Business transfer: surfing the wave of the great transition

In 2026, the European Commission will present an updated recommendation to Member States on Business Transfer, replacing the 1994 framework. As millions of baby boomers retire, Europe is faced with an unprecedented wave of small-business ownership transitions in the coming years. Strengthening Europe’s capacity to facilitate this succession process is essential to protect jobs, sustain territorial attractiveness, and reinforce competitiveness.

Eurochambres invites you to explore the "hidden market" of business transfers at the "Business Transfer: Surfing the Wave of the Great Transition" event on 16 April 2026 in Brussels. Hosted by the Committee of the Regions (CoR), the event will dive deep into how chambers of commerce and industry can play a pivotal role in identifying potential sellers, raising early awareness, and guiding entrepreneurs towards essential support services. By acting as trusted local one-stop shops and facilitators of business ecosystems, chambers are uniquely positioned to help smooth the succession process and ensure the continuity of Europe’s small businesses.

The event will feature a high-level panel discussion with representatives from key EU institutions, alongside insightful entrepreneur testimonies. These real-world experiences will highlight the challenges and opportunities involved in business succession, emphasizing the critical role of post-takeover mentoring to stabilize new ownership and reduce failure risks in the early years of transition.

Join us in Brussels for an event that aims to shape the future of business transfer in Europe. Registrations are open.

📍 Brussels | Committee of the Regions (CoR)
🗓️ 16 April 2026 | 09:30 – 11:20
📧 Any questions? Contact us at