Eurochambres

Secure and affordable access to raw materials is critical for the competitiveness of European businesses and for advancing the green and digital transitions. Yet, Europes continued dependence on external suppliers remains a strategic vulnerability.

The competitiveness of Europes industry is under considerable pressure from unfair competition, distortive subsidies and strategic dependencies, alongside structural challenges closer to home, including high energy costs, a fragmented single market and excessive regulatory burdens.

Europe's industrial decarbonisation efforts must not come at the expense of its global competitiveness. European businesses, particularly SMEs, continue to face major obstacles that undermine both their decarbonisation efforts and competitiveness from complex permitting procedures to funding barriers and an uneven global playing field.

Eurochambres welcomes the Commissions initiative to review the climate and environmental delegated acts of the EU Taxonomy. European businesses continue to struggle with the complex and burdensome requirements of the framework, particularly the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) elements of the technical screening criteria.

Eurochambres supports the objectives of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and has observed an increase in public awareness and a shift towards more sustainable alternatives. At the same time, the implementation of the directive has revealed several practical challenges for businesses, especially SMEs.

The Environmental Omnibus represents a positive step towards reducing administrative burdens stemming from EU environmental legislation. Eurochambres welcomes that several core demands of the chamber network are reflected in the simplification package, including the deletion of the SCIP database and measures to streamline permitting procedures.

Eurochambres supports the objective of delivering a secure and interoperable Digital Product Passport (DPP) Registry, representing a key pillar in the successful implementation of the DPP and in fostering circularity more broadly. However, its success will depend on whether companies of all sizes, especially SMEs, can use it in practice without disproportionate administrative or technical effort.

Eurochambres welcomes the Commissions initiative to assess the coherence, effectiveness, and administrative impact of EU digital legislation. European businesses, particularly SMEs, increasingly face overlapping and complex compliance obligations stemming from various digital regulatory acts.

Access to secure and affordable energy is vital for Europes competitiveness and economic resilience. The 2022/23 energy crisis demonstrated the severe impact of volatile and high energy prices on all European businesses, especially SMEs. The revision of the EU energy security framework is an opportunity to build a more resilient and diversified energy system while ensuring access to energy at competitive prices.

Brussels 08/2025 Position Ref. Ares(2025)6776923 - 21/08/2025 Eurochambres position on IV Omnibus Simplification package Eurochambres supports the European Commission's simplification efforts and the goal of reducing administrative burdens on EU businesses. At the same time, the fourth Omnibus Simplification package presented on 21 May has a limited impact on the broader business community.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

VET systems must become more responsive, attractive and closely aligned with labour-market needs. The Strategy should prioritise stronger foundations in basic and digital skills, simplified and better funded mobility, expanded work-based and dual learning, faster curriculum updates, higher and lifelong VET pathways, and innovation and entrepreneurship in close partnership with employers.

Brussels 08/2025 Position Ref. Ares(2025)6776884 - 21/08/2025 Eurochambres position on IV Omnibus Simplification package Eurochambres supports the European Commission's simplification efforts and the goal of reducing administrative burdens on EU businesses. At the same time, the fourth Omnibus Simplification package presented on 21 May has a limited impact on the broader business community.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Eurochambres welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft implementing act under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), concerning the disclosure of information on unsold consumer products. We appreciate that demands, such as the establishment of a harmonised reporting format and a deferred application date, have been addressed.

The 2025 Digital Decade Policy Programme (DDPP) report reveals critical shortcomings in achieving the targets on digitalisation essential for European competitiveness. While certain indicatorssuch as e-health services and basic 5G coverageshow comparatively high achievement levels, key foundational digital technologies including AI adoption, cloud services, data analytics, ICT specialists, and basic digital skills…

Efficient cross-border coordination, reducing logistical bottlenecks, and maximising the benefits of EU-funded transport corridors would facilitate the harmonisation of common defence and security mobility priorities across member states.

Traineeships play a crucial role, not only in providing practical experience to young people but also in fostering the skills required to maintain competitiveness within the business sector. While protecting trainees is imperative, it is crucial to strike a balance with the demands placed on businesses.