Tuesday 14 November saw the 6th edition of the European Parliament of Enterprises, an event bringing together more than 700 entrepreneurs from the Member States for a day of debates and votes in the Chamber. Held every two years, this session gives representatives from virtually all of the EU’s commercial and industrial sectors the opportunity to voice their comments and concerns to European legislators.
This edition was organised around three key issues for businesses: energy, skills and international trade, with the single market as a common thread, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary (see EUROPE 13280/9).
The session was an opportunity for entrepreneurs to reiterate a number of grievances against the EU, in particular its administrative burden, known as ‘red tape’ which weighs on European businesses. In his introductory speech, Vladimír Dlouhý, President of Eurochambres (the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry), highlighted the EU’s “inability, or perhaps sometimes unwillingness” to take on board the problems facing European businesses. “The Green Deal has added another layer to European legislation, which already weighs heavy on the shoulders of businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises”, he said. “We absolutely must strike a balance between increasing European competitiveness and environmental standards. Without discussion, we won’t get anywhere”.
Inadequacy of the internal market and loss of competitiveness
The 700 entrepreneurs spent the day debating and then voting on a number of questions relating to major topical issues. At the start of the session, they expressed their views on the current state of the single market: 93% of them felt that it was not sufficiently developed and did not allow exchanges to be as free as they could be.
They also stressed the need for the EU to continue to develop strategic trade partnerships and rapidly conclude the free trade agreements still under negotiation. In the vote at the end of the debate, 97% of respondents felt that the current geopolitical tensions were having a negative impact on the way their supply chain operates.
The last two votes also produced clear-cut results: 88% of entrepreneurs say that it is more difficult to recruit qualified staff than it was five years ago; 87% believe that the objectives of the Green Deal will reduce Europe’s competitiveness on the world market.
The 700 entrepreneurs hope to be able to send a clear message to the EU about the issues they face: tackling chronic labour shortages, finding sustainable solutions to the energy crisis and enabling businesses, particularly SMEs, to take full advantage of trade agreements. (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)