Business message to Belgian EU Presidency: Tackle the short-term challenges and empower the European economy for the future

The Presidents and Directors General of BusinessEurope’s member federations gathered today in Brussels at the invitation of the Federation of Belgian enterprises, VBO-FEB, and presented their priorities for the incoming Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union to the Belgian government.

They also exchanged views with Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, and had an audience with His Majesty King Philippe.

official credit: © Koninklijk Paleis, België/Palais royal, Belgique/Königlicher Palast, Belgien/Royal Palace, Belgium

BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson said: "he European economy is growing even more sluggishly in the first half of 2023, and the six months of the Belgian Presidency will be crucial. We urge the incoming Belgian Presidency to finalise the adoption of the proposals that are essential for the competitiveness and development of European SMEs. We call on the Belgian Presidency to create regulatory breathing space for companies, strike the right balance between security and openness, and flank the Green Deal with an Industrial Deal.

The EU must continue to conclude trade agreements that offer access to new markets and investment opportunities for European companies. The EU is only 6% of the world population and 85% of economic growth in the coming years will be generated outside the EU."

René Branders, President of the VBO-FEB, and Pieter Timmermans, CEO of the VBO-FEB, added: "The Federation of Enterprises in Belgium is proud to welcome BusinessEurope and its member federations from all over Europe to prepare for the upcoming Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU. In these turbulent geopolitical times, with the centre of gravity moving away from Europe, Belgium has a crucial role to play in making Europe once again the place for business, innovation, and investment. We therefore count on the Belgian Presidency to continue to put competitiveness at the forefront of the ambitious strategy for the next European agenda."