Strong industry call for a European Industrial Deal

On 20 February, industry leaders convened in Antwerp to discuss how to restore Europe’s competitiveness with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

At the summit organised by the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer emphasised the imperative of firm political commitment to a European Industrial Deal to complement the Green Deal and foster a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable Europe. He specifically addressed the issue of long and complex industrial permitting in the European Union.

“According to our recent survey, for more than 8 in 10 companies, the time it takes to secure permits is a barrier to investing in Europe. We need structural changes now.” For this report, we surveyed companies across 21 European countries about their experiences with EU permitting processes. This survey is part of a wider study we published last week on this key issue for EU competitiveness.

Read the survey results

WTO: video message

"The time to act is now"
The 13th WTO Ministerial meeting kicks off on 26 February 2024. Watch BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer explain what European business expects from it.

Meeting Egyptian high-level delegation

On 20 February, a BusinessEurope delegation, including some member federations and companies, met a high-level delegation from Egypt that included, amongst others, the President of the General Authority for Investment (GAFI), the Chairman of the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone, the Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister, several business organisations, and the Egyptian Ambassador to the EU. The discussion focused on investment opportunities for European companies and ways to enhance EU-Egypt cooperation.

Did you know?

Quote of the week

"If all barriers to the free movement of goods and services were abolished, the Single Market could unleash €713 billion by the end of 2029. This is a tax-payer neutral amount that could help investment in green and digital technologies."

BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer at IMCO hearing, 22 February 2024 with Enrico Letta

Upcoming events

26-29 February
13th WTO Ministerial Conference

28 February
The Importance of the WTO for Business

11 March
Roadmapping the skills revolution

13 March
Access to Finance for SMEs: Assessment and Perspectives

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