should close investment gap
Transition towards climate-neutral economy must be well designed
Today the European Commission published its communication on a Sustainable Europe Investment Plan.
BusinessEurope Director General Ma...
Energy and environment
EU Green Deal must be built on economic foundations
Today, the European Commission published its concrete plan on the European Green Deal. BusinessEurope supports the Commission’s ambition of putting Europe on a pathway to a sustainable futu...
Multilateral / WTO
Collapse of WTO Appellate Body: BusinessEurope Council of Presidents calls for urgent action
Today, BusinessEurope, the umbrella organisation for the leading national business and employers' federations of 35 European countries calls for urgent action to save the WTO Appellate Body. In Za...
Climate change
COP25: We expect all G20 economies to aim for climate neutrality
Ahead of the 25th United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP25) on 2 December 2019, BusinessEurope expects clear progress to be made by all participating parties at the Climate Summit in Madrid.
Bus...
Consumers/marketing
Access to EU consumer group actions should support consumers, not law firms and funders
Today, the Competitiveness Council adopted a common approach of the Council on the proposal on “Representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers”, which is a part...
BusinessEurope warmly congratulates President Ursula von der Leyen and her team
It is important that the new European Commission got strong and wide support and can now get to work strengthened at a time when numerous challenges are facing Europe. The expectations are high,...
Prosperity, People, Planet: European business priorities for the new EU cycle
BusinessEurope and all its members propose their priorities for the European Union in a new political cycle in 2019-2024. Prosperity, people and the planet – these are the three pillars for a succes...
Economy and finance
EU faces economic slowdown due to trade tensions
Need to support investment and structural reforms
Today, BusinessEurope published its Autumn Economic Outlook 2019. Based on input from its member federations in 35 countries, the outlook shows that...
Industrial policy
EU trade unions and employers want ambitious EU industrial strategy
European employers and trade unions are jointly calling on the new European Commission and Parliament for a more proactive and ambitious EU industrial strategy. The European Trade Union Confederation,...
Competition and state aid
EU legal and competition policies should acknowledge global challenges
Today, Executive Vice President-designate Margarete Vestager will be heard in the European Parliament hearing, especially on her strategy for the future of EU law and competition policy. BusinessEurop...
Multilateral / WTO
Gattaz: “We must avoid the collapse of the WTO Appellate Body”
Tomorrow, participants from all over the world will attend the WTO Public Forum 2019 at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva. The WTO is in a highly critical situation as the collapse of the Appella...
Multilateral / WTO
Airbus/Boeing dispute: tariffs are the wrong answer
Following the release of the WTO’s ruling on Airbus subsidies today, BusinessEurope urges policymakers to reconsider the use of tariffs to settle the dispute related to the Airbus and Boeing cas...