All Documents


Trade & Market Access

ERT issues Expert Paper on the EU Critical Raw Materials Act

Brussels, 12 September 2023: The EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRM Act) is an important first step towards securing a sustainable supply chain of critical raw materials for Europe - an indispensable factor in delivery of the gree...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

ERT delegation meets Chancellor Nehammer

VIENNA, 6 September 2023: A delegation of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) met with Chancellor Nehammer in Vienna yesterday evening to discuss the best ways to enable and secure a renewed long-term industrial strategy f...

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CFO Platform

Expert Paper – Contribution to the ESRS Consultation

The Expert Group on Sustainable Finance of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft delegated act on European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). We acknowledge t...

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Digital Transformation

ERT’s views concerning the ongoing work on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act

As the EU begins its phase of inter-institutional negotiations on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) is sharing its views in a letter to the EU co-legislators. ERT welcomes the ini...

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Digital Transformation

ERT & DigitalEurope Joint Statement on the Data Act

In this joint statement ERT and DigitalEurope express their concerns about the current draft of the EU Data Act. In the rush to finalise the negotiations on the Data Act, the EU co-legislators risk needlessly undermining the compe...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

ERT Letter to the European Council ahead of the Summit on 29 & 30 June 2023

The European Council Summit in the last days of June will take stock of the EU's progress in strengthening the its competitiveness in the global context. The Competitiveness package announced by the European Commission in March...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

ERT – Appraisal of EU initiatives on competitiveness

Brussels, 13 June 2023: At a time of intensifying global competition, the issue of the EU’s competitiveness has gradually been gaining ground in the EU agenda. However, there are limitations in the EU’s institutional set-up and th...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

Reskilling initiative R4E: gaining traction in the European Year of Skills

Brussels, 9 June 2023: As human resources experts and policymakers gather in Brussels for the Making Skills Count conference marking the onset of the European Year of Skills, ERT’s initiative Reskilling 4 Employment (R4E) is celeb...

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Trade & Market Access

ERT & BRT call for concrete deliverables at the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Luleå, Sweden

Brussels & Washington, D.C., 30 May 2023: As representatives of the European Union and the United States gather in Luleå, Sweden for the fourth Trade and Technology Council meeting today and tomorrow, the European Round Table ...

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CFO Platform

ERT’s CFO Platform raises its concerns about unclarity in the EU Taxonomy reporting rules

With the clock ticking on the implementation of the EU Taxonomy, ERT's CFO Platform has compiled its concerns about the practical implications of the current rules and asks whether their current design will be ultimately be useful...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Business confidence stabilises, but Europe’s competitiveness is on the decline

CEO Confidence returns to positive territory, but Europe’s competitiveness as a base for industry is weakening

Brussels, 23 May 2023: Today’s report reveals the latest sentiments for the economic and business outlook among European business leaders and reflects the challenges facing companies in Europe across a range of sectors. The Con...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

ERT gathers in Dublin, meets Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup

DUBLIN, 22 May 2023: The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) met in Dublin yesterday and day, as part of its semi-annual meetings. This year’s spring meeting, hosted by Tony Smurfit, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Group, brought togethe...

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Digital Transformation

ERT shares its views on the proposed EU Data Act

Latest letter sees ERT's Committee on Digital Transformation shares its feedback the European Commission and others.

As the high level forum for CEOs and Chairs of European companies with operations worldwide, in this latest letter the European Round Table for Industry shares its thoughts on the current proposed EU Data Act, with European Commis...

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Competition Policy

Summary Position – The Foreign Subsidies Regulation draft Implementing Regulation

ERT is concerned about the effects the proposed implementing Regulation for the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) would have on companies, public procurement procedures and M&A activity in Europe. We therefore strongly sup...

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CFO Platform

Expert Paper – European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)

ERT recognises the need for introducing ESRS to direct capital flows towards a more sustainable economy. We welcome the improvements that have been made by EFRAG following the consultation process, including the deletion of the re...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

European industrial & technology leaders share ideas for boosting innovation made in Europe

BRUSSELS, 27 March 2023: As the European Union finds itself balancing technological change, fierce global competition and increasingly delicate geopolitics, it has become all too clear that those who lead in innovation also take t...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

Expert Paper – Electricity Market Design

Deepen the internal energy market & improve access to competitive energy

Whilst this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Single Market, the EU is facing several challenges related to geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and an energy crisis of unprecedented proportions that weaken the com...

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Competition Policy

ERT Response to the consultation on the Foreign Subsidies Regulation draft Implementing Regulation

ERT supports the goal of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (“FSR”) of creating a level playing field for all undertakings operating in the EU internal market by ensuring that companies do not use subsidies granted outside the EU (t...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

ERT delegation meets Prime Minister Sánchez

MADRID, 14 March 2023: With the upcoming Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union due in the second half of this year, Members of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) met with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in ...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

ERT delegation meets Prime Minister Kristersson and EC President von der Leyen in Stockholm

STOCKHOLM, 3 March 2023: Under Sweden’s current Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Prime Minister Kristersson, European Commission President von der Leyen and Members of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) me...

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Digital Transformation

ERT publishes Expert Paper on EU Artificial Intelligence Act

The potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven tools to drive productivity and economic growth in Europe is vast. However, the European Union is behind its main competitors when it comes to investments in AI develop...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

Reskilling initiative R4E gathers in Porto to map out a busy year of expansion

Porto, 8 February 2023: Today and tomorrow, human resources, training, public affairs and communications experts from across Europe meet in Porto – all involved in the Reskilling 4 Employment (R4E) programme – for a meeting hosted...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

ERT Letter to the EU Council ahead of the EU Summit on 9-10 February 2023

ERT Letter to the Heads of State of EU Member States, ahead of the EU Summit on 9-10 February 2023

ERT is encouraged by the EU's determination to develop a strong and common response and welcomes the focus of the upcoming special European Council (9-10 February 2023) on improving European competitiveness. In this letter, we ...

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Trade & Market Access

Joint Business Statement on the due diligence proposal (CS3D)

The European business community supports an EU due diligence framework. However, it calls for realism, proportionality, and workability for this framework to truly enable and guide businesses in taking necessary steps towards more...

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Competition Policy

ERT Response to the consultation on the revised draft of the Market Definition Notice

ERT welcomes the European Commission’s commitment to evaluating and refining its competition law ‘toolkit’ including its publication of the revised draft of the Market Definition Notice on 8 November 2022. ERT also very much ap...

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Digital Transformation

Expert Paper – The Digitally-Enabled Workforce of the Future

European Flex Work Today & Tomorrow

Around the world, COVID-19 has accelerated the transition to digital and flexible workplaces. New technologies will transform the way work is done, boosting productivity while giving employees flexibility in where, when, and how t...

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Digital Transformation

European industry shares its learnings & recommendations on flexible working

Brussels, 13 December 2022: As the world continues to adjust to the new working patterns that emerged during the Covid pandemic, ERT today releases a new paper, aimed at sharing knowledge and best-practices on the subject of flexi...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

ERT Letter to European Council ahead of the European Council Summit on 15 December 2022

In advance of the European Council Summit on 15 December 2022, we are writing to share the views of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) on the urgent need to preserve – and improve – European competitiveness.  ERT is a for...

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Digital Transformation

ERT welcomes Council position on AI

Brussels, 6 December 2022: Earlier this year, the European Commission presented a proposal laying down harmonised rules on Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act). ERT supports its vision of creating trustworthy art...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

Expert Paper – Boosting the EU Hydrogen Economy

In the last two years, the momentum for the deployment of hydrogen (H2) worldwide has accelerated in an unprecedented manner. Globally, close to 700 projects have been announced, and $250 billion of investments are required to dev...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

Expert Paper – Single Market for Energy

European markets for gas and electricity were successfully established in the last 20 years and have generated clear benefits for European consumers and industries. However, these markets have come under pressure since the end of ...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

Expert Paper – Accelerating Decarbonisation

Fostering an accelerated energy transition towards a competitive, secure and decarbonised energy model plays a key role to tackle the additional challenges arising from the surging energy prices. The current energy and climate ...

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Trade & Market Access

ERT optimistic for progress in third EU and U.S. TTC meeting

In advance of today’s Trade & Technology Council (TTC) meeting in Washington DC, European business leaders expresses their support for its objectives and faith in the ability of the TTC to deliver progress. The European Round T...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

CEO confidence drops to an all-time low in H2 2022

Pessimism dominates, but European business leaders hold firm on green transition investments

Brussels, 23 November 2022: The results of a new survey released today reveal the latest sentiments for the economic and business outlook among European business leaders and reflect the challenges facing some of Europe’s most sign...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

ERT delegation meets President Macron in Paris

PARIS, 22 November 2022: A delegation of Members of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) met with President Macron in Paris yesterday evening, also joined by Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for the Internal Market. ERT M...

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Digital Transformation

ERT Expert Paper – Action Plan for a Digitally Enabled Green Transition

ERT calls for an EU action plan for the twin transition with six core recommendations for EU policy

Europe’s political leaders have set important ambitions for the transition that the EU economy and society must undergo during the coming decades. The EU and the Member States have agreed clear targets for making the industry more...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

ERT issues Industrial Competitiveness Alert

European Industrial Competitiveness facing an existential crisis

Soaring energy prices are currently precipitating an alarming decline in the competitiveness of Europe’s industrial energy consumers. In this short summary paper, ERT highlights the significant implications of the current crisis a...

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CFO Platform

ERT response to the EFRAG consultation on ESRS

ERT Letter to Ms Saskia Slomp, EFRAG CEO

ERT welcomes the publication by the European Financial Regulatory Advisory Group (EFRAG) of the exposure drafts underpinning the development of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards. We think the introduction of such sta...

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CFO Platform

ERT response to the IFRS S1&2 consultations

ERT Letter to ISSB Chair Faber and Vice-Chair Lloyd

In this letter, ERT commends the ISSB on the publication of both, the exposure drafts IFRS S1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Disclosure) and IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures). As a ...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

ERT brings experts together in Madrid, to intensify work on reskilling in Europe

Madrid, 5 July 2022: This week, Madrid plays host to an important meeting of experts in reskilling – with representations of companies and organisations involved in the Reskilling 4 Employment (R4E) programme gathering for a meeti...

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  • Expert Paper

ERT response to EC on reforms to merger control process (Simplified Procedure)

The Competition Policy Working Group of ERT welcomes the European Commission’s continued engagement with stakeholders on revisions to certain procedural aspects of EU merger control. As noted in ERT’s submission to the European...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

The voices of European business jointly call for renewed economic integration in the EU

In the wake of last week's Summit of the European Council, five of the EU's largest cross-sectoral business associations joined forces today to issue a joint statement calling out the EU institutions and national governments for a...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

ERT highlights the gap between EU visions and realities as geopolitics puts competitiveness in the spotlight

BRUSSELS, 15 June 2022: At the Competitive Europe Summit in Brussels today, Dr Martin Brudermüller, Chair of ERT’s Committee for Competitiveness & Innovation and Chairman & CEO of BASF SE, announced ERT’s latest report, Be...

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Competition Policy

ERT response to EC consultation on draft Horizontal BERs and Guidelines

The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) welcomes the European Commission’s public consultation on its draft revised Horizontal Block Exemption Regulations (BERs) and Horizontal Guidelines published on 1 March 2022. The comment...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

Jean-François van Boxmeer succeeds Carl-Henric Svanberg as Chair of ERT

BRUSSELS, 25 May 2022: At the ERT Plenary in Copenhagen earlier this week, the Members of ERT elected a new Chair of the organisation for a two-year term: Jean-François van Boxmeer, current Chairman of Vodafone Group. The 6...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Falling optimism, but European business leaders’ investment intentions remain even as economic impact of war bites

Brussels, 24 May 2022:  A new report released today reveals the latest sentiments for the economic and business outlook among European business leaders and reflects the challenges facing some of Europe’s most significant companies...

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Competition Policy

ERT Expert Paper – Information exchange in dual distribution

We encourage the Commission to take into account the observations mentioned in this paper when finalising the Draft Guidance.

The Competition Policy Working Group of ERT highly appreciates the European Commission’s decision to revise its guidance for information exchange in a dual distribution context, which is intended to be added to the Vertical Guidel...

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Trade & Market Access

BRT and ERT welcome progress at second U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Ministers meeting

BRT and ERT today issued the following statement on the meeting of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) on May 16, 2022, in Paris-Saclay.

  17 MAY 2022, BRUSSELS & WASHINGTON DC: Business Roundtable (BRT) and the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) welcome the progress announced at the second Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Ministers Meeting to st...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

ERT Statement on EU Energy Policy

ERT's position on the REPower EU package currently in development.

The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) today issues a statement sharing its views on the vital subject of accelerating energy transition, in the context of the upcoming REPower EU package. ERT Members lead European compani...

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Trade & Market Access

Joint Statement on the upcoming Trade & Technology Council

The importance of the Transatlantic partnership

We, a coalition of trade associations from both sides of the Atlantic, representing businesses of all sizes and active in a variety of sectors, strongly support efforts to strengthen the transatlantic partnership. We are experi...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

Joint Statement by ERT and UBTA

Joining forces to help the Ukrainian economy.

  As the war in Ukraine nears its third month, the grim reality of death and destruction casts a dark shadow across the country of 40-million people, as well as Europe and the wider world. The extensive damage to civilian ...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

ERT releases latest data on advancing women in leadership positions

On International Women's Day, ERT releases its annual report on the Voluntary Targets for Women in Leadership Positions at companies led by Members of ERT. This year's report benefits from the highest ever collection of company da...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

ERT delegation meets President Macron, Chancellor Scholz, President von der Leyen and President Michel in Paris

PARIS, 1 March 2022: President Macron, Chancellor Scholz, European Commission President von der Leyen, European Council President Michel and a delegation of Members of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) met in Paris yeste...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

ERT’s reskilling initiative moves up a gear with R4E website launch

R4E is now up and running in Portugal, Spain and Sweden with national websites connecting workers with opportunities

BRUSSELS, 17 February 2022: The new year has kicked off in earnest for the Reskilling for Employment initiative (R4E) with the launch of a dedicated website. R4E is now up and running in Portugal, Spain and Sweden with national we...

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Trade & Market Access

Joint Statement: Ensuring harmonisation & consistency across due diligence frameworks

Joint Statement by 14 major business associations in the European Union

As industry associations / responsible business initiatives, we stand behind the EU’s objective to ensure respect for human rights and the environment through an EU-harmonised regulatory approach to due diligence. Due diligence ...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Europe’s industrial & technology leaders kick off campaign, calling for renewed integration to strengthen the EU Single Market

Nearly forty years after its first call for the Single Market, ERT launches a new campaign, with analysis, recommendations & 30 stories by leaders

BRUSSELS, 7 December 2021: As the European Union is actively pursuing feedback from citizens through its ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe, this morning the leaders of some of Europe’s most prominent global companies weig...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

ERT Position Paper – Enablers for investing in hydrogen in Europe

This Position Paper highlights facts & figures on hydrogen in Europe and defines enablers for the uptake of a hydrogen economy. ERT member companies are also sharing their case studies in which they explain the role of hydr...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Economic confidence among Europe’s industrial leaders cools as supply chain issues, inflation cloud the horizon

Latest survey of ERT Members by the Conference Board on economic confidence, inflation risks, climate legislation and the EU Single Market

BRUSSELS, 24 November 2021: A new report released today reveals the latest sentiments among the CEOs and Chairs in Europe, for the economic and business outlook, while also flagging some potential risks on the horizon. The Conf...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

Conclusions of the ERT Plenary of European business leaders in Bilbao

BILBAO, 22 November 2021: Following several significant summits (G20, COP26) in the past weeks, the past two days saw Bilbao play host to the European Round Table for Industry’s (ERT) twice yearly meeting of business leaders. E...

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Trade & Market Access

BRT and ERT statement on U.S.-EU Agreement on Section 232 Tariffs and Retaliatory Tariffs 

Joint Statement by organisations bringing together over 270 corporate leaders on both sides of the Atlantic

Business Roundtable and the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) welcome the agreement reached by the U.S. government and the European Commission to modify Section 232 tariffs on EU steel and aluminum and to remove retaliatory ...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

COP26 – A Call to Action from the Global Business Community

Joint Statement by ERT, the Business Roundtable, the Business Council of Australia, the Business Council of Canada and the Business Council of Mexico

Global businesses support climate action that enhances competitiveness In the run-up to COP26, we, representing the CEOs and Chairs of leading global companies, have come together to express the business community’s strong supp...

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CFO Platform

ERT Expert Paper – Business Taxation for the 21st Century

In this Expert Paper, ERT gives its view on several aspects of the European Commission’s recently presented Communication “Business Taxation for the 21st Century”. Tax transparency: ERT supports the ongoing fight against profi...

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CFO Platform

Joint Open Letter on the Future of Sustainability Reporting

On 25 October 2021, ERT issued a joint letter to the EU institutions on the future of sustainability reporting.

The letter was a joint action taken by ERT in partnership with the Value Balancing Alliance and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the World Economic Forum. The statement therein is signed by 48 organisatio...

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Trade & Market Access

Joint Statement by ERT & BRT on the inaugural EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council

BRT and ERT urge the United States and EU to strengthen Transatlantic economic ties, achieve results through the EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council

30 SEPTEMBER 2021, BRUSSELS & WASHINGTON DC:  Business Roundtable (BRT) and the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) welcome the inaugural meeting in Pittsburgh of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) on 29 September ...

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Trade & Market Access

ERT welcomes EU Chamber of Commerce position paper on China

ERT urges the EU and China to continue the path of cooperation and economic openness

BRUSSELS, 23 SEPTEMBER 2021: ERT welcomes the Position Paper of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, released today. The publication “European Business in China” outlines how China’s economy has achieved a strong re...

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Trade & Market Access

Europe’s industrial leaders share their view on how to make Open Strategic Autonomy work

BRUSSELS, 5 JULY 2021: As optimism grows in Europe for a rapid post-pandemic recovery, Europe’s industrial leaders today release a new publication addressing trade policy in an altered global landscape. Informed by independent ...

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Competition Policy

ERT Expert Paper – EU Merger Control

Reform and Renewal in the Post-Pandemic World

In this paper, ERT examines EU merger control policy more broadly to highlight the most significant current issues and to suggest reforms. EU merger control policy has evolved through the years, however, there are some key area...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

Industrial transformation and competitiveness are key for a successful ‘Fit for 55%’ package

STATEMENT

BRUSSELS, 24 JUNE 2021: The Members of ERT – 60 CEOs and Chairs of multinational companies of European origin in the industrial, technology and digital sectors – fully support the EU’s ambition to make Europe the first climate-neu...

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CFO Platform

ERT Expert paper – Principles for a competitive Europe in the field of taxation

European tax policies should stimulate investment, innovation, growth and the creation of high skilled jobs.

In this Expert paper, ERT addresses the following policy targets: 1. Efficient and predictable tax systems - Business needs simple, efficient, predictable and stable tax regimes that incentivise long-term investment. 2. Impr...

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  • Statement

Joint Statement by ERT & BRT welcoming Airbus-Boeing announcement and the launch of an EU-US Trade and Technology Council

Joint Statement from high-level fora on both sides of the Atlantic, with combined membership of over 270 corporate leaders in Europe and the US.

Brussels & Washington DC, 16 June 2021: The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) and US Business Roundtable (BRT) today issue the following statement supporting the Airbus-Boeing announcement and launch of the EU-U.S. Trade...

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Trade & Market Access

Joint Statement by ERT & BRT for the EU-US Summit

EU-US Summit: Transatlantic partnership - an opportunity to lead together

This week, the leaders of the United States and the European Union meet in Brussels to forge consensus on a common agenda and boost transatlantic relations to better meet a range of significant challenges facing the world. The ...

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Trade & Market Access
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Digital Transformation

ERT Expert Paper – B2B Data Sharing

In this paper we explain why data sharing should be incorporated at an early stage in product design, technical standards and corporate strategy.

Enterprise data is increasingly seen as both a strategic resource and essential utility for economic progress worldwide. New digital business models are shifting from closed, linear value chains to open, integrated ecosystems in w...

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CFO Platform

ERT Expert paper – Priorities on the EU Taxonomy

In this Expert paper, ERT addresses the practical complexities of the implementation of the EU Taxonomy Regulation.

ERT supports the overall objective of the EU Taxonomy to help to mobilise finance towards environmentally sustainable activities. The practical complexities of the implementation of the EU Taxonomy Regulation need to receive suffi...

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Competition Policy

ERT Expert Paper – Vertical Agreements

This paper builds on ERT’s 2019 flagship paper “Competing at Scale” and the outcome of the Commission’s Evaluation phase of the VBER review.

The Working Group on Competition Policy of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) welcomes the European Commission consultation on the revision of the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER) and the Notice providing guidan...

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CFO Platform

ERT Expert Paper – Renewed Sustainable Finance Strategy (“RSFS”)

This paper contains recommendations on the RSFS from the real economy.

In order to ensure the practical applicability of instruments such as the taxonomy it is very important that all relevant stakeholders and industries are involved and consulted on an ongoing basis – even those who are not members ...

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CFO Platform

ERT Expert Paper – Non-Financial reporting standards (“NFRS”)

ERT Members’ recommendations on how to report on sustainability in an aligned way.

The idea to develop binding reporting standards for non-financial information is gaining traction rapidly on EU level but also internationally. Already today a large number of international initiatives, frameworks, standards, t...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Europe’s industrial leaders look to post-COVID economy with surging confidence and a watchful eye on trade risks

BRUSSELS, 19 MAY 2021: A new report released today reveals significant optimism among the CEOs and Chairs in Europe, for the economic and business outlook, while also flagging some potential risks on the horizon. The Conference...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

ERT announces new initiative to stimulate reskilling and boost human capital in the EU

PORTO, 7 MAY 2021: As the Porto Social Summit* takes place today under the Portuguese Presidency of the European Council, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) announces a new pan-European training initiative called Reskilli...

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Digital Transformation

Europe’s industrial leaders spell out key performance indicators for the EU’s digital transformation

BRUSSELS, 3 MAY 2021: Following the launch of the European Commission’s Digital Compass in March, corporate leaders from across the industrial & technological landscape have weighed in with their position on the EU’s approach ...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

ERT Letter to the EU Council ahead of the March 2021 EU Summit

ERT Letter to the Heads of State of EU Member States, ahead of the EU Simmit on 25 & 27 March 2021

At the upcoming EU Summit, European leaders meet to discuss the Single Market, industrial policy and digital transformation. In this letter – sent to each head of State, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) recommends that ...

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Digital Transformation

ERT Expert Paper on Artificial Intelligence

In this Expert paper, ERT addresses the development and evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Adoption of Artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven tools will be a core driver of productivity and economic growth in Europe over the coming years. These tools will also play a significant role in addressing critical societa...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

Voluntary Targets 2021 Report on Women in Leadership Positions

Wanted: More women in leadership roles in European industry

  BRUSSELS, 5 MARCH 2021 - The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) today publishes updated targets for the advancement of women in 38 industrial and technology companies headquartered in Europe - as well as figures on ...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

ERT Statement on Sectoral Approaches

Sectoral Roadmaps to Net-Zero Emissions enhance the European Climate Law as a framework to invest in climate neutrality

ERT’s 57 Chief Executives and Chairs of leading multinational companies of European parentage, covering a wide range of industrial and technological sectors, fully support the EU Climate Law’s target to reach climate neutrality by...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

ERT launches podcast series “21st Century Industrialists”

  BRUSSELS, 8 FEBRUARY 2021: The European Round Table for Industry (ERT), today launches a podcast entitled 21st Century Industrialists, a series of one-to-one interviews with the leaders some of Europe’s best known indust...

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Digital Transformation
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Competition Policy

ERT Expert Paper – Competition Policy contributing to the Green Deal

How can we ensure alignment between EU Competition Policy and the European Green Deal?

The Working Group on Competition Policy of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) welcomes the reflection on the relationship between competition policy and the Green Deal and strongly believes that competition law should be ...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

Europe’s industrial leaders voice their support for EU climate goals and share ideas to empower transition

To achieve the green & digital transitions, alignment of major strands of energy politics and industrial competitiveness will be needed

  Support of European industrialists comes during a critical week for the EU as a 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target is on agenda of EU Summit ERT’s endorsement of the Green Deal net-zero target is a strong signal f...

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Digital Transformation

Schrems II: Impact Survey Report – November 2020

What is the economic impact of #SchremsII judgement on companies?

ACEA, BusinessEurope, DigtialEurope and ERT conducted a survey of businesses of all sizes and sectors across Europe to understand the impact of #Schrems2 on data transfers to the rest of the world....

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  • Press Release, Publication

Corporate leaders in Europe look ahead with cautious optimism

...and renewed faith in globalisation

Despite a strong resurgence of COVID-19 infections across the continent in September and October, industrial leaders in Europe are cautiously optimistic about business prospects as the new year approaches. The Conference Board ...

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Trade & Market Access

ERT Expert Paper on the EU’s Trade Policy Review

In this Expert paper, ERT addresses the following aspects of the EU's Trade Policy:

Building more resilience in an increasingly complex world Safeguarding the rules-based multilateral trading system Fostering bilateral trade relations and increasing market access Delivering a global level playing field ...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Industrial leaders call out lack of implementation of the EU Industrial Strategy

ERT reiterates urgent need for implementation of EU Industrial Strategy and proposes 28 Key Performance Indicators to measure progress

BRUSSELS, 4 November 2020: Against a backdrop of increasing volatility in global trade, a cross-section of leaders¹ from some of Europe’s biggest multi-national companies issued a vehement call this morning for a more effective im...

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Competition Policy

ERT Expert Paper on the review of Market Definition

Market Definition Notice review The review of the 1997 Market Definition Notice is a timely initiative, especially because the pace of change in many markets has accelerated rapidly in recent years. ERT encourages the Commis...

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Competition Policy

ERT Expert Paper on the White Paper on Foreign Subsidies

White Paper on levelling the playing field as regards foreign subsidies European companies are increasingly faced with competition from companies outside the EU that benefit from State support but that are not subject to the sa...

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Competition Policy

ERT Expert Paper responding to the EC consultation on the New Competition Tool

ERT strongly believes in competition policy and enforcement to secure fairer markets as well as strong competition and welcomes the EU’s efforts to explore how competition policy could evolve to reflect changing global market cond...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

ERT launches new toolkit to promote knowledge exchange in Inclusion & Diversity

Compendium & campaign bring together 25 initiatives by 20 companies

  The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) today releases a new toolkit of case studies to promote Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) from some of European industry’s biggest and best known brands, led by ERT Members. ...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

ERT Letter to the President of the EU & EU-27 in advance of the EU Council Meeting (September 2020)

Letter of support as European leaders meet at a Special European Council

In the run-up to a Special European Council, ERT has written to Chancellor Merkel (as leader of the country currently holding the Presidency of the EU Council) and to all of the Heads of EU Member States stating its position of th...

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Digital Transformation

Latest analysis of 5G roll-out in Europe reveals slow progress

Deployment of 5G in Europe is being outpaced by other regions

  BRUSSELS, 18 SEPTEMBER 2020: As agitated geopolitics and disinformation cast a shadow on the deployment of 5G technology in various countries, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) today releases an Assessment pape...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

Reskilling in European Industry

Preparing the workforce for tomorrow

Skills and jobs are essential to develop a more inclusive, resilient and competitive society. In Europe, this has been acknowledged for many years - solidarity and social cohesion being key European values. Significant investment...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

European industrial leaders support the Next Generation EU recovery plan

As many European countries move to gradually reopen their economies, European corporate leaders today announced their support for European Commission (EC) President von der Leyen’s Next Generation EU recovery plan¹ unveiled recent...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Top European corporate leaders hopeful of post-COVID rebound, but do not expect V-shaped recovery

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, ERT released the results of a economic confidence survey of its Members for H1 2020.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, the results of a new survey of the leaders of some of Europe’s biggest industrial and technology companies released today, reveal new insights into the current levels of economic confidence and th...

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Digital Transformation

ERT Position on Cybersecurity

For the European economy to flourish in the digital era, an aligned & robust approach to Cybersecurity is a prerequisite.

With the increasing digitalisation of business, cybersecurity risks will intensify, placing constraints on the future development of Europe. Governments, citizens and industry all have a role to play in managing risks and building...

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Trade & Market Access

ERT Position on WTO Reform

The WTO is fundamental as the backbone of the rules-based multilateral trade system and a guarantor for stability in trade relations.

As Europe and the wider world grapple with the slowdown in globalisation and increasingly volatile geopolitics, ERT stresses that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) must remain the core instrument for global trade rulemaking and d...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

European industry playing a vital role in the fight against COVID-19

As the world grapples with the challenges of containing the COVID-19 outbreak and treating those already affected, some of the Europe’s best known multinationals have been actively engaged – donating medical resources and more, br...

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Digital Transformation

ERT Position on the Regulatory Framework for 5G

If Europe is to achieve the European Commission’s ambition of becoming “fit for the digital age”, ERT believes that faster and more effective action is needed, to drive digital transformation and overcome hurdles in infrastructure...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

Voluntary Targets 2020 Report on Women in Leadership Positions

Rising numbers of women in leadership roles in European industry, but more momentum needed

The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) has published updated figures for voluntary targets for women in leadership roles, set by 35 of its Member companies, together with a report on their progress towards achieving these tar...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

ERT & BusinessEurope Letter to Commissioner Breton

In view of the imminent launch of the new EU industrial strategy, we would like to stress the importance of upgrading the governance around the competitiveness of European industry. That is essential because, as you know very well...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

ERT Letter to the Competitiveness Council of the European Union

RE: Letter to the Council on the future of the EU’s competitiveness

Dear Minister, Ahead of the expected adoption by the European Commission on 10 March of its Communication on a “New Industrial Strategy for Europe”, the timing is right to emphasise that the global competitiveness of European c...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

Letter from ERT to EU Heads of State and the Presidents of the EU institutions

Regarding the European Council meeting on 20 February - the EU needs an ambitious, modern and future-oriented Multi-Annual Financial Framework

LETTER FROM ERT Signed by Carl-Henric Svanberg, Chair ERT and Chair, AB Volvo Co-signed by Ben Feringa, Winner of a Nobel Prize for Chemistry Two decades into the 21st century, the political and economic challenges we fac...

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Competition Policy

ERT response to the public consultation on EU competition rules on Horizontal Agreements

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the public consultation on EU competition rules on horizontal agreements. ERT considers that EU competition rules (including the rules on horizontal cooperation) should be considere...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Europe’s Industrial Leaders call for urgent action as new report shows Europe falling behind globally

Industry leaders want to work with new EU leadership to deliver for citizens

BRUSSELS, 09 December 2019 – The leaders of Europe’s biggest multi-national companies have united to call for an ambitious new industrial strategy to put the region at the forefront of efforts to tackle the major challenges of the...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Turning Global Challenges into Opportunities

As we welcome a new decade, Europe is facing an increasingly complex geopolitical world as it moves towards a climate-neutral and digital society. Externally, the fabric of diplomacy is shifting and once rock-solid partnerships ar...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

European Competitiveness and Industry – Benchmarking Report 2019

European Competitiveness and Industry

As we prepare to enter a new decade, the European economy is facing difficult times. The global economic environment is becoming weaker. World trade growth is diminishing and economic ripples from trade and geopolitical conflicts ...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

European industry embraces climate neutrality and is ready to act on an ambitious but balanced Green Deal

Op-ed by Dimitri Papalexopoulos, Chair of ERT Energy Transition & Climate Change Committee

COP25 is currently taking place in Madrid. The US has started the process of formally withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, against a backdrop of mounting evidence of the impact of climate change and growing acknowledgement from m...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Economic Confidence Survey – Autumn 2019

Economic confidence diminishing at Europe’s largest businesses, with competitiveness a major concern

Economic confidence among Europe’s largest industrial firms is falling amid geopolitical uncertainty and concern over the implications of international trade tensions - underlining the need for the new European Commission to take ...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

President Macron, Chancellor Merkel and President-elect von der Leyen meet ERT delegation in Toulouse

TOULOUSE - President Macron, Chancellor Merkel, European Commission President-elect von der Leyen and Members of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) met in Toulouse today to discuss the best ways to enable a renewed long-t...

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  • Press Release

Robert O’Meara appointed to new Communications role at ERT

ERT announces the latest addition to its secretariat – Robert O’Meara has been appointed to the newly created role of Communications Director. ERT brings together CEOs and Chairs of Europe’s largest industrial companies, in sup...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

Call for urgent action on international co-operation under the Paris Agreement to deliver climate neutrality

A clear political framework has emerged: achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and the journey to net zero emissions1 will be one of significant change. Co-operation between countries is vital to deliver climate neutrality sw...

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  • Press Release

European Business Leaders call for an EU Competition Policy fit for the global stage

BRUSSELS, 07 October 2019 - Leaders of some of Europe’s largest employers have today called for an EU competition policy which would allow European businesses to compete successfully at scale in today’s globalised and fast-moving ...

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Competition Policy

Competing at Scale: EU Competition Policy fit for the Global Stage

Leaders of some of Europe’s largest employers have today called for an EU competition policy which would allow European businesses to compete successfully at scale in today’s globalised and fast-moving economy. Measures would i...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Joint Statement for an ambitious Horizon Europe Programme

Research and Innovation

Building on our Joint Letter with Nobel laureates (click here), ERT and 90+ European associations representing key European research & innovation stakeholders, urge the EU Institutions to make research, development and innovat...

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CFO Platform

Letter from ERT to Commissioner Pierre Moscovici

Dialogue with the European Commission

ERT encourages the European Commission to improve the competitiveness of the EU fiscal system and work towards the following policy targets: • Efficient and predictable tax systems • Easing the administrative burden to front t...

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CFO Platform

Establishing a framework to facilitate Sustainable Investment (Taxonomy)

Position Paper on Proposal for Regulation

ERT shares the European Commission’s view that meeting the Paris Agreement commitments and Europe’s 2030 climate goals will require huge, transformative investments by both the private and public sectors. ERT therefore welcomes ...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Economic Confidence Survey – Spring 2019

Delivering 5G and support for new technologies must be top priority for new Commission say Europe’s largest businesses

The new European Commission should prioritise digitalisation and completing the delivery of 5G networks, say Europe’s largest businesses. As European leaders prepare to discuss the composition of the new Commission at this week...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

Strengthening Europe’s place in the world

Business leaders' pledges and policy priorities for a stronger Europe

Europe needs to take urgent action to deal with the challenges of the 21st century, including tackling climate change and preparing citizens for massive technological developments. ERT's paper, Strengthening Europe’s Place in t...

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Trade & Market Access

Business leaders from U.S., Europe and Japan support a revitalized multilateral trade system

Washington, Brussels, Tokyo - In a joint statement, the U.S.-based Business Roundtable (BRT), the European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT) and KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation) shared their support for the trilateral effor...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

European companies increase number of women in leadership roles and continue action

Check the targets and figures from 36 European companies

The 2019 edition of ERT's report on "Voluntary targets for women in leadership positions" contains figures from 36 leading industrial companies of European origin. The figures show that companies’ initiatives are enabling more ...

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Competition Policy

Shaping Competition Policy in the Era of Digitisation

Response to the Commission’s call for contributions on “Shaping competition policy in the era of digitisation”

In the digital economy, business models are focused on ecosystems of platforms. The amount of data that can now be processed and the power of algorithms can bring great benefits to society but may also change the dynamics of compe...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Nobel laureates and business leaders urge for investment in EU research & innovation

Call for a minimum investment of €120 billion in Horizon Europe to maintain momentum

More than 20 Nobel Prize laureates and other international award winners have joined with over 40 leaders of Europe’s largest companies to urge political leaders across the EU to support an ambitious European research and innovati...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

International cooperation to deliver on the Paris goals

Agreement on article 6 at COP24 is essential for developing a global carbon emissions market

The upcoming international climate negotiations at COP24 in Katowice are a critical milestone towards limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C through agreeing the rules underpinning the Paris Agreement. Ach...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Economic Confidence Survey – Autumn 2018

Business outlook more cautious amidst economic uncertainties

Brussels, 23 November 2018 – The ERT Industrial Confidence Index (ICI)[1]fell compared to 6 months ago but remains in positive territory, amidst increased uncertainties related to Brexit and global trade. The ICI meas...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

European business leaders commit to inclusion and diversity pledge

#EmbraceDifference

More than fifty business leaders of some of Europe’s largest companies have today signed up to the first pan-European commitment of its kind, to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace. This pledge highlights the suppo...

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  • Press Release

Frank Heemskerk appointed Secretary General of the European Round Table of Industrialists

The European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT) has appointed Frank Heemskerk as ERT Secretary General with effect from 1 January 2019. He will take over from Brian Ager who will retire in January after 8 years in the role. Fr...

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CFO Platform

ERT position on Sustainable Finance

Initial Position paper on EU Taxonomy

ERT Member companies are ready to contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Climate action has become part of their strategic business agenda, which was demonstrated by various case studies in ERT’s “Naturally activ...

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  • Press Release

Chancellor Merkel, President Macron and President Juncker meet the European Round Table of Industrialists

Chancellor Merkel, President Macron, European Commission President Juncker and Members of the European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT) met today at Schloss Meseberg near Berlin. ERT, whose Members include some of Europe’s l...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Economic Confidence Survey – Spring 2018

European business leaders remain positive on the global business outlook and support multilateral trade negotiations

The second Economic Confidence Survey commissioned by the European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT) shows that Europe’s business leaders remain positive. The general business outlook slightly increased compared to October 2017,...

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Trade & Market Access

European business leaders urge for transatlantic dialogue on trade

The European Round Table deeply regrets the decision of the US administration to impose new tariffs on European steel and aluminium manufacturers. These duties will not only damage world trade, they will disrupt supply chains and ...

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  • Press Release

Carl-Henric Svanberg appointed Chairman of the European Round Table of Industrialists

Carl-Henric Svanberg, current Chairman of BP and AB Volvo, has been appointed Chairman of the European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT). Carl-Henric, a Member of the ERT since 2010, is one of Europe’s most experienced and re...

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Trade & Market Access

Cross-border data flows in trade agreements

In order to harness the opportunities of digitisation and enhance European competitiveness, European companies rely on the ability to move data across borders through their global networks and operations. National restrictions ...

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Industry Changemakers

New online platform on European industry’s value to society

For many decades Europe has been a global force for economic prosperity, social progress and environmental protection. Built on a unique foundation of norms and values such as respect for individual freedoms, security, social cohe...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

Why Europe matters to youth

Concise outcome of the survey and the national workshops

ERT partners with JA Europe to reach out to young people, inviting their opinions on issues they care about, such as employment, and encouraging them to engage in the political process. “Why Europe Matters” is a call for action: i...

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CFO Platform

Towards modernised rules on corporate taxation

Dialogue with the European Parliament and the Commission

The Members of the European Round Table for Industry have sent a letter to Pierre Moscovici, the Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, and Paul Tang, MEP to welcome the opportunity of starting a dialogue on how to achie...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

More women in leadership positions

Still room for improvement

The 2018 edition of this annual report contains voluntary targets for women in leadership positions set by 34 ERT Member companies, together with figures on progress towards achieving these targets. The report demonst...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Benchmarking Report 2017

European Competitiveness and Industry

The ERT Benchmarking Report presents with key figures a comprehensive overview of the main policy issues followed by industry leaders. This new edition highlights with more than 70 charts and maps that Europe must become more o...

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Digital Transformation

Smart Cities

Advancing the deployment of technology solutions to make Europe’s cities smart, safe, healthy and sustainable

Cities are fascinating. They tell all the stories about the development of humanity, civilisation, and innovation through the millennia of time. Today, it is estimated that by 2050, 66% of the world population will be urban (up fr...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

ERT Position on Research & Innovation

This position paper outlines the ERT views on research and innovation in the context of the ongoing debates on the future Framework Programme and EU industrial policy. It also provides comments on the report “LAB – FAB – APP In...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Economic Confidence Survey – Autumn 2017

Leading European CEOs positive on global business outlook, but concerned about Brexit

Major European-based companies are positive about the global business outlook, according to a new survey commissioned by the European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT). The first ever ERT CEO Economic Confidence Survey, conducte...

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Digital Transformation

Proposal for an ePrivacy Regulation

Call for a better alignment of the ePrivacy proposal with the GDPR

The reform of the current ePrivacy Directive, as one of the key initiatives of the Digital Single Market strategy, is of utmost importance for ERT Members. We are however concerned about the very restrictive approach towards da...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

Naturally active for the climate

Leading European companies contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement

Action against climate change has become embedded in the European business agenda, demonstrates this report. Released ahead of the international climate negotiations at COP23 in Bonn, the report illustrates how 30 leading multinat...

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Energy Transition & Climate Change

“Clean Energy for All” package

ERT supports a holistic approach that integrates security of supply, sustainability and competitiveness

The European Commission’s "Clean Energy for All Package" is a welcome and key step forward in ensuring the transition towards a more secure, clean and competitive energy market in the European Union. ERT supports the package’s thr...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

Building and transforming skills for a digital world

Preparing for a new digital world

The ongoing digitisation of society and business enables new ways of living, producing and consuming. Some speak of a Fourth Industrial Revolution as new technologies disrupt current business models and offer opportunities. To ...

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Trade & Market Access

Europe’s top industrialists hail EU-Japan trade deal

The European Round Table of Industrialists has praised today's EU-Japan outline trade deal as a boost for open, fair and free trade at a time of concern over the rise in protectionism. The ERT brings together more than 50 Chief Ex...

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Competition Policy

Best practices in international merger control

ERT Member companies surveyed to identify best practice

ERT conducted a consultation exercise among its Member companies in October/November 2016 in order to gather feedback on their experiences of merger control internationally. This feedback has been distilled into a number of rec...

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Digital Transformation

Building the European Data Economy

ERT welcomes the European Commission’s Communication on Building the European Data Economy, which constitutes one of the final deliverables announced in the Digital Single Market Strategy in May 2015. As stated in the Commissio...

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Strengthening Europe’s Place in the World

Launch initiative “Why Europe Matters” for youth

New project to re-engage young people on why Europe matters

Europe will only overcome the current political crisis if the next generation of Europeans cares about the EU and is ready to engage to further advance the European project. A major new initiative labelled ‘Why Europe Matte...

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Jobs, Skills & Impact

European companies take action to increase number of women in leadership roles

New reports on "Women in Leadership Positions" and "Key Initiatives to promote Women along the Talent Pipeline"

The 2017 edition of this annual report contains voluntary targets for women in leadership positions set by 31 ERT Member companies, together with figures on progress towards achieving these targets. This year, ERT als...

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Competitiveness & Innovation

Benchmarking Report 2016

A glance at the competitiveness of Europe and its industries

The 2016 edition of the ERT Benchmarking Report presents a comprehensive grading of Europe in the global context in terms of competitiveness, trade and investment, innovation, digital economy, energy and climate, employment and sk...

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