Press releases
BusinessEurope reacts to the ECJ ruling on the Minimum Wage Directive
Reacting to today’s European Court of Justice ruling on the EU Minimum Wage Directive, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said:
“EU policy makers need to refrain from overstepping...
EU economy remains relatively resilient overall, but is held back by significant competitiveness challenges
Ahead of this week’s Macroeconomic Dialogue, BusinessEurope has published its new Economic Outlook.
After a modest expansion of 0.9% in 2024, it forecasts that growth will stabilise at approximat...
EU-Africa relations need greater focus to reach full potential
In a new paper published today, BusinessEurope argues that the EU-Africa relationship offers great investment and trade opportunities, but stronger and more targeted action from policymakers is needed...
EU–Indonesia Trade Agreement: A major step forward for the EU’s diversification agenda
After nine years and 19 rounds of negotiations, the European Union and Indonesia have successfully concluded negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) today.
Reacting...
Mercosur and Mexico: It is more crucial than ever to bring these deals home now
Today, the European Commission has transmitted the EU-Mercosur trade agreement to the Council – an important first step towards ratification. In this context, BusinessEurope is releasing a new publi...
BusinessEurope reaction to the publication of the EU-U.S. Joint Statement
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said: "The publication of the EU-U.S. Joint Statement brings much needed clarity for businesses, but this should not be the end result.
The EU and t...
BusinessEurope welcomes the EU-U.S. agreement averting tariff escalation
Following the announcement of an agreement between the EU and the U.S. ahead of the 1 August deadline, BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson said:
“We welcome the announcement of a deal between...
MFF proposal: Focus on competitiveness is welcome, but proposed new business levies undermine the EU as an investment location and are counterproductive
Today, the European Commission published its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), covering the period from 2028 to 2034. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said:...
EU enlargement must drive stability, prosperity and growth in Europe
BusinessEurope has today published a new paper outlining its vision for a successful enlargement policy. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said:
“A safe, stable and prosperous EU nei...
BusinessEurope reacts to Commission proposal on CBAM export adjustment
Reacting to the European Commission’s proposal on CBAM export adjustment, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said: “CBAM, as a first-of-its-kind measure, is untested and still incomp...
BusinessEurope reacts to the Council’s General Approach on Omnibus I
Reacting to the agreement reached by the Council on a General Approach on Omnibus I, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer, said: “Progress has been made on simplification, but key issues...
Joint Press Release: Business community commits to strengthening NATO’s defence industrial base
At the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in The Hague, representatives of BusinessEurope, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Confederation of Netherlands Indu...
EU’s projected economic growth insufficient to meet global challenges
Ahead of next week’s European Council meeting, BusinessEurope has just released its new Economic Outlook which forecasts slower than expected economic growth in the EU. Commenting on the publication...
Business message to the Danish Presidency: Unity and determined action needed to strengthen EU economy
Today, BusinessEurope’s Council of Presidents convened in Copenhagen, hosted by its two Danish member federations – the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) and Danish Industry (DI). With the Da...
Single Market Strategy: a promising start, but long-term impact must be secured
BusinessEurope welcomes today’s launch of the European Commission’s Single Market Strategy, which seeks to tackle fragmentation and strengthen governance across the EU.
BusinessEurope Directo...
EU-UK Summit paves the way for a stronger economic partnership
The outcome of the EU-UK Summit, as set out in the Common Understanding on a renewed agenda, is a positive one for European business. However, there is still significant work to be done.
BusinessEu...
European business calls for a pragmatic restart in EU-U.S. trade relations
Brussels / Washington, D.C. - As the 90-day pause on “reciprocal tariffs” continues, European business urges leaders on both sides of the Atlantic to restart and strengthen EU-U.S. trade relations...
Next EU budget must kickstart Europe’s competitiveness
As discussions on the seventh Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 get underway, EU leaders should place revitalising European competitiveness at the very heart of the next EU budget....
Reciprocal US tariffs undermine the Transatlantic economy
Reacting to the US announcement of so-called “reciprocal tariffs”, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said:
“The US decision to impose an additional 20% tariff on EU products w...
Additional duties on cars and car parts will harm both Europe and the US
Reacting to the US announcement of 25% additional duties, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said: “Additional duties on cars and car parts will harm both Europe and the US. They will...
High regulatory burden continues to deter investment, new business survey finds
19 March 2025 - At today’s Tripartite Social Summit, BusinessEurope will present its latest Reform Barometer to EU leaders. This report analyses Europe’s global competitiveness performance on...
Additional US tariffs on steel and aluminium are a lose-lose for both sides of the Atlantic
12 March 2025 - Reacting to the US announcement, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer, said: "Additional US tariffs on steel and aluminium are a lose-lose for both sides of the Atlantic"....
Advancing gender equality in Europe is critical for economic growth, innovation, and social cohesion
Brussels, 7 March 2025 - BusinessEurope has today called for a comprehensive approach to increasing women’s economic activity across Europe, which focuses on both employees and entrepreneurs. Busine...
Joint Press Release – Commission and social partners sign a Pact to strengthen social dialogue in Europe
5 March 2025 - Today, the Commission and the European cross-industry social partners signed a new Pact for European Social Dialogue which will strengthen the role of social partners in shaping l...