Czech business representation to EU will operate for 3 more years

The Czech Business Representation to the EU in Brussels (CEBRE) will lobby for Czech entrepreneurs' interests for three more years, as an amendment to the contract was signed by its founders at the Brno International Engineering Fair (MSV).

CEBRE was established 15 years ago by the Czech Industry and Trade Ministry, CzechTrade agency, Confederation of Employers' and Entrepreneurs' Associations, Confederation of Industry, and Chamber of Commerce. CEBRE's tasks include lobbying for Czech entrepreneurs' advantage within the road package negotiations concerning future organisation of the single market in terms of posting of workers.

France's and Germany's national regulations are currently significantly complicating the international lorry transport due to minimum wage requirements and other aspects, which increases costs of Czech hauliers.

"CEBRE is a very good project which is key for our country from its entering the EU (in 2004)," the Confederation of Industry president Jaroslav Hanak said. The Czech Republic should attempt to adopt the euro as quickly as possible, as a big share of entrepreneurs are already using it, Hanak said.

CEBRE also provides latest information from Brussels. "Mainly small and medium-sized companies appreciate our help," the Chamber of Commerce vice-president Irena Bartonova Palkova said. Industry and Trade Minister Jiri Havlicek said that contract on CEBRE's operation is expected to be renewed every two years after 2020, provided business associations are interested and CEBRE still works according to their needs.

Source: ČTK