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 development of European SMEs. He emphasized the need for regulatory breathing space for companies, a balance between security and openness, and the integration of an Industrial Deal with the Green Deal. Additionally, Persson stressed the significance of the EU continuing to engage in trade agreements to provide European companies with access to new markets and investment opportunities. He pointed out that "85% of economic growth in the coming years will be generated outside the EU."
René Branders, President of the VBO-FEB, and Pieter Timmermans, CEO of the VBO-FEB, expressed their expectations for the Belgian Presidency to prioritize competitiveness in the European agenda. Branders and Timmermans stated, "Belgium has a crucial role to play in making Europe once again the place for business, innovation, and investment."
In preparation for the Belgian Presidency, the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium welcomed BusinessEurope and its member federations to discuss strategies for enhancing the European economy. The business leaders emphasized the need for proactive measures to address short-term challenges and empower the European economy for future growth.