Press Release: 6th edition of the European Parliament of Enterprises™

From survival to success for European entrepreneurs

Combatting chronic labour shortages by upskilling and reskilling Europe’s workforce, seeking sustainable solutions to the energy crisis and for business, particularly SMEs, to realise the full benefits of trade agreements — this was the three-pronged message, loud and clear, from Europe’s business leaders meeting at the European Parliament of Enterprises in Brussels today.

The biggest single European-level exercise in economic and business democracy was back with a bang after an enforced five-year hiatus, taking over the European Parliament hemicycle for an impassioned day of debate, ideas, and decision.

Crucial issues 
Around 700 business entrepreneurs from 43 European countries, representing large and small businesses and from just about every sector, gathered in Brussels in the European Parliament debating chamber itself to engage on the crucial issues facing business in Europe.

But, despite the challenging geopolitical headwinds, the debate was upbeat and supercharged with ideas — proof that Europe’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, but would benefit from more backing from Europe’s policy-makers.

On SKILLS, supporting SMEs in reskilling and upskilling their workforces is crucial for Europe’s future competitiveness. The 2023 European Year of Skills is a timely opportunity to initiate a real shift in skills development policies.

On ENERGY, the recent surge in energy prices and supply uncertainty intensify the pressure on businesses struggling to get back on their feet following the Covid-19 pandemic.

On TRADE, geopolitical tensions as a consequence of the war in Ukraine and other conflicts are undermining the global trade agenda.

Real-world experience
The normally biennial event is a forum providing policy-makers with direct, ground-up feedback on how EU policies affect the business community, and for the women and men at the sharp end of trade and commerce to give their views and put forward ideas based on real-world experience and, ultimately, take a vote.

Earlier, Dita Charanzová, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and European Commissioner for Trade, introduced the event.

“After three or four years of incredibly tough conditions, policy makers must enable Europe’s entrepreneurs to move on from survival to success,” said Eurochambres President, Vladimir Dlouhy.

Voting highlights

• 88% said it is harder to recruit staff with the right skills than five years ago.
• 87% believe that the ambitious targets of the European Green Deal will lead to tougher competitive conditions for EU businesses on the global market.
• 97% felt that geopolitical tensions are negatively impacting the functioning of their supply chains.
• 93% said the Single Market is NOT sufficiently integrated allowing their company to operate and compete freely

For more information on the European Parliament of Enterprises, see
www.parliament-of-enterprises.eu