Publications
Improved sentiment on EU policy has yet to lift investment appeal
This morning, BusinessEurope is publishing its latest Reform Barometer, which examines Europe’s global competitiveness across several key indicators. One of the report’s key findings is that, alth...
BUSINESSEUROPE Reform Barometer 2026 – 18 months after Draghi: from diagnosis to delivery
Foreword
Eighteen months after the publication of the report by Mario Draghi, the diagnosis of Europe’s challenges is widely shared. The question is no longer what needs to be done, but whether Eur...
BusinessEurope calls for a stronger competitiveness framework in the upcoming EU Budget
In view of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 and the ongoing political negotiations, BusinessEurope has published two position papers: one on the MFF’s horizontal priori...
European Commission’s proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) – a BusinessEurope position paper
Key messages
The Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) contains several provisions pointing in a competitiveness-friendly direction, at least in terms...
BusinessEurope reacts to OECD/G20 political agreement on side-by-side global minimum tax, urges EU tax simplification
Reacting to today’s publication of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) of a Side-by-Side Political agreement, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer...
Competitiveness and innovation strengthening the Horizon Europe and European Competitiveness Fund combination in the MFF – a BusinessEurope position paper
Introduction
Innovation and competitiveness are inherently interconnected; one cannot thrive without the other. BusinessEurope welcomes the proposed structure under the next Multiannual Financial Fra...
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...
BusinessEurope Economic Outlook Autumn 2025 – EU economy shows resilience amid uncertainty but faces persistently low growth
Economic situation
After a modest expansion of 0.9% in 2024, growth is projected to stabilise at approximately 1% in 2025 in line with the Spring edition of the Economic Outlook. A modest increas...
Rebooting the Capital Markets and Banking Union: Savings and Investment Union
Key messages
Channel household savings into capital markets by developing EU savings and retail investment products that have few administrative burdens, without undue restrictions on portfolio c...
Safeguarding Europe’s competitiveness: Strategic tax measures for a disruptive global landscape
Key messages
Europe must not bear the global tax burden alone.
Global acceptance and consistent implementation of the G7 Statement is an immediate priority to prevent Europe from locking in a lo...
European Commission’s public consultation on VAT rules for Travel and Tourism – BusinessEurope comments
Introduction
BusinessEurope welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the European Commission’s public consultation on the VAT rules applicable to the travel and tourism sector.
We recall our re...
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’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...
BusinessEurope Economic Outlook Spring 2025 – EU’s modest growth insufficient to meet global challenges
Economic situation
The EU economy grew by a modest 0.9% in 2024. Growth is expected to increase slightly to 1% in 2025, reflecting a downward revision of 0.3 percentage points (p.p.) compared to...
EU Cohesion Policy post-2027: An impactful policy for regional competitiveness – a BusinessEurope position paper
Key messages
Cohesion policy is a core policy of the European Union (EU). Around one third of the EU budget is channeled through this policy, which accounts for €392 billion out of €1,2 trill...
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....
Squaring the (budgetary) circle – Proposals on the 7th MFF (2028-2034)
Key messages
The seventh Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) that starts in 2028 will play a crucial role in defining the EU’s enhanced resilience and regional cohesion, its path towards the...
BUSINESSEUROPE Reform Barometer 2025 – EU in a new political cycle: Competitiveness as a true priority in a complex global context
Executive summary
European Union enterprises, the backbone of the EU economy and social cohesion, are facing intense competition from other regions worldwide. In recent years, the United States has d...
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...