Brussels Briefing- European Commission Work Programme 2017
Earlier this week, the European Commission published its Work Programme for 2017, entitled “Delivering a Europe that Protects, Empowers and Defends”. Several key areas of this Work Plan will inform the work of Chambers Ireland going forward into the New Year.
Chambers Ireland’s key priorities include supporting the European Commission’s trade agenda, particularly with regard to the proposed trade deal with the US; reducing administrative burdens for business; completing the Single Market, particularly in ways that support Ireland’s growing digital economy; and supporting SMEs. For more on our policy priorities, visit our website.
Of greatest relevance to the interests of the Irish Chamber Network are the following aspects Commission’s Work Programme;
Boosting, Jobs, Growth and Investment
As part of the Commission’s commitment to drive jobs and growth, the Work Plan contains measures to implement youth aspects of the Skills Agenda, with increased mobility for apprentices. The Commission also commits to implementing the Action Plan on the Circular Economy, which seeks to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them while in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.
Trade
In parallel to continuing TTIP negotiations, the Commission seeks also to complete a trade deal with Japan and begin negations with Australia, New Zealand and Chile.
Internal Market
The Commission commits to introducing measures for better enforcement of Single Market rules, including a Single Digital Gateway which aims to make it easier for companies to get information about doing business cross-border. There are also commitments to review the Digital Single Market strategy and reduce the administrative burden on business when it comes to paying tax, VAT etc. The Commission also commits to implement EU legislation on the international BEPS agreement.
Following on from the Chamber trip to Brussels earlier this month, Chambers Ireland will be continuing its work in advancing the interests of Irish business at EU level.
More detailed information available here: