Eurochambres News — Issue 99 — 14 April 2026
The Association of European Chambers of Commerce & Industry
Chamber leaders call for a stronger global Europe and revitalised multilateral trade
Eurochambres and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) held a joint roundtable on revitalizing the multilateral trading system on 9 April. Held at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) in Brussels just days after the disappointing conclusion of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), the event brought together business leaders and policymakers to discuss avenues for global trade and economic cooperation in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
Eurochambres President Vladimír Dlouhý highlighted the increasing cost of a non-competitive Europe.Reinforcing Europe’s competitive foundation in this increasingly challenging global environment requires external and internal action:
First, President Dlouhý urged for ambitious and proactive European leadership in pursuing global economic cooperation: Doubling down onrules-based trade and multilateral cooperation. Advancing strategic partnerships and ratifying key trade agreements. Strengthening and modernising the WTO to reflect today’s economic realities. Positioning Europe as a reliable, competitive global partner.
Second, he called on EU policymakers to “put our own house in order” and strengthen the European single market: Cutting unnecessary regulation, at both EU and national levels. Moving from “more rules” to better, leaner rules. Breaking down persistent single market barriers holding back businesses. Ensuring real conditions for growth: affordable energy, access to raw materials, faster permitting, and strong infrastructure.
European Commission Deputy Director-General of DG Trade and Economic Security, Ms. Maria Martin Prat, and Co-Chair of the WTO Steering Committee in the European Parliament, MEP Jörgen Warborn, provided their perspectives on MC14 and the road ahead for the EU. Eurochambres Head of International Trade Dominic Boucsein complemented this from the European business perspective.
For Eurochambres, despite recent setbacks at MC14, it remains in Europe’s vital economic interest to double down on rules-based trade and global economic cooperation, advancing strategic partnerships and working with partners to craft rules that are aligned with business needs and that strengthen the multilateral trading system at the WTO.
More info: Dominic Boucsein, Head of International Trade Policy (boucsein@eurochambres.eu)
UPDATES
Convert European Commission simplification commitments into regulatory breathing space for SMEs
On 8 April, Eurochambres President Vladimír Dlouhý and Eurochambres Deputy President Aigars Rostovskis met Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis (Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification) to press for tangible progress on the EU’s simplification agenda. While welcoming the Commission’s targets for regulatory burden reduction and up to €15 billion in annual savings, Eurochambres stressed that entrepreneurs on the ground feel no difference yet.
In the current turbulent period marked by downward economic projections and expected inflationary pressures, real regulatory breathing space for SMEs is more urgent than ever. Eurochambres calls for a robust monitoring mechanism and stronger governance with the renewal of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making. This includes a real obligation for co-legislators to deliver proportionate legislation for SMEs. With the June 2026 European Council as a key accountability moment, political commitment must now be matched by institutional delivery.
Eurochambres has contributed to the European Commission’s public consultation on the upcoming Skills Portability Initiative, underlining its role in boosting competitiveness and addressing labour shortages. The input calls for a pragmatic, business-friendly approach: building on existing EU tools, improving their usability, and reducing administrative burdens for SMEs, while ensuring trust and transparency of skills across borders.
The paper sets out concrete recommendations across three key areas: enhancing skills transparency and digitalisation, improving recognition for regulated professions, and simplifying recognition for third-country nationals. It also stresses that mobility barriers go beyond recognition, including language, housing and administrative complexity.
Discover our full input here.
More info: Larisa Panait, Policy Advisor for Skills (panait@eurochambres.eu)
ENTREPRENEURIAL VOICES, EUROPEAN CHOICES
Vincent Subilia (Switzerland) on a robust, rules-based trade system and trade relations between the EU & Switzerland
The 7th edition of the European Parliament of Enterprises featured informative input from entrepreneurs across Europe. Gain insights on what moves entrepreneurs on the ground!
UPCOMING
Mark your calendar: Eurochambres Congress 2026
Get ready for the Eurochambres Congress 2026, taking place on 28–29 September in Valencia. This flagship gathering will bring together chamber leaders and business representatives from across Europe to exchange ideas, strengthen cooperation and shape the future role of chambers.
With a dynamic programme combining high-level discussions and hands-on workshops, the Congress will explore how chambers can drive competitiveness, resilience and sustainable growth in an evolving economic landscape.
From expert insights to practical solutions, this is where ideas turn into action.
Discover more and stay up to date via the Congress website – registration opens soon! Valencia, Spain
Sustainable Growth Support Programme: Call for Turkish participants
Eurochambres announces a call to select 25 participants from Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges participating to its Support Programme on Sustainable Growth. The training will take place between June 9 and 12, 2026, at the premises of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) in Ankara, Türkiye. Participants will be trained in the latest concepts, methods and tools for sustainable growth, circular economy, efficiency management, carbon emission reduction, and ESG standards. The TEBD II Sustainable Growth Self-Assessment Tool will be presented and delivered to trained participants.
EU Business Hub programme: Creating opportunities in Japan and the Republic of Korea
The EU Business Hub – Japan and the Republic of Korea, an EU funded project, is opening doors for EU companies active in the green and low-carbon technologies, digital solutions, and healthcare and medical equipment sectors. Between 2024 and 2027, we’re organising 10 missions to Japan and 10 to the Republic of Korea —creating opportunities for partnerships and growth.
Your network can benefit from these upcoming business missions!
Eurochambres – the association of European chambers of commerce and industry – represents over 20 million businesses via its network of national chambers across Europe. Chambers’ member businesses – of which around 93% are SMEs – collectively employ over 120 million people.
Doubling down on rules-based trade and multilateral cooperation.
Advancing strategic partnerships and ratifying key trade agreements.
Strengthening and modernising the WTO to reflect today’s economic realities.
Positioning Europe as a reliable, competitive global partner.
Cutting unnecessary regulation, at both EU and national levels.
Moving from “more rules” to better, leaner rules.
Breaking down persistent single market barriers holding back businesses.
Ensuring real conditions for growth: affordable energy, access to raw materials, faster permitting, and strong infrastructure.
Vincent Subilia (Switzerland) on a robust, rules-based trade system and trade relations between the EU & Switzerland
28 – 29 September 2026
