Eurochambres Economic Survey 2025: entrepreneurs call for swift action to improve business conditions
On 12 November, Eurochambres President Vladimír Dlouhy presented the 32nd consecutive edition of the annual Eurochambres Economic Survey (EES2025), based on responses from almost 42.000 businesses (90% SMEs) across 27 European countries. The report sets out businesses’ expectations for the year ahead, as well as the main challenges.?
European entrepreneurs are approaching the upcoming year with caution, as economic uncertainty and a challenging business environment continue to undermine their expectations. While domestic sales are projected to remain positive, indicators related to export, investments, employment and overall business confidence highlight the difficulties businesses face in achieving the growth needed to revive Europe’s competitiveness.?
The sharp increase in inflation over recent years led to wage adjustments which have directly impacted the costs of labour. This, linked to the difficulties encountered in ?hiring skilled workers, are the main challenges for 2025, in line with previous editions of the EES. The growing regulatory burden is also cited as a primary threat to Europe’s already fragile competitive edge, hindering investment decisions and the willingness of entrepreneurs to explore new market opportunities.
Following the Brussels launch event at the “Forum Europa: Ideas to Strengthen the Union” hosted by New Economy Forum (NEF) , the results of the EES2025 were also discussed by the new Eurochambres Chief Economists Group. This group builds on chambers’ capacity to deliver evidence-based policy input at EU level. As EES2025 underlines, the EU institutions need similarly to deliver evidence-based ?policy output that considers the impact of measures on the struggling business community. This approach must be applied from day one of the new European Commission and throughout co-decision procedures, as Eurochambres has consistently demanded.?
For more information on the findings and Eurochambres’ policy messages, refer to the full #EES2025 report:
More info: Giacomo Fersini , Senior Economic Policy Advisor, [email protected]?
Leveraging the full growth potential of the single market
The single market has the potential to significantly accelerate EU growth…if the theory is felt by businesses in their daily activities. This was a key message delivered by Eurochambres CEO Ben Butters during the 13 November EconPol Europe Annual Conference 2024 on ‘How to Secure Europe's Competitiveness and Prosperity’ in Brussels.?
Without taking for granted the considerable contribution of the single market to Europe’s competitiveness, realising its full potential requires considerable progress. SMEs in particular still encounter disproportionate barriers when trying to do business across borders.?
The new European Commission’s anticipated Single Market Strategy should include bold initiatives to ensure a more level playing field across the member states. But a shiny new strategy will not be enough and it must be coupled with rigorous, systematic follow-up and the commitment of the three main institutions and national governments.?
More info: Ben Butters , CEO, [email protected]
Eurochambres pushes for action on key business challenges
After two packed weeks of European Parliament hearings with all commissioners-designate, Eurochambres can safely say: there was no shortage of promises, but details were notably thin on the ground! With topics ranging from market access to affordable energy, and the ever-persistent skills gap, the hearings gave MEPs plenty to chew on — but left chambers wanting more clarity on solutions.?
So, what’s next? Eurochambres will continue to work with the European Commission , MEPs, and member states to find real solutions to critical issues: enabling access to markets, reducing regulatory burdens, ensuring affordable energy and raw materials, and tackling the key skills challenge highlighted in the EES2025, to turn political buzzwords into business-friendly actions. For now, we’ll keep the coffee brewing, our sleeves rolled up and continue demanding the clarity and solutions that Europe’s businesses urgently need. ?
And while we wait for action, the calls for action in our ‘Getting Back To Business’ manifesto for the 2024-2029 ring truer than ever: Getting Back to Business
More info: Agatha Latorre Redondo , Communications Officer, [email protected]
Eurochambres advocates for clear and consistent guidance on CS3D
The implementation of the Corporate Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) will bring new and complex obligations for businesses involved in global value chains. The chamber network has recently joined forces with the wider business community calling for the European Commission to issue a comprehensive action plan to address priority areas and simplify compliance with the CS3D.?
Eurochambres also calls for guidelines and implementing legislation to be drafted in close connection with business representatives and adopted at least two years before compliance with the Directive. Ensuring clear guidelines and harmonisation across member states is crucial to achieve a level-playing field and enhance the competitiveness of the single market.?
For the full list of recommendations please click here: Joint trade association statement towards EU due diligence that works for all - Eurochambres?
More info: Frederico Martins , Senior Policy Advisor for Single Market, [email protected]
Empowering SMEs to drive energy efficiency
On 13-14 November, EnergyEfficency4SMEs project partners gathered in Nice for the “Train the Trainer” workshop. Hosted by the Nice C?te d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( CCI Nice C?te d'Azur ), the event provided 24 partners with the latest insights into energy efficiency management systems. In addition to gaining the knowledge needed to train SMEs and business support organizations, participants had the chance to visit a hotel that has successfully implemented energy efficiency measures, achieving notable reductions in energy consumption and cost savings.?
The group also discussed key steps for the coming months, focusing on reaching more SMEs and demonstrating how energy efficiency measures can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%. Another priority is promoting the benefits of the project’s E-learning platform.?The EnergyEfficiency4SMEs project, funded by the EU and managed by Eurochambres, seeks to support businesses across 10 countries by enhancing the skills of energy technicians and improving access to information on public incentives and private financing in the field of energy efficiency.?
More info: Joel Fernandes , Project Officer, [email protected]
Eurochambres and 77 other business organizations issue Joint Statement of support for EU-Mercosur trade agreement
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On the occasion of the G20 South Africa Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, a broad coalition of business organizations from the EU and Mercosur came out in favour of the EU- Mercosur trade agreement in a joint statement. The coalition covers a significant portion of the total trade in goods and services of over €159 bn between the EU and the Mercosur.
The joint statement underlines the significant importance of the economic partnership between the regions, which would experience a significant boost thanks to the agreement. In order to preserve the competitiveness of both regions, the business community in the joint statement calls for the swift conclusion of negotiations.?
More info: Dominic Alexander Boucsein , Head of International Trade, [email protected]
Empowering educators to transform adult learning across Europe
In late October, Eurochambres and the European Commission hosted the "Back to Basics" Workshop on Adult Education Methodologies, bringing together over 20 educators and trainers from 17 EU countries. This online event, in the framework of the CLR Next project, focused on how adult learning principles, or andragogy, can create meaningful learning experiences tailored to adults.?
Experts including Cristina Dobrisan ( BEUC - The European Consumer Organisation ) and Giulia Rocchi (Eurochambres) guided participants through five core principles of adult education, such as practical application and self-direction. Attendees explored strategies for fostering inclusive, engaging environments and practiced facilitation techniques through interactive exercises.?
A key highlight was the panel discussion on strengthening local trainer networks. Trainers shared approaches for community-building and peer support, with the Eurochambres Women Network presenting an inspiring example of fostering knowledge exchange and growth.?
The workshop is part of the CLR Next project, empowering businesses across Europe with practical training in consumer law. Led by Eurochambres, BEUC - The European Consumer Organisation , and SMEunited with support from the European Commission , CLR Next helps SMEs stay competitive.?
More info: Līga Si?eva , Project Officer, [email protected]
Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry elects Elek Nagy as new President
Elek Nagy was elected as the new President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry at HCCI general assembly on 30 October, 2024 with an overwhelming majority. Mr. Elek Nagy is President of Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a well - known Hungarian businessman, owner of Hungary’s oldest auction house, of a huge real estate group and is present in the personal transportation business. He will represent a network of 23 affiliated Chambers and about 900.000 businesses they represent. Mr. Elek Nagy replaces Mr. László Parragh who served in the role since 2000. ?
More info: Peter Urbanyi , [email protected]?
Three weeks to Connecting European Chambers
Join us in Brussels on 9–10 December 2024 for the 9th edition of Connecting European Chambers, a key event designed to bring together local, regional, and national chambers from the Eurochambres network interested in EU-funded projects. ?
As discussions on the next EU multiannual financial framework gather momentum, Connecting European Chambers will also be a good opportunity to consider the longer term engagement of our network in EU-funded initiatives to support businesses and drive future competitiveness. ?
This event offers a unique opportunity for chamber representatives from across Europe to explore EU programmes, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration.
The event will feature:
More info: Roxana Dediu , Events and Communications Officer, [email protected]
Join Eurochambres as Policy Advisor for Skills
Are you passionate about shaping policies that boost Europe’s competitiveness?
Eurochambres, representing over 20 million businesses across Europe, is looking for a Policy Advisor for Skills to lead key initiatives in Skills, Entrepreneurship Education, and Migration.
In this role, you’ll monitor EU policy developments, and represent Eurochambres with policymakers and stakeholders. We’re seeking candidates with a strong understanding of EU policy processes, experience working with or within EU institutions, and excellent communication skills in English and another European language (German or French preferred).
We offer a stimulating international work environment, opportunities to build a strong professional network, and a competitive benefits package.
If you’re ready to make a difference, email your CV and motivation letter to [email protected] with “Policy Advisor for Skills” in the subject line.