BusinessEurope has released its business priorities for the upcoming European Union cycle through a publication titled "Reboot Europe: Europe’s economic success – everyone’s business." This document will be central to an event scheduled for this evening at the European Parliament, which will include Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from various political groups and leaders from member federations.
Fredrik Persson, President of BusinessEurope, expressed concern about Europe's current economic trajectory. He stated, "Europe’s economy is falling behind. According to the OECD, Foreign Direct Investment into the EU collapsed from over 6% of EU GDP to negative figures between 2015 and 2023, while FDI inflows into the U.S. remained strong."
Persson highlighted that this stagnation poses a threat to achieving crucial transitions in green energy, digital technology, social policy, and security. BusinessEurope is advocating for a renewal of European policies in this new EU cycle to tackle structural weaknesses affecting companies' contributions to society.
EU leaders have recognized the threats to Europe's prosperity and have committed to prioritizing competitiveness over the next five years. Persson welcomed this shift in political focus, emphasizing that it should be reflected in forthcoming initiatives such as the Competitiveness Compass, proposals for simplifying EU legislation, and the Clean Industrial Deal.
"Now is the time for action," said Persson. "Today, we propose concrete actions for the EU to take during the first 100 days and beyond. These include cutting red tape, reducing energy costs, diversifying export and import markets, boosting the digital economy and fostering innovation.”
For more information on these initiatives or to access BusinessEurope's paper on their proposals, visit rebooteurope.eu.