Together with other business associations, BUSINESSEUROPE sent a letter to the European Commission and the Indian government warning of the serious negative effects that India's preferential market access policy (PMA policy) will have for the Indian economy and its trade relationship with foreign partners. The PMA policy restricts foreign companies from competing fairly in Indian government procurement. BUSINESSEUROPE called upon the Indian government to halt the PMA mandate for private-sector procurement, and urged that this initiative is addressed in the framework of the current EU-India FTA negotiations as its implementation jeopardises the objectives of free trade between the EU and India. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 18 December BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Markus J. Beyrer wrote a letter to Commissioner De Gucht stressing the fact that although the negotiations for a comprehensive economic and trade agreement with Canada are expected to be concluded in the coming weeks, several important issues must be solved to promote trade and investment. BUSINESSEUROPE calls on the Commission to maintain its strong stance on access to public procurement, protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights especially in the pharmaceutical sector, investment provisions, rules of origin, services and market access for the EU’s high value-added agriculture products.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 18 December Servet Gören, Vice-Chair of BUSINESSEUROPE’s Trade Policy Instruments working group, spoke at a workshop organised by the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament concerning the modernisation of EU’s trade defence instruments (TDIs). TDIs are the only legitimate way to defend competitive industries that suffer from injury caused by unfair trade practices. The EU TDI system already unilaterally contains provisions that go beyond the WTO agreement and must not be weakened by the current modernisation exercise. Any unbalanced unilateral EU decision would seriously risk hampering the EU economy, at a time when industry and its defence should be considered a top priority. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 18 December, Sofia Bournou participated in a public hearing on “The achievements and future prospects of the Millennium Development Goals: input from civil society”. The role of the private sector in the development policy-making process is important and new ways should be explored to better leverage private-sector resources, as trade and investment can be useful tools to increase employment, improve government and contribute to poverty reduction. The need for a more structured dialogue with the Commission and other stakeholders was also stressed. This could help invert the Commission’s reluctance to engage directly with large European companies as well as contribute to effectively addressing the contradictions of EU policy currently observed on governance issues. Finally, examples of types of partnerships developed by European companies in countries like Kenya and Tanzania were presented.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 14 December, a letter on BUSINESSEUROPE's concerns about the transparency and accounting directives was sent to the Cyprus Presidency, the upcoming Irish Presidency, the European Commission as well as the European Parliament. The letter stresses the ramifications that reporting requirements, especially project-by-project, will have for the competitiveness of the European extractive sector and the security of raw materials supply in the EU. BUSINESSEUROPE calls for focused legislation, more flexibility on the definition of project, defence of the principles of the OECD guidelines for multinational entreprises and the introduction of a mutual recognition clause for companies that also apply relevant regimes. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 13 December, Jeroen Hardenbol spoke at a conference on scientific support to innovation in the service sector organised by the European Commission and Cyprus EU Presidency. As services drive competitiveness and growth, and offer wide scope for the creation of new jobs, new concepts and novel markets, service innovation is of great importance. It can help Europe to transform and modernise the way products and services are offered and contribute to recovering more quickly from the current economic downturn. BUSINESSEUROPE emphasises that competition is the best way to foster service innovation. Therefore, it is fundamental to remove remaining barriers in the single market to create a competitive and dynamic environment and to enhance other framework conditions through smart regulation, the availability of adequate financing and public procurement of innovative solutions. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 13 December, Maxime Cerutti, Social Affairs Director, gave views on the annual growth survey (AGS) to members of the Social Protection Committee. He supported the AGS call for structural reforms at national level, including modernising labour markets and encouraging longer working lives. Tax and benefit systems should be designed to avoid unemployment traps, by facilitating participation and re-integration into employment. To achieve this, social security spending should be targeted in priority to contribute to employment and growth. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE urges the European Council meeting on 13-14 December to tackle continuing uncertainties that undermine investor confidence in the European Union. A stable and coherent economic and political framework is needed to improve competitiveness and growth. The Council must agree a specific and time-bound roadmap for further strengthening the Euro drawing on President Van Rompuy’s report ‘Towards a genuine economic and monetary union’. Although long-term in nature, such a roadmap can have an immediate impact in strengthening confidence. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 12 December, Director General Markus Beyrer sent a letter to Vice-President Neelie Kroes supporting the recently presented Commission strategy to unleash the potential of cloud computing as a fundamental piece of the digital single market. Cloud computing can foster growth not only in digital industries, but also in the “traditional” sectors of the economy. It is however essential to establish the appropriate applicable legal framework – in particular on data protection – and avoid prescribing or promoting a specific business model. A future-proof implementation of the strategy is needed, setting out principles and objectives and enabling markets to develop adequate standards. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 12 December President Jürgen Thumann presented BUSINESSEUROPE’s new Director General, Markus Beyrer, to the media. Building on the call for coherence in policies of BUSINESSEUROPE’s message to the European Council, Markus Beyrer stressed the importance of industrial competitiveness as a driver of growth and employment in all sectors of the economy. He also stressed the need to streamline regulation. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Although incremental progress was made by COP 18 in Doha, advancement towards a comprehensive agreement remains slow and inefficient. The EU’s commitment to a second period of the Kyoto Protocol until 2020, together with countries including Australia, Norway and Switzerland, remains unmatched by pledges from the major economies of the world. “Technology should be the driving force to deliver on energy cost-competitiveness, security of supply and climate action with the ambition of maintaining a strong industrial base in Europe”, said BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Markus Beyrer. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

In a letter to the Competitiveness Council meeting on 10-11 December, BUSINESSEUROPE argues that industry is a key driver of technological progress, it is the engine for trade and supports development of a wide range of services. The current crisis has rightly prompted renewed attention to the importance of a strong and competitive European industry. Industrial policy clearly requires not only a strong commitment at European level but also ambitious follow-up action and implementation at national level. The letter gives further details of the areas European companies regard as of key importance in terms of competitiveness, growth and job creation in Europe. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 7 December, Emmanuel Julien, Vice-Chair of BUSINESSEUROPE’s Social Affairs Committee attended a meeting of the Employment Committee to give reaction to the labour market aspects of the 2013 Annual Growth Survey (AGS). Mr Julien commented that fiscal discipline and structural reforms are beginning to show positive effects and this is acknowledged in the AGS call for continued progress to be made in implementing reforms to lay the foundations for a sustainable job-rich recovery. European employers support the continuity of priorities in next year’s AGS. Loes van Embden Andres, Chair of BUSINESSEUROPE’s Social Protection Working Group, also addressed participants at last week’s convention against poverty and social exclusion, setting out employers' views on the AGS from the perspective of social protection. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Philippe de Buck wrote to Mr Vassos Shiarly, President of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council, regarding the current discussions on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II / Regulation (MiFID II / MiFIR). He stressed that it is important that the new rules lead to a well-designed market architecture that functions effectively and with integrity, encourages growth, and prevents damage to businesses in the wider economy. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 5 December, BUSINESSEUROPE adopted a position on the issue of conflict minerals. Realising the complexity of the conflict in the Great Lakes region in Africa, the document argues that business can nevertheless play a role to help address the situation by increasing transparency in the trade of conflict minerals. Deeply concerned about the impact of the Dodd Frank Act at global level, BUSINESSEUROPE calls on the Commission to avoid the duplication of the Dodd Frank Act and adopt instead a more tailored approach that would not undermine existing industry-led efforts. Furthermore, closer cooperation should be established both between different sectors and between business, governments, the European Commission and the External Action Service. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 5 December, BUSINESSEUROPE replied to the European Commission’s staff working document “Transnational company agreements (TCAs): realising the potential of social dialogue”. BUSINESSEUROPE emphasises that there is no need for an EU policy on TCAs. Only 100 Europe-headquartered multinationals have opted for TCAs while more than 53,000 have not. A high proportion of companies which signed TCAs had positive experience with their agreements. At the same time, the agreements differ greatly from each other as they need to be adapted to specific needs of a company and its contracting partner. The possibility to develop tailor-made arrangements is the strength of TCAs.(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 4 December, Nils Trampe, Chair of BUSINESSEUROPE’s Industrial Relations Working Group, took part in a meeting on posting of workers enforcement directive organised by the Polish EPP delegation. Mr Trampe expressed support for the rapporteur’s proposal to delete the obligation on Member States to establish joint and several liability, as such an instrument would harm the development of the single market and competitiveness of EU companies. He also indicated that the list of elements used to assess whether posting is genuine (Article 3) should remain open and indicative, and that a valid A1 form could constitute one of them. He also acknowledged the need to further improve transparency and accessibility of information about terms and conditions of employment which have to be observed by companies posting workers.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 4 December, Social Affairs Adviser Magda Bober participated in a panel discussion on EWCs and their role in restructuring organised by the Presence Group. The capacity to adjust quickly to changing circumstances is key for companies to remain competitive on the global market. Prescriptive EU guidance on how companies should assess their future employment trends and skills needs would be counterproductive as anticipatory tools need to be adapted to specific needs of each company to add value. Constructive dialogue between managers and employees at company level can facilitate change management. However, comprehensive EU legal framework to assist such a dialogue exists and there is no need for further legislation. Efforts should focus on improving the added value of processes and structures which are already in place, including European works councils.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 3 December, Philippe de Buck participated in the European Chemical Employers Group – ECEG – 10 year anniversary. Invited to comment on achievements and challenges regarding the “social pillar of sustainability”, he underlined that BUSINESSEUROPE supports the European model of solidarity. But there is one prerequisite to our social sustainability. This is economic growth. High and increasing levels of social expenditures can only be afforded if labour in Europe contributes to competitiveness. In the short term, the key challenge is job creation. 6.8 million jobs have been lost since 2008 in construction and industry. We need to re-industrialise Europe and at the same time ensure that Europe continues to develop world-class services where many jobs can be created in the future.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 30 November, Jeroen Hardenbol spoke at a conference organised by CEPS on the effectiveness of points of single contact (PSCs) for the single market. European service companies want PSCs that better respond to their needs. They need to provide more accurate and complete information on a wider range of service activities, but also on practical information related to labour law, VAT rules, taxation or social security, and in multiple languages. In addition, it should become possible to complete more administrative procedures and formalities entirely online through the PSCs. To achieve this, BUSINESSEUROPE supports the Commission initiative to have Member States sign up to a “PSC charter” to set quantitative quality standards and better benchmark progress made in improving PSC performance.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Reacting to the decision by EU Trade Ministers to launch free-trade negotiations with Japan, Director General Philippe de Buck stressed that the level of ambition in the negotiations will have be high for all market access issues. Particular focus must be given to the removal of non-tariff barriers. The final agreement must create a level playing field between the two economies. BUSINESSEUROPE will actively follow the negotiations, and hopes that Japan will prove its strong commitment and ability to open the Japanese market by removing long-standing barriers to trade and investment.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 29 November, a group of European and US business organisations – including BUSINESSEUROPE – sent a letter to US President Barack Obama as well as Presidents Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso expressing their continued strong support for the High Level Working Group on jobs and growth and its work to deepen the transatlantic economic and commercial relationship. The business organisations urge the EU and US to take the bold step of launching negotiations next year on an ambitious and comprehensive US-EU trade, investment and regulatory cooperation agreement.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

In its Autumn 2012 Economic Outlook, BUSINESSEUROPE expects EU GDP to fall by 0.2% in 2012 (-0.6% in the euro area), and to grow by just 0.5% in 2013 (0.1% in the euro area). As a consequence, we expect employment to fall by 400,000 in 2013, following forecast 700,000 job losses in 2012. The report underlines the importance of Member States addressing the priorities set out in the Commission’s 2013 Annual Growth Survey, also published on 28 November. Many Member States are making important progress in reducing budget deficits and improving cost competitiveness and therefore trade performance. But European countries need to press ahead with implementation of structural reform and fiscal consolidation programmes.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 27 November, BUSINESSEUROPE sent a letter to Commissioner Karel De Gucht outlining BUSINESSEUROPE’s concerns about implementation by Russia of the WTO Accession Protocol and bilateral EU-Russia commitments. The importance of timely and correct implementation of Russia’s commitments is emphasised as it can become the basis for improving the business climate and increasing stability and predictability for investors. Concerned about recent protectionist measures that were adopted by Russia, BUSINESSEUROPE has included in its to the Commission an annex with the following indicative cases: introduction of a recycling fee for vehicles, restrictions on imports of wood as well as regulatory restrictions for beer as proposed in the reform of the Customs Union technical regulation.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 27 November Daniel Cloquet took part in a workshop organised by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation on challenges and business opportunities for EU SMEs in Japan. He highlighted a number of practical points for increasing the impact of actions by intermediary organisations aimed at helping EU SMEs to seize these business opportunities, focusing on the case of brokerage events and company missions organised in the framework of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and on initiatives promoting cooperation between European and Japanese clusters. He also shared broader BUSINESSEUROPE views and expectations regarding EU SME internationalisation policy. (BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Speaking at the European Employment Forum on 27 November, Maxime Cerutti, Director of Social Affairs, took stock of implementation to date of the European social partners work programme 2012-2014. The key issue is how to foster job creation to reduce unsustainable levels of unemployment in Europe. For BUSINESSEUROPE, the role of the manufacturing sector in raising Europe’s productivity, enhancing competitiveness and creating jobs should be highlighted more. The priority for the next months is the framework of action on youth employment which we hope to conclude in time for the Tripartite Social Summit in March 2013.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Philippe de Buck wrote to Internal Market and Services Commissioner Michel Barnier to express concern about the announcement by the United States of a postponement in implementation of the Basel III prudential rules for banks. The proposals for revision of the capital requirement rules (CRD IV/CRR) are fundamental for financial market stability in the EU. Any unilateral approach in this area must be avoided.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Ahead of the start of trilogue negotiations of the European Regional Development Fund, BUSINESSEUROPE sent a letter to the Cyprus presidency, Commissioner Hahn, MEPs Danuta Hübner and Jan Olbrycht, reiterating the need to maintain access to the productive investment part of this fund for large enterprises. Adopting a discriminatory approach against non-SMEs sends a wrong message to private investors and goes against the EU’s wider strategy for sustainable growth and the objective of a renewed industrial base in Europe. Narrowing the scope of the legislation therefore risks having an adverse effect, including for SMEs which often form important value chains with large enterprises.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 22 November BUSINESSEUROPE participated in a panel discussion on integrating groups at risk of discrimination in the labour market, as part of the Equality Summit “Promoting Equality for Growth” that was organised by the European Commission and the Cyprus Presidency in Nicosia (Cyprus). Alfred van Delft from the Confederation of Dutch industry and employers VNO-NCW emphasised that focusing on economic growth and improving employment prospects of disadvantaged people is the best way to foster inclusion. In line with the framework agreement on inclusive labour markets signed in 2010, social partners are currently implementing measures aiming to facilitate access, return, retention and development on labour markets.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Healines)

On 22 November BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General, Philippe de Buck, sent a letter to the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee ahead of the vote on the revision of public procurement, scheduled for 18 December. BUSINESSEUROPE is deeply concerned that some of the amendments under discussion will affect the well-functioning of the public procurement market and the single market as a whole. It is crucial that any revision safeguards transparency, market openness and competitive tendering.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Healines)

BUSINESSEUROPE participated on 22 November in a meeting of the Social Protection Committee, comprising member state representatives. Rebekah Smith, Senior Adviser, emphasised the need for economic growth and labour market inclusion to ensure the sustainability of social protection systems. A balancing act needs to be found between providing adequate income support for those not able to work whilst avoiding increased take-up of benefits leading to unsustainable pressure on social systems. Tax and benefit systems should be designed to avoid unemployment traps, and social spending should be focused on supporting integration of people in the labour market.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE calls on the Parties in Doha to develop and adopt a clear and binding roadmap that will lead to a global climate change agreement in 2015 for entry into force by 2020. European business supports the EU’s conditional offer to increase the EU 20% emission reduction target in case other major industrialised countries commit to comparable reductions. BUSINESSEUROPE stresses the importance of continuing implementation of the Green Technology Fund and the Technology Mechanism in cooperation with business to promote technology deployment. It also calls on the EU to ensure that intellectual property rights are fully protected within the current and future climate change agreements.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 21 November, BUSINESSEUROPE Director Philippe de Buck wrote a letter to Commissioner De Gucht stressing the importance of trade defence instruments (TDI), which are the only remedy that companies have to restore fair competition. The letter highlights that TDI must be balanced and effective. BUSINESSEUROPE would like to be consulted in the expected legislative and non-legislative process, as stakeholders can provide an essential input and should be involved in the drafting of the guidelines. Finally, guidelines should codify existing practices and be presented at the same time as the legislative proposal.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE participated on 20 November in a panel discussion organised by Population Europe on active ageing and redistribution of work in Europe. Rebekah Smith, Senior Adviser for Social Affairs emphasised the need for longer working lives to deal with demographic change. A broader approach to demographic change can be useful, reflecting on and if necessary rethinking how careers are organised over the whole life course. However, this does not mean that there can be a trade-off between extending working lives and reducing working hours in earlier periods of life, as some currently propose. This will only put more pressure on the sustainability of social protection systems, whereas the aim should be to reduce this.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 20 November, BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General Philippe de Buck spoke at the high-level summit on industry “Cumbre de la industria” organised by the Spanish member CEOE in Madrid. The summit was opened by CEOE President Juan Rosell and by the Spanish Minister for Industry, José Manuel Soria. Mr de Buck addressed the entrepreneurs attending the event on the subject “European entrepreneurial vision on the role of industry”. He focused his intervention on BUSINESSEUROPE's position on industrial policy, on the current economic situation and on the challenges facing companies on the international scene.

On 19 November Director Philippe de Buck wrote a letter to Commissioner De Gucht reaffirming BUSINESSEUROPE’s support for a high-level of ambition in negotiations for an EU-Singapore free-trade agreement, expected to be concluded by the end of the year. European business calls for renewed ambition on a number of issues, including the need for regulatory cooperation and technical barriers to trade to be applied in a non-discriminatory manner and ensure open access for all product groups without exception as well as services and investment.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

In a letter to Commissioner Hedegaard, BUSINESSEUROPE's Director General de Buck stressed how intellectual property rights (IPRs) play a key role in promoting future economic growth and help position European business in an increasingly innovation-driven global economy. For this reason, BUSINESSEUROPE urges the Commission to maintain its strong position in favour of protecting IPRs and to reject any efforts to add the issue of IPRs to the UNFCCC agenda in order to weaken them.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

The Cyprus Presidency and the Commission organised the first European SME Assembly in Nicosia, bringing together more than 400 stakeholders and policy-makers. The Assembly underlined the need to support SMEs and to maximise their potential. Hugh Morgan-Williams, Chair of the BUSINESSEUROPE Entrepreneurship and SME Committee, clarified how best to remove the obstacles in the path of SME growth, e.g. the need to remove the uncertainties around the Euro, address structurally low growth in Europe and remove the obstacles to trade within the internal market. He called for an EU budget that reflects a business-driven growth strategy. Hugh Morgan-Williams and Daniel Cloquet also took part in the meeting of the Network of SME Envoys. The Network created five task forces to progress pro-SME measures at national and European level.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Speaking at a seminar organised by Nordic Innovation at the European Parliament on 14 November, Senior Adviser Guido Lobrano highlighted the importance of an ambitious follow-up to the June 2012 Commission communication on governance in the single market. The economic benefits of further integration will only be achieved if Member States apply the rules correctly, and public authorities respect them. The seminar analysed concrete cases in public procurement, goods and e-commerce showing the barriers met by companies.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE considers the carbon market report a first contribution to the critical discussion on the future of the EU climate policy. However it warns that a hasty implementation of any of the options proposed by the report would not provide a comprehensive solution that would stimulate long-term growth and investment in Europe. Instead, a stable and predictable legislative framework is indispensable for business investments. European business calls on EU institutions to discuss real structural measures to improve the EU climate and energy package as whole with a view to 2030.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Education policies based on partnerships between employers and education providers are essential for addressing labour markets skills needs. This was the main message delivered today by Maxime Cerutti, BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director of Social Affairs, during the Jean Monnet conference on the role of education and training in bringing sustainable growth to the EU. Developing and strengthening such partnerships, for example in the form of dual-learning apprenticeship systems, will help overcome skills mismatches and restore Europe’s economic growth and competitiveness.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE has expressed business concerns ahead of the ECOFIN meeting on 13 November discussing enhanced cooperation by 11 Member States on the FTT. If a financial transactions tax is to be introduced, full consideration should be first given to an appropriate limitation of the scope of the tax and to exemptions that can minimise its negative impact on growth and jobs. Those EU countries which have chosen not to adopt the FTT should not suffer a negative externality from the tax. We therefore warn that before proceeding further, the Council must ensure it has benefited from a full impact assessment which provides a robust analysis of the consequences of the FTT both for participating and non-participating Member States and for the Single Market as a whole.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 13 November, BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General Philippe de Buck and incoming Director general Markus Beyrer participated in a meeting of the Friends of Cohesion group, organised by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Portuguese Prime-Minister Passos Coelho, and representing 16 Member States, in order to alert to the need for a swift agreement on the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020. BUSINESSEUROPE welcomed cohesion policy as an important tool to improve the competitiveness of European regions but urged a real reform. Simplification, results-oriented programmes, focus on strategic priorities, are all fundamental to make this policy more effective and to boost competitiveness, crucial for BUSINESSEUROPE. Finally, BUSINESSEUROPE alerted to the fact that, without an agreement on the MFF, also negotiations on various policies cannot be finalised, risking a late start of programmes.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 12 November, BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Philippe de Buck wrote to Presidents Barroso and Van Rompuy, and Commissioner De Gucht on the possible launch of FTA negotiations between the European Union and Japan, with a view to the upcoming European Council meeting where the negotiations might be addressed. The objective of the letter is to stress that the level of ambition of the negotiating directives must be high for all market access issues, including the effective removal of non-tariff and regulatory measures, to ensure that industry and services priorities are fully covered in a potential negotiation. A selection of very significant non-tariff barriers is described in an annex to the letter.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 12 November, Philippe de Buck took part in the macroeconomic dialogue at political level. The meeting gave BUSINESSEUROPE an opportunity to set out its position on important economic issues to key EU decision-makers including Eurogroup President Jean-Claude Juncker, Commissioners Rehn and Andor, ECFIN President Vassos Shiarly and ECB Vice-President Vítor Constâncio. Mr de Buck appealed to all social partners to recognise the important efforts made by the EU and the ECB’s role for safeguarding the euro. He also explained the importance for EU leaders to reach an agreement on increasing economic and financial integration. He also argued that the way in which Member States will further commit to public finance consolidation and growth-enhancing reforms will determine the long-term growth prospects for the EU and investor perception of the robustness of the euro.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE addressed member-state representatives and other stakeholders on 8 November at a DG Employment seminar on tackling long-term unemployment. Senior Adviser Rebekah Smith highlighted that this is an important issue for business, as it leads to a depreciation of skills, negatively affects the sustainability of social protection systems and is a waste of labour market potential. To tackle long-term unemployment, we need a return to economic growth as a condition for job creation as well as further labour market reforms at national level. Social protection systems should be geared to labour market participation and skills mismatches should also be dealt with.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Ahead of the special EU Council on 22-23 November, BUSINESSEUROPE addressed a letter to President Van Rompuy calling for a swift agreement on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) and for a final agreement that reflects the challenges of the future by investing in a business-driven growth. BUSINESSEUROPE would have deep concerns if the final agreement on the multiannual financial framework was to see reductions in competitiveness-related areas, in particular Horizon 2020, Connecting Europe facility and Competitiveness and SME programme. The MFF must give the EU the means to reach its goals of competitiveness, cohesion and prosperity. BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General Philippe de Buck also handed over the letter personally to Commissioner Lewandowski on 8 November.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

In response to the public consultation on options for resource efficiency indicators, BUSINESSEUROPE argues that it is important that the Commission understands and aligns its approach with that of business. This is important because it will be business which will have to put into practice the policy eventually resulting from the indicators. Whilst supporting the development of indicators BUSINESSEUROPE query the current proposed options and calls for an alternative approach more relevant to business.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

In the context of the ongoing state aid modernisation initiative, BUSINESSEUROPE on 7 November provided its recommendations on how to improve state aid procedures and the effective application of the rules in the areas of environmental protection, SME access to finance and in cases involving small amounts. In the current economic context, a strong focus on stimulus and growth is important. At the same time, a stronger state aid enforcement policy is needed. Increased decentralisation of control risks leading to subjective application of the rules with detrimental effects to free and fair competition.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

In a joint letter to European and US policy-makers, BUSINESSEUROPE, TABD and the US Chamber of Commerce voiced concerns against the use of compulsory licensing by India across sectors in an incompatible way with the fundamental principles of international trade. In addition, considering intellectual property as a barrier to growth and technology transfer in the context of the climate change negotiations was flawed. These policies will also harm India’s own path to a more industrialised, manufacturing, innovative and technology-based economy.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 7 November, BUSINESSEUROPE organised a seminar to discuss lessons learned from the 2009 energy and climate package as well as from the functioning of the EU internal energy market. This assessment is part of BUSINESSEUROPE’s activity to prepare a vision on energy and climate policy 2030 which promotes the sustainability and competitiveness of the European economy. Together with industry experts, representatives from the European Commission, the International Energy Agency and the French Institute of International Relations discussed the effectiveness of and interactions between the ETS and other regulatory measures. Experts also discussed the dynamics of the internal energy market, economic and environmental benefits as well as obstacles to better integration.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 7 November, BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director of Economics James Watson spoke at an event at the European Parliament jointly arranged by Swedish Enterprise, ‘EU budget 2014-2020 - Creating Growth through Cuts or Expansion?’. As part of a panel that included Kenneth Bengtsson, Chairman of Swedish Enterprise and MEPs Marit Paulsen and Göran Färm, James set out the need for the discussions on the EU’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework to reach an agreement that safeguards those areas of expenditure that are best able to help support growth and jobs. In particular, leaders must not reduce proposed expenditure on R&D (Horizon 2020), trans-European infrastructure (Connecting Europe), and supporting SME growth (COSME).
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 6 November, Social Affairs Director Maxime Cerutti took part in a lunch debate organised in the European Parliament by the Confederation of German Employer Associations BDA on “Creating opportunities for youth: dual training a "business case" for companies?” He welcomed this initiative which stems from BUSINESSEUROPE’s declaration on how to improve the quality and image of apprenticeships published in March 2012. There is a business case for companies to provide apprenticeships if the right framework conditions are put in place at national level. BUSINESSEUROPE calls on the European Union to allocate a share of the European Social Fund and of the Erasmus for All programme to provide seed funding for Member States that wish to establish or reform their dual-learning systems.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 31 October, BUSINESSEUROPE and the US Chamber of Commerce submitted a joint contribution to the public consultation launched by European Commission DG Trade on regulatory issues for a possible future trade agreement. BUSINESSEUROPE believes that the European Union and the United States should adopt a uniquely ambitious approach to regulatory issues in the context of a comprehensive transatlantic agreement, with the purpose of enhancing regulators’ efficiency and thus effectiveness in fulfilling their domestic regulatory mandates.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

The 2012 European Economic Debate organised by Confrontations Europe in Bologna on 30-31 October focused on industrial competitiveness. Asked to indicate the key factor for innovation, BUSINESSEUROPE’s Managing Director Thérèse de Liedekerke underlined the importance of confidence and acceptance that innovative companies have to take risks. Research and development is only the beginning of the process. 80% of R&D expenditure across the EU is spent in manufacturing. There is no guarantee of success for innovators. Access to finance for companies and regulatory conditions determine whether new products and services appear on the market or not. To re-industrialise Europe, we must get rid of contradictions in the EU agenda by truly prioritising research and competitiveness-enhancing spending in future EU budgets and drawing the right conclusion of competitiveness checks promised for every EU legislative proposal.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General Philippe de Buck has written to Internal Market and Services Commissioner Michel Barnier to raise concerns about ESMA draft regulatory technical standards in the area of ‘over-the-counter’ (OTC) derivatives markets. Among other issues, he emphasised that the clearing obligation should not apply across all classes of OTC derivatives as a result of a clearing threshold breach in one specific asset class as this would undercut the clearing exemption for non-financial companies contained in the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). This would prompt corporations to stop hedging risks, increasing not only the risk for the single corporation concerned but also for the economy as a whole.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 22 October BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General Philippe de Buck sent a letter to Commissioner Sefcovic, responsible for health and consumer policy, and to other Commissioners involved in product safety, stressing the importance of properly enforcing the legislative requirements in this area, ahead of the Commission’s adoption of its product safety package in the coming months. A more robust market surveillance system is needed, with more cooperation between Member States necessary as well as closer cooperation with authorities in trade partner countries. Non-compliant products pose a risk to public safety and to the public interest in general.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE has provided comments on the Commission proposal for a general data protection regulation, highlighting the need for a balanced approach between the free flow of personal data in the single market and an adequate level of protection. The business community welcomes the aim of the proposal to achieve greater harmonisation towards a digital single market for Europe. However, it is fundamental that the new rules do not create unnecessary burdens and increase costs without proportionate privacy benefit, discouraging digital innovation and competitiveness. Instead, the proposal should provide enough flexibility to allow different organisations to implement the most effective technical measures, adapted to the nature and structure of each organisation to ensure optimal mechanisms of data protection.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 19 October, Social Affairs Adviser Guillaume Cravero took part in a panel on the importance of collective bargaining in promoting gender equality as part of a conference organised by the Portuguese Commission for Equality at work and Employment (CITE). He underlined the diversity of tools, including collective bargaining, that social partners have at their disposal to address gender equality. In the context of the EU social partners’ framework of actions on gender equality, many interesting practices were identified at company, sectoral and national levels. Moreover, issues like the gender pay gap or gender roles can be addressed through better guidance, awareness-raising, cooperation platforms or training schemes.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 16 October René van Sloten, Chairman of the Market Access Working Group, represented BUSINESSEUROPE at a workshop organised by the European Parliament concerning the first year of implementation of the EU-South Korea free-trade agreement. René van Sloten stated that it will take time to reap the full benefits of the agreement and invited to consider the impact it will have on the industry as a whole. Even though it is difficult to assess the results of the FTA after only one year of operation, this is a good trade agreement that should serve as a model for equally ambitious FTAs. However, ambition on paper needs to be matched by ambition in implementation.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

The European social partners and representatives of the pensions industry have issued a joint statement expressing concerns about the Commission's approach on review of the pension fund (IORP) directive. This was in view of the launch of the impact study by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA). The signatories welcome that EIOPA has recognised that more assessments will be needed, in particular on the feasibility of a holistic balance sheet tool.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 18 October, Senior Adviser Guido Lobrano spoke at an event organised in London by the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in the context of the Single Market Week. The panel debate focused on how businesses can make the most of the opportunities and what needs to be done to complete the single market. He presented the findings of BUSINESSEUROPE’s publication “Single Market: the way forward”, focusing in particular on the importance of the commitment from all Member States.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 19 October, BUSINESSEUROPE’s Social Affairs Director Maxime Cerutti took part in a panel discussion on the impact of the crisis on labour law at EU and national level organised in the context of the 20th anniversary conference of the European Labour Law Academy in Trier. In the context of an unprecedented crisis, policy-makers at EU and national level should do everything possible to help companies across Europe to create jobs and prosperity again. Structural labour market reforms, including changes to the labour law frameworks, need to be considered everywhere to improve productivity and flexibility of labour markets and combat structural imbalances. Member States will only be able to guarantee social rights of citizens if their economies restart and sustain economic growth.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 24 October, a BUSINESSEUROPE delegation led by Director General Philippe de Buck discussed with Vice-President Almunia the concrete application of the state aid modernisation initiative to specific areas. State aid rules play a key role in the regulation of the Single Market. A strong focus on stimulus and growth in strategic areas needs to be accompanied by the achievement of more effective enforcement and more objective and uniform application of the rules at national level, in particular through increased responsibilities for Member States.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 19 October, BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Philippe de Buck, together with its Cyprus member (OEB) Director General Michael Pilikos and BUSINESSEUROPE’s Economics Director James Watson met the President of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias. They discussed the outcome of the European Council meeting (18-19 October) and the letter BUSINESSEUROPE sent in view of it; the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency and in particular those that business deems to be crucial (unitary patent, EU budget 2014-2020); the Single Market Act II; and the recent EC communication on industrial policy.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 18 October 2012, Director General Philippe de Buck addressed the Tripartite Social Summit for the last time. In the context of constrained public budgets, he stressed the importance of focusing EU efforts on setting the conditions for private-sector-led growth. Private investments will only pick up when confidence in the euro is restored. Moreover, achieving growth and jobs requires Member States and social partners to implement structural reforms, including on labour markets. In this respect, BUSINESSEUROPE asked that all social partners support the efforts made by the European Council, European Commission, and European Central Bank to safeguard the euro and put in place better European framework conditions for growth and jobs. Mr de Buck was thanked by Presidents Van Rompuy and Barroso for his long-standing contribution to EU business representation and in the European social dialogue.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 12 October, BUSINESSEUROPE sent comments to the European Commission on the work programme for implementation of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). Peter Breidenbach, Chair of BUSINESSEUROPE’s IED Task Force, asks the Commission to ensure that the reference documents on Best Available Techniques for the different industrial sectors are economically viable. This can only be achieved by having a timely and wisely process of stakeholder consultation, not by squeezing it into a shorter time. It must also guarantee proper consideration of confidential business information.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

USINESSEUROPE, CEEP, UEAPME and ETUC have sent a letter to Commissioners Hahn and Andor, the Cyprus presidency and Danuta Hübner, chair of the European Parliament’s REGI Committee to highlight the importance of the partnership principle in the EU’s cohesion policy. Social partners should be given a vital role in this partnership and the implementation of policies, in the same way as is proposed for regional and local authorities.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 11 October, Jeroen Hardenbol spoke at a meeting of the EUGO Network, the network of representatives from all the national Points of Single Contact (PSCs), organised by the European Commission to discuss PSC promotion. Despite significant promotional efforts at European and national level, PSC portals are still largely unknown amongst service companies, in particular start-ups and SMEs. At the same time, they can be instrumental for businesses that seek to provide services in another Member State by providing relevant information and assistance. National governments need to realise the great potential for better promoting and improving their PSC to attract foreign investment and cut costs by simplifying procedures and using e-government tools. In addition, the PSCs need to respond better to the needs and expectations of business.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 3 October, members of BUSINESSEUROPE’s Internal Market Policy Committee discussed the Single Market Act 2 (SMA 2) with Kristin Schreiber, Deputy Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Barnier. BUSINESSEUROPE supports the focus on the four drivers for growth, in particular those putting forward measures to further integrate the single market’s networks, facilitating mobility, supporting the digital economy and strengthening consumer confidence. The SMA 2 contains important ingredients to improve the functioning of the single market and can support growth and job creation in Europe. Given the difficult economic situation, actions need to be carried out timely and produce concrete results. Therefore, institutions and Member States need to deliver on the proposed inter-institutional partnership and make sure the announced measures are adopted as a matter of priority.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 17 October, Joana Valente, Adviser in BUSINESSEUROPE’s Economics department, participated in an EESC hearing on the common strategic framework (CSF), together with Commission representatives, members of the European Parliament and social partners. Joana Valente welcomed the clear effort by the Commission to simplify implementation of the cohesion rules currently under discussion, and the importance for the CSF to overcome an artificial separation of structural funds. Its link with the new economic governance rules is particularly appreciated given the need for EU funds to support structural reforms in Member States. However, it must be ensured that the CSF can provide strategic direction to member states without adding complexity to the system.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Speaking at the European Integration Forum that took place on 16 October 2012, Robert Plummer, Social Affairs Adviser at BUSINESSEUROPE, highlighted the important role that economic migration can play as part of the policy mix that will raise Europe’s productivity and competitiveness within the global economy. Economic migration will be necessary in view of Europe’s ageing population, but it should be seen as one of several areas, along with national labour market reforms and putting labour market needs at the centre of education, that are crucial for securing Europe’s future prosperity.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 16 October BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General Philippe de Buck took part in a panel together with John Dalli, the Commissioner for Health, to express BUSINESSEUROPE’s views on consumer product safety. In his speech, Mr De Buck stressed that product safety is good business policy and it is important to have a coherent legislative framework with proportionate and effective legislation. In addition, a strong market surveillance system is of the essence, with more cooperation between market surveillance and customs authorities needed as well as with market authorities in trade partner countries.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Director General Philippe de Buck and members of BUSINESSEUROPE’s Executive Committee on 11 October welcomed a very high-level business delegation from Keidanren, the leading Japanese federation. Main issues were the possibly upcoming EU-Japan free-trade negotiations, which were strongly advocated by Keidanren Chairman Yonekura. Mr de Buck made it clear that the European business community would expect from the Japanese authorities to really open its market by eliminating non-tariff barriers, and open key sectors such as railway procurement or services.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 15 October, BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Philippe de Buck met H.E. George Zodiates, Cyprus Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU. They discussed the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency (unitary patent, budget) and the letter that BUSINESSEUROPE sent in view of the European Council meeting on 18-19 October. This meeting was also an opportunity for delivering to the Ambassador and discuss two recent BUSINESSEUROPE publications: “Growing out of the crisis - 5 steps to restore confidence” and the recent “Single market: the way forward”.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 15 October, Director General Philippe de Buck met the Commissioner for Research and Innovation Máire Geoghegan-Quinn. They discussed the main issues concerning the Horizon 2020 package still to be addressed in the legislative process and how to ensure a successful EU framework for financing innovative projects. The Commissioner expressed her concern about the Horizon 2020 budget and the risk that this may be significantly cut in the framework of negotiations for the multiannual financial framework. Philippe de Buck stressed the importance of investing in research and innovation to contribute to economic growth and strengthen the competitiveness of European businesses. He therefore confirmed BUSINESSEUROPE’s support for the proposed 80bn euro budget for Horizon 2020.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the single market, one of the main achievements of European integration and one of the key drivers for renewed growth and job creation. BUSINESSEUROPE was represented on 15 October at the launch event of the Single Market Week in the European Parliament, as well as at several events at European and national level. Our representatives addressed the practical challenges for companies in the single market and presented concrete recommendations for improvement. All speakers pointed to BUSINESSEUROPE’s new publication “Single Market: the way forward” and stressed the importance of ensuring that single market rules work better in practice and are well applied in all Member States.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Ahead of the European Council meeting on 18-19 October, BUSINESSEUROPE President Thumann sent a letter to Presidents Van Rompuy and Barroso urging European leaders to commit to concrete steps which can safeguard the euro and enhance growth. Many member states have made strong progress in taking forward structural reforms which improve competitiveness, and EU governments are making progress on essential fiscal consolidation. But euro-area heads of state and government urgently need to commit to further concrete steps towards economic and political integration that, although long-term in nature, can have an immediate impact in increasing confidence in the European economy. This must be accompanied by a full commitment to balanced budgets and competitiveness-enhancing reforms in the short term.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 12 October, BUSINESSEUROPE President Jürgen Thumann and Director General Philippe de Buck congratulated Presidents Van Rompuy, Barroso and Schulz on the Nobel peace prize awarded to the EU. In its message, BUSINESSEUROPE shares its enthusiasm with EU leaders and states that this prize is a recognition of the value of the European project that today’s and yesterday’s EU leaders have developed.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE has commented on the consultation launched by the US Patent and Trademark Office on the implementation guidelines of the America Invents Act, in particular regarding the provisions on a “first-inventor-to-file” system. Even though the America Invents Acts achieves major strides towards harmonisation of US patent law with worldwide standards, it keeps the traditional US focus on the inventive process and the role of the inventor in the patent grant. BUSINESSEUROPE endorses the interpretation of the guidelines regarding the status and impact of third-party publications on the patent grant process.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 4 October, Sinne Conan, Director of European Affairs of the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), headed a BUSINESSEUROPE delegation in a meeting with Danuta Hübner, Chair of the REGI Committee at the European Parliament, to discuss the current negotiation on the future of cohesion policy and interactions with the ongoing debate on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2014-2020. Sinne Conan congratulated the work carried out by the European Parliament that, on many fronts, is strengthening further the initial Commission proposals. She also raised concerns from the business community in relation to the risk current MFF negotiations will lead to a cut in key areas for competitiveness such as Horizon 2020, Connecting Europe Facility, and the Competitiveness and SME programme.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Responding to a Commission enquiry, BUSINESSEUROPE has presented its views on the strategic development of the European Enterprise Network (EEN) for the period 2014-2020. BUSINESSEUROPE’s contribution comments in particular on the type of support services to be provided to SMEs, as well as on the management and the governance of the network. This issue and the EEN 2013 work programme will be discussed in November 2012 by the EEN Consultative Forum, of which BUSINESSEUROPE is a member.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Jean-Philippe Lacroix, Chairman of BUSINESSEUROPE’s Customs Working Group, and Senior Adviser Carsten Dannöhl on 9 October met MEP Constance Le Grip. They discussed Mrs Le Grip’s recent report on modernisation of the EU’s customs regime. Discussions focussed on the need to provide more benefits for companies recognised as authorised economic operators, proposed changes to rules of origin, customs valuation (First Sale rule), as well as local and centralised clearance. BUSINESSEUROPE highlighted the need to make the new customs rules workable and cost-efficient.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Philippe de Buck has written to the President of the ECOFIN Council, Vassos Shiarly, MEP Othmar Karas, and Internal Market and Services Commissioner Barnier to express concerns about current negotiations regarding the new capital requirement rules (CRD IV/CRR). These rules are fundamental for financial market stability in the EU but also have the potential to have a significant impact on access to financing for European companies and therefore long-term growth and investment. He stressed that the new rules should induce banks to focus more on traditional lending and guaranteed lines of credit to SMEs allowing the unconditional application of an SME supporting factor.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Speaking at a conference organised by ETUC on 4 October in Larnaca, Cyprus on “obstacles to older people remaining in work and facilitating access to the job market for younger people”, Maxime Cerutti, Director of social affairs, outlined BUSINESSEUROPE’s views on how to promote active ageing. Strong employment legislation and seniority-based pay systems act as disincentives to the recruitment of older workers. By contrast, flexible work arrangements are important to meet business and older workers’ needs. As regards youth employment, BUSINESSEUROPE supports the establishment of well functioning dual-learning apprenticeship systems in all EU countries. This will help achieve smoother transitions for young people onto the labour markets.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Within the context of the Open Days, on 10 October BUSINESSEUROPE organised an event on the future of cohesion policy. Attended by 250 participants, it attracted high-level representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament and the business community. The principles of the proposal to reform cohesion policy from 2014 are highly welcome by the business community. In particular, further efforts of simplification and a better use of financial instruments remain high in the agenda. However, several business representatives raised concerns that the proposal to exclude large enterprises from many aspects of the European Regional Development Fund risks having an adverse impact on the effectiveness of the funds, including for SMEs. Access to this fund should therefore be evaluated against the quality of the investment and its economic impact, and not against the size of the company.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

Director General of Commission DG Enterprise and Industry, Daniel Calleja Crespo met BUSINESSEUROPE’s SME and Entrepreneurship Committee on 4 October. The Commission wants to develop an EU action agenda focused on the needs of the real economy, and of SMEs in particular. This is reflected in the Horizon 2020 and COSME programmes, and in the communication on industrial policy. Both Mr Calleja Crespo and the Committee were in agreement that it is vital that the current negotiations on the 2014-2020 budget should not end up in underfunding the EU forward-looking policies. The meeting discussed also the scope of the upcoming European Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan that is being prepared with a view to addressing the deficit in entrepreneurs that is apparent in Europe. BUSINESSEUROPE has submitted a contribution on this issue.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 10 October, Philippe de Buck, BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General, met a number of EPP MEPs from Internal Market and Employment Committees to discuss the posting of workers enforcement directive. For BUSINESSEUROPE further development of cooperation between national authorities across the EU is the key to improve enforcement of the posting of workers directive in practice. On the contrary, businesses are opposed to the principle of joint and several liability in subcontracting, which would act as a barrier to operation of the single market and limit cross-border services provision.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

In a letter sent to Ministers Neoklis Sylikiotis and Stavros Malas, co-Chairs of the Competitiveness Council, BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General Philippe de Buck stresses that European business relies on the 10-11 October Council's decisions to create the conditions for companies to be successful. The letter draws attention to decisions European companies would like the Council to take in order to deliver on the full potential of the Single Market Act II. It stresses four key elements which must be at the heart of the implementation of the EU's industrial policy and calls for securing the proposed budget of EUR 80 billion for Horizon 2020.
(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE criticises in its response the Commission's approach to develop a code of good practice in this field. We agree that self- and co-regulation instruments can be promoted. However, a different approach should prevail. The development of guidance would be more appropriate to the field of CSR, than companies being asked to sign up to a code. Although voluntary, the code is too prescriptive and goes beyond the scope of self- and co-regulation. We are concerned that the aim is for this to become the expected norm for CSR self- and co-regulation initiatives.

(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

BUSINESSEUROPE has just issued its views on the future of renewable energies in the EU. The first step is to look back and draw lessons from the existing policy framework and interactions between CO2, renewable and energy efficiency targets as well as policy instruments. A more coherent and market-oriented framework must be EU’s post-2020 objective. BUSINESSEUROPE is also calling for a mobilisation of investments in energy grid infrastructure, back-up capacity and other flexible solutions to successfully handle an increasing share of the EU's renewable energies mix.

(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 27 September, Florence François-Poncet, new Head of Unit in DG MARKT for services, met members of BUSINESSEUROPE’s Free Movement of Services Working Group to discuss the functioning of Europe’s services markets. The discussion focused on the comprehensive services package that the Commission presented in June. Members underlined that more ambitious implementation of the services directive alone could bring additional gains of 1.8% of EU GDP and should therefore be top priority. In addition, Member States need to further modernise and simplify administrative procedures, for instance via the points of single contact, and step up their efforts to remove remaining burdensome national rules, for example on legal form, insurance and capital ownership requirements, but also concerning the recognition of professional qualifications and regulated professions.

(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 27 September, the European employer organisations BUSINESSEUROPE, CEEP and UEAPME held a conference in Brussels to discuss the initial outcomes of their joint project on age management practices in enterprises in Europe. During the conference, a number of national private and public employer initiatives were presented, ranging from pro-active workforce mapping and business planning to the support of flexible working and health promotion. Managing Director Thérèse de Liedekerke stressed that employers’ actions for developing effective age management practices were hampered by negative framework conditions. Strong employment protection legislation and heavy seniority-based pay systems are amongst the most prevalent obstacles.

(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

In a letter sent to the European Parliament’s ENVI and ITRE Committees, BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General Philippe de Buck called on MEPs to reject the Commission’s proposal for a decision to amend the ETS directive to prepare the “backloading” of EU allowances. European business believes that, before agreeing on the longer-term ambitions of EU climate policy, short-term measures such as changes to the ETS auctioning regulation to “backload” allowances must be avoided as these would interfere with a more constructive discussion on how to achieve a systemic solution. Pre-emptive short-term measures would create a precedent, resulting in greater uncertainty, and could have major repercussions for European business, which is already under strain from the economic crisis.

(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

In an EPP hearing on 1 October, Senior Adviser Rebekah Smith gave BUSINESSEUROPE's views on company transparency and disclosure practices. Highlighting the growing belief in companies in the benefits of being transparent about their business activities, she emphasised that this dynamic development should not be impeded by more rigid EU requirements. In view of a future EC legislative initiative in the field, it is crucial that companies are given the necessary flexibility in reporting on issues that are material to them, in a form which is tailored to their specific situation.

(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

On 3 October, BUSINESSEUROPE participated in a European social partner consultation on the 2013 Annual Growth Survey (AGS). This is the first time European social partners have given input to the draft AGS before it is published. BUSINESSEUROPE is ready to engage in EU economic governance processes and so this was an important and welcome opportunity. Europe urgently needs to raise labour productivity and competitiveness. This can be achieved through the implementation of national structural labour market reforms. To this end, the European Commission should play its full role as part of the European Semester.

On 2 October 2012, BUSINESSEUROPE presented its new publication 'Single market: the way forward' at a press meeting hosted by Director General Philippe de Buck, with the presence of Malcolm Harbour, Chair of the European Parliament's IMCO Committee. The brochure contains practical examples from companies and quotes from their CEOs, showing the achievements of 20 years of single market, pointing to remaining challenges for companies and providing recommendations for the future.

(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)

President Jürgen Thumann presented BUSINESSEUROPE's views on the future of transatlantic relations and on challenges facing Turkey and the EU in a globalised world. Adrian van den Hoven, Director of International Relations, addressed new financial governance. BUSINESSEUROPE strongly supports the launch of ambitious trade negotiations with the US and believes that a comprehensive package to liberalise transatlantic trade and investment should be the first priority of future EU-US trade and economic relationship. The EU and US can develop an agreement to inspire a new wave of global trade liberalisation and pro-open market regulation. With regard to EU-Turkey relations, President Thumann stressed that there are significant cooperation opportunities, namely in infrastructure and energy. BUSINESSEUROPE calls for the positive economic relationship to continue and for economic ties to be strengthened further.

(BUSINESSEUROPE Headlines)