High expectations for the upcoming omnibus simplification package
26 February, the date set by President Ursula von der Leyen for the publication of the first omnibus simplification proposal, should be a turning point for European competitiveness and for the business community. This was the main message to emerge from this morning’s SME Europe / Eurochambres event in the European Parliament.?
The volume of EU law increased markedly during the previous legislative term, while efforts to address the stockpile were minimal. Reflecting this, the European Council in November 2024 called for a ‘simplification revolution’. European businesses need relief from disproportionate reporting and compliance requirements so that they can focus more on their core activities and thus contribute to competitiveness and growth, Eurochambres Chief Executive Officer, Ben Butters , said at today’s event.?
The President of SME Europe , J?rgen Warborn MEP, stressed that simplification will not be impactful if it is limited purely to reporting requirements. He also recognised that the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have a key role to play in ensuring that simplification proposals are agreed and delivered.?
Our 60 proposals to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses provide?precise, grass roots feedback from entrepreneurs across the chamber network on the hurdles that they encounter. Simplification is a key element in the competitiveness agenda and we encourage the European Commission and the co-legislators to take swift action.
More info: Giacomo Fersini, Senior Policy Advisor for Economic Policy, [email protected]
Competitiveness Compass: It's time to move on from window dressing to substantive initiatives & reforms
The long-awaited “Competitiveness Compass for the EU” was presented by the European Commission on 29 January, jointly with the Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report. While the latter points to a worrying increase in EU's market fragmentation, the former should represent the economic doctrine for the years to come.?
While fully supporting all efforts to revive Europe’s competitiveness, Eurochambres questioned in its initial reaction whether the Compass will significantly shift the needle for our struggling business community. Eurochambres President Vladimír Dlouhy, commented:
“It is time to move on from window dressing to substantive initiatives and far-reaching reforms that will stimulate innovation, investment and employment, starting I hope with next month’s simplification omnibus package.”?
See our reaction here.?
More info: Giacomo Fersini , Senior Economic Policy Advisor [email protected]
Eurochambres International Trade Committee discusses priorities for 2025
In the presence of committee chair, Ian Talbot , chamber trade experts gathered for the first meeting of 2025 of the Eurochambres’ International Trade Committee on 23 January. Attendees discussed chamber priorities and activities for the rest of the year.
Ratification of the landmark EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement remains a top priority, a stance that was reiterated in a dynamic discussion with Paolo Garzotti , Head of Unit in the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission .?
Following the conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the EU-Swiss bilateral economic relationship, announced in December, chambers engaged in a discussion with Nicolas von Lingen, Head of Unit in Secretariat General of the European Commission, on the outcome and next steps for ratification.
Moving forward, the chamber network will continue advocating ?for greater access to foreign markets of our? internationally active companies.??
More info: Dominic Alexander Boucsein , Head of International Trade, [email protected]
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Eurochambres Chief Economist Group discusses the ingredients for Europe's industrial resilience
On 29 January Eurochambres held the second meeting of its Chief Economists Group under the chairmanship of?President, Vladimír Dlouhy. As EU entrepreneurs navigate a rapidly evolving and turbulent landscape, the group discussed factors eroding EU's industrial resilience and Europe’s positioning on the global stage. Invited as a guest speaker, European Commission DG GROW Chief Economist, Mr Román Arjona referred to the high level of systemic uncertainty that companies face from supply chain distress and dependencies in sectors that are key to Europe’s competitiveness.?
As empirical evidence remains essential to inform policymaking, the Chief Economists Group invited the Commission to undertake further analyses on the cumulative impact of ESG-related legislation on the capacity of SMEs to compete with their global peers.?
More info: Giacomo Fersini , Senior Economic Policy Advisor [email protected]
Strengthening Europe’s single market: Three proposals for greater efficiency
At a high-level roundtable on January 29, chaired by Renew Europe MEPs Svenja Hahn and Anna-Maja Henriksson , Eurochambres Senior Policy Advisor Frederico Martins highlighted three key ideas from the chamber network to strengthen Europe’s single market.?
First, raising awareness of existing tools like SOLVIT in coordination with the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).?
Second, leveraging digital tools to help businesses identify and navigate regulatory requirements, simplifying compliance with complex legal obligations. ??
Finally, improving the functioning of the TRIS notification procedure, which currently lacks transparency and oversight.?
Mr. Martins also emphasised the need for a comprehensive single market strategy focused on growth and competitiveness to build a stronger, more resilient European economy.?
More info: Frederico Martins , Senior Policy Advisor for Single Market, [email protected]
Empowering energy-efficient SMEs
The EnergyEfficency4SMEs and EE4Horeca projects, funded by the EU and managed by Eurochambres, aim to empower SMEs with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement effective energy-saving practices. Through these projects, companies gain access to the IMPAWATT e-learning platform, which serves as a comprehensive resource hub available in English, with language versions for each participating country.?
SMEs can access best practices, training quizzes, checklists, and webinars on energy-saving strategies. A self-assessment tool helps businesses gauge energy efficiency and get improvement recommendations.?
The platform’s financial section guides SMEs in securing funding for energy efficiency projects, offering tailored financial support insights.?
For further information you can access the E-Platform here: E-Learning Platform – Energy Efficiency for SME?
More info: Joel Fernandes , Project Officer [email protected]