In a period in which the world’s economic outlook seems to be rapidly changing and new emerging economies have an ever increasing global economic weight, Europe chose to make of the so-called Lisbon Strategy its cornerstone policy framework to live up to the expectations of its citizens and to global economic competition.

While the initial Lisbon Agenda soon proved to be flawed, its main policy lines and objectives are indeed valid, and have been confirmed in the renewed Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs.

Europe’s competitiveness can be enhanced only if action is taken in a vast number of policy fields. To name but a few, efforts towards cutting red tape, plans to develop a sustainable energy policy for Europe, actions to promote life-long learning and the completion of the Single Market are all elements which together contribute to making Europe an economically more sustainable, integrated and competitive block.

European Chambers of Commerce and Industry play a fundamental role in fostering growth from the grassroots, stimulating the creation of new businesses and promoting entrepreneurial development, especially with respect to SMEs.

SMEs & Entrepreneurship

The EU is not fully exploiting its entrepreneurial potential and is failing to encourage enough people to become entrepreneurs. The prevailing attitudes towards entrepreneurship and the balance of risks and rewards make many Europeans less inclined start their own businesses. To become more competitive, Europe must develop a moreentrepreneurial mindset across the whole of society.

Helping the European business community to flourish and grow is the essential purpose of the 2,000 regional and local Chambers in Europe. They are in daily direct contact with 19 million member enterprises (of which 99.5% are SMEs) and offer them a wide range of services including business development support, economic intelligence, assistance in the field of foreign trade and co-operation, etc…