Measure of CEO Confidence Survey for ERT

CEOs' views regarding general business conditions

The gap is widening between Europe and abroad as business conditions outside Europe are improving, whilst the business climate in Europe is on a downwards trajectory – notably due to poor prospects for investment and employment.

Companies are revising their investment strategies

For Europe, only a small majority of CEOs expect to stick to their investment plans, and a mere 8% intend to invest more than they planned six months ago. Over a third, however, will invest less than planned or have put decisions on hold. The US, on the other hand, now attracts more investment than planned by 45% of CEOs.

Draghi & Letta one year on: still waiting for Europe's business case

A striking 76% of CEOs have so far seen little or no positive impact from EU initiatives to implement Draghi and Letta in critical areas: regulatory simplification, Single Market completion, competition policy and energy affordability.

How are Europe's key actors viewed by business leaders?

Industry is disappointed by the performance of all European institutions in delivering on Draghi and Letta’s reform recommendations. The European Commission has delivered enough to convince 30% of CEOs, but yet disappoints 60%. However, business leaders are even more disillusioned by the European Parliament and national governments in the EU-27.

Top 5 EU deliverables for CEOs to reinvest in Europe

Simplification leads the list of policy actions to restore Europe’s competitiveness: 90% of CEOs rank regulatory simplification as a top-five priority for the EU, with 31% naming it the number one issue. This needs to be complemented by protecting strategic industries and revisiting legislation to accelerate AI and advanced technology adoption. Also of high priority are overhauling competition policy and introducing a Single Market Barriers Prevention Act.