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BusinessEurope Headlines No. 2019-15

Promoting the European elections in Portugal

On 30 April, President Pierre Gattaz and BusinessEurope’s member federation in Portugal CIP promoted the upcoming European elections in May 2019 and outlined BusinessEurope’s Ambition for Europe in 2030. After an interview with Expresso - one of the biggest newspapers in Portugal - President Pierre Gattaz and CIP President António Saraiva met with candidates of the major Portuguese political parties (Partido Socialista, Partido Social Democrata and Partido Popular) who are running for the European Parliament elections and with João Torres, Secretary of State of Consumer Protection. At the meetings, BusinessEurope underlined the importance of the EU becoming stronger in order to remain in the driving seat at global level. “European business believes we need a stronger European Union and shape the direction of change according to our values”, said President Pierre Gattaz. We must, he added, “maintain our ground towards key partners like the USA and China. The EU must strongly invest into digital technology, innovation, skills and the circular economy.”

Contact: Julia Luerzer

Video message on trade and climate strategies

BusinessEurope has presented two essential strategy papers: "European business views on a competitive energy and climate strategy" and "A trade strategy fit for the 21st century". Watch this video to know more about them.

Meeting press: EU should rebalance trade and become climate neutral

BusinessEurope published on 29 April two new strategy papers, on energy and climate and on trade, proposing adjustments to current EU policies. During a press conference on the publishing date, Director General Markus J. Beyrer highlighted that “the European business community stands behind the EU ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by around mid-century to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement”. On global trade, he stated that “we are confronted with protectionism, increasing uncertainty and mounting pressure on the multilateral trading system. That’s why European businesses want an EU trade strategy that is open, rules-based and better enforced”.

The paper “A trade strategy fit for the 21st century” explains the current top priorities of European business, which are: rebalancing the EU relations with China and the USA, promoting a reformed and more effective World Trade Organisation and pursuing ambitious trade and investment negotiations that restore the level playing field for European companies while allowing more people to benefit from trade.

The paper “European business views on a competitive energy & climate strategy” points out that while businesses are making huge investments and are ready to engage with governments and society to reach the objective of climate neutrality by around mid-century, this goal will also depend on a set of crucial framework conditions and actions. This means Europe needs a comprehensive industrial strategy for investments, large-scale availability of affordable low-carbon energy, full participation of its citizens and a rapid convergence of global actions.

Contact: Luisa Santos and Alexandre Affre

United States sanctions on Cuba: BusinessEurope letter

A recent decision from the United States Administration to end a waiver concerning sanctions on Cuba might have a very negative impact on European companies. Following this decision, claims can be launched against European investors in Cuba on the grounds that they traffic on property confiscated by the Cuban Government on or after 1 January 1959. European companies have long standing trade and investment flows with Cuba and they are present in a number of sectors in the country like manufacturing, services and infrastructure. In a letter addressed to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, BusinessEurope argues in favour of a coordinated approach on sanctions and the need for the EU to strengthen its tools to preserve its economic interests and effectively address the extraterritorial nature of US sanctions.  

Contact: Sofia Bournou

European elections: Statement from the business community

Fourteen European business organisations have published a joint statement on 2 May urging citizens and entrepreneurs to vote in the European Parliament elections on 23-26 May 2019. The paper highlights that the business community remains committed to defending the fundamental values of democracy, human rights, freedom and equality and strongly believes in the benefits of the European Union, particularly its Single Market and the Euro. “The EU has been instrumental in making the European way of life that we cherish today a reality, and European business has played a key role in enabling this. We have a responsibility to defend what we have achieved and to make sure that Europe is the best place in the world to live, work and do business,” the statements says. 

Contact: Sofiya Yevchuk

EBS: Addressing the challenges facing tomorrow’s Europe

Of the most pressing challenges to be addressed within the next decade, climate change figures at the top of the list followed by migration, security and strengthening the European Union’s position in a perplexing global economy through stronger and more flexible policies. These are several of the key topics our esteemed speakers will strive to provide answers to, based on their extensive experience. In the lead up to the European elections, come and make your voice heard at the Egmont Palace on the 6th – 7th May where you’ll be given the opportunity to exchange with European and government officials, C-Suite business representatives, academics and civil society all committed to transforming Europe for the better.

This year representatives from European political parties will set forth their vision for Europe, Danish and Lithuanian Finance Ministers will elaborate upon their new ideas, the Secretary General of Defence Investment at NATO Camille Grand will discuss the intricacies of the future of European defence, Vice President of the European Commission Jyrki Katainen will debate on how to maximise the potential of clean technologies whilst warning on limitations. Other speakers participating in fascinating talks include Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Trade; Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay; Bruno Liebhaberg, Director General of Centre on Regulation in Europe; Åshild Hanne Larsen, Chief Information Officer at Equinor; Pierre Gattaz, President of BusinessEurope; Marietje Schaake and Philippe Lamberts, Members of European Parliament. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!

View the program, speakers and register to join the debate at the European Business Summit ! See you on May 6 and 7 in Brussels. 

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Last updated: 3 May 2019