Business Europe
Recent News About Business Europe
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Agreement on EU due diligence: still far from a workable solution
Reacting to the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive agreement, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer expressed concerns about the implications of the new rules. Beyrer stated, "The new due diligence rules will add unparalleled obligations, set harsh sanctions with potential existential implications for companies, and unilaterally expose them to litigation from all parts of the world." He highlighted the negative impact on SMEs, noting that they "will be negatively affected as they make up the largest part of value chains."Furthermore, Beyrer...
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BusinessEurope Reacts to Approval of Political Agreement on Prohibiting Products Made with Forced Labour
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer welcomed the approval of the political agreement on prohibiting products made with forced labour by Member States. Beyrer acknowledged the significance of this step, stating, "This is an important step in the EU’s efforts to tackle forced labour, but there is still much work to be done to make the Regulation workable and effective."Beyrer emphasized the stance of European businesses on forced labour, saying, "Forced labour is a serious human rights violation that European business fully condemns." He noted improvements in...
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BusinessEurope Reacts to the European Parliament Plenary Vote on the AI Act
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer commented on the European Parliament Plenary vote on the AI Act, stating, "This is a pivotal moment for AI development in Europe, but successful implementation will be key to reassure investors, AI developers, and citizens that trustworthy AI is here to stay."Beyrer further expressed that the AI Act maintains a risk-based framework and prevents the emergence of divergent national laws. However, he highlighted concerns about the need for extensive secondary legislation and guidelines, emphasizing their importance for legal...
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WTO Ministerial finds interim solution on e-commerce
The 13th WTO Ministerial, which concluded today in Abu Dhabi, has reached an interim solution on the e-commerce moratorium until the next Ministerial meeting. Reacting to the outcomes of the meeting, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer expressed his views, stating, "Our expectations were not overly ambitious ahead of the 13th WTO Ministerial given the increasing global divisions about how trade should be disciplined. In this context, the results from MC13 are not ideal but they are better than expected."Beyrer highlighted that WTO members have agreed to...
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EU Strengthens Ties with Africa and Latin America Through New Trade Deals
The European Parliament has given its consent to the ratification of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement and to the Advanced Framework Agreement and an Interim Trade Agreement with Chile. These agreements are seen as significant milestones in strengthening the EU's relationships with key partners in Africa and Latin America. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer highlighted the importance of these deals, stating, "These agreements mark an important step, consolidating the EU's ties with important partners in Africa and Latin America. They show real...
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BEFIT Tax Package: Business Community Urges Caution and Global Alignment
25 January 2024 - BusinessEurope has published a new position paper on the European Commission’s BEFIT proposal, with BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer emphasizing the importance of global alignment in tax reform. Beyrer stated, "European businesses support the Commission’s overall objectives of strengthening the Single Market by simplifying the tax landscape and reducing tax compliance costs for businesses." However, he also pointed out that "for the BEFIT reform to be effective, it must align fully with global tax rules."In light of the complexities of...
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BusinessEurope Expresses Concerns Over European Works Council Directive Revision
BusinessEurope has expressed serious concerns about the proposed revision of the European Works Council Directive published by the European Commission. In a statement, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer highlighted several key issues with the proposed changes.Beyrer stated, "The Commission’s proposal to include agreements made before 1996 or between 2009-2011 in the Directive will damage many well-functioning European Works Councils. The renewal procedures in these agreements, allowing for mutually beneficial adaptations, should be respected."He also...
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BusinessEurope Director Welcomes EU Economic Security Proposals for Clarity and Debate
BusinessEurope Director, Markus J. Beyrer, has welcomed the European Commission's proposals on economic security, stating that "Today’s EU economic security package brings much-needed clarity to the Commission Strategy announced in June 2023." Beyrer emphasized the importance of a more European approach on export controls and inbound Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening, highlighting the significance of coordinated implementation to mitigate security-related risks and safeguard the single market.Beyrer also expressed approval for the gradual approach to outbound...
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BusinessEurope Urges EU to Address Industry Concerns on Platform Work Directive
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer has expressed industry concerns ahead of the EU Member States meeting on the Platform Work Directive proposal. Beyrer emphasized that the "presumption of employment and additional regulatory burdens remain the key industry concerns around the Platform Work Directive."Beyrer highlighted the importance of resolving key issues surrounding the proposed rebuttable presumption of employment, stating that it should respect the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity. He also stressed the need for Member States to have the...
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BusinessEurope Reacts to Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation Proposal
BusinessEurope Reacts to Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation ProposalDec 19 2023Commenting on the Environment Council’s agreement on a General Approach on the proposal for a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer highlighted the importance of both reuse and recycling in managing packaging waste. Beyrer stated, “Reuse and recycling of packaging waste are two sides of the same coin, and this should be better reflected in the regulation.”Beyrer emphasized that while reusable packaging can be a sustainable waste...
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BusinessEurope Director General Expresses Concerns Over EU Product Liability Directive Revision
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer has expressed strong reservations about the recent political deal on the EU Product Liability Directive. Beyrer stated, "European industry has serious concerns over the revision of the EU Product Liability Directive."Beyrer further highlighted the concerns of the business community regarding the scope of the revision aimed at addressing new technologies. He mentioned, "The broad scope of this revision aimed at addressing new technologies raises serious concerns among the business community. We recognise the importance of...
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EU due diligence could leave companies between a rock and a hard place
Decisive political negotiations on the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive are set to commence, with EU co-legislators aiming to finalize a deal on the Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer expressed concerns about the current state of affairs, stating, "We are still far from the workable and clear rules which EU businesses need to properly apply due diligence across their value chains, leaving companies between a rock and a hard place."Beyrer highlighted the potential repercussions of the...
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BusinessEurope Reacts to Political Deal on EU AI Act
BusinessEurope Reacts to Political Deal on EU AI ActDec 11, 2023In response to the historical political deal reached by EU co-legislators on the AI Act, Director General of BusinessEurope Markus J. Beyrer expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on companies and AI investments in Europe. Beyrer stated, "The potential lack of legal certainty is a concern for companies and may hamper AI investments in Europe, hurting our global competitiveness."Beyrer further commented on the necessity of a comprehensive rulebook on AI, acknowledging the positive step taken...
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BusinessEurope Reacts to EU Co-legislators' Deal on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
BusinessEurope Reacts to EU Co-legislators' Deal on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products RegulationDec 5 2023Commenting on the political agreement reached last night by EU co-legislators on the proposal for an Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer expressed his views on the matter. Beyrer stated, "We welcome the deal on the ecodesign proposal, but concerns remain about the feasibility of information requirements."Beyrer further elaborated on the potential impact of the ecodesign regulation, stating, "The...
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European business message for COP28 - All G20 countries should commit to 2030 targets
COP28, starting on 30 November in Dubai, is an important moment for international climate negotiations. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer emphasized the importance of all G20 countries committing to ambitious 2030 targets. Beyrer stated, "European business stands firmly behind the Paris Agreement. However, with the EU counting for 7% of current global CO2 emissions and only 4-5% by 2030, it is critical that all G20 countries agree to similarly ambitious 2030 targets. They must also commit to implementing concrete, transparent and reliable transformation...
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Business Message to Belgian EU Presidency: Tackle Short-Term Challenges and Empower European Economy
On November 24, 2023, the Presidents and Directors General of BusinessEurope’s member federations gathered in Brussels to present their priorities for the incoming Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson highlighted the importance of the upcoming presidency, stating, "The European economy is growing even more sluggishly in the first half of 2023, and the six months of the Belgian Presidency will be crucial."Persson urged the Belgian Presidency to focus on finalizing proposals essential for the competitiveness and...
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BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer Welcomes European Parliament's Approval of EU-New Zealand FTA
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer welcomed the European Parliament's approval of the free-trade agreement between the European Union and New Zealand. Beyrer commented on the plenary vote, stating, "This is a welcome step in the EU’s efforts to diversify its sources of supply, create new export market opportunities, and to increase its economic resilience in the face of rising geopolitical tensions."Beyrer emphasized the significance of the trade agreement in strengthening the EU's presence in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that it is home to some of the...
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EU Urged to Recognize Economic Migration's Role in Addressing Labor and Skills Needs
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer has emphasized the importance of economic migration in addressing Europe's labor and skills needs. Beyrer stated, “It is high time that the EU acknowledges the role of economic migration in helping to address Europe’s labour and skills needs.”Beyrer also highlighted the potential impact of the proposed Talent Pool, saying, “The proposed Talent Pool can be a game changer in making Europe a more attractive destination for the needed skilled workers from third countries around the world. Helping to match skilled third-country...
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BusinessEurope Comments on EU Parliament Plenary Vote on EU Data Act
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer has commented on today's EU Parliament Plenary vote on the EU Data Act, emphasizing the importance of assessing its impact on the EU's global competitiveness. Beyrer stated, "Making data flows easier in Europe is a necessary step, but it will be key to assess the Data Act’s impact on the EU’s global competitiveness."Expressing the concerns of the European business community, Beyrer highlighted the need to prevent a chilling effect on data innovation investments in the EU. He stated, "The number one concern of the European...
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BusinessEurope Economic Outlook Reveals Significant Drop in European Business Sentiment
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer, upon the release of BusinessEurope’s Economic Outlook, expressed concerns about the current state of the European economy. Beyrer noted, "The European economy continued to grow even more sluggishly in the first half of 2023 as businesses were faced with the impact of higher interest rates, a slowing global economy, and increasing long-term competitiveness challenges." He highlighted that factors such as higher interest rates and increased credit standards have hindered investment and consumer spending, leading to a more...