New EU Commission President Must Support Growth of the European Economy

Chambers Ireland has today (30/06/14) joined our colleagues in Eurochambres in calling on the new President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, to focus on the EU’s economic recovery and growth.

Eurochambres President, Richard Weber, commented “The Commission’s initiatives can prove the difference between success or failure for the millions of businesses that are so crucial to Europe’s competitiveness and prosperity. That is why the new President needs to oversee significant improvements and changes. Commission policies must be developed in a coherent way and systematically contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy for growth and jobs. Proposals must be based on sound arguments and robust evidence and implementation by member states must be monitored according to a genuine zero tolerance approach.”

To achieve more tangible progress than in the previous administration, Chambers Ireland and Eurochambres have stressed the need for a 2014-19 Commission that is:

•    Bigger on the big things – driving the completion of the internal market, proving a strong player on the global stage and overseeing the effective delivery of a revitalised Europe 2020 growth strategy;

•    Smaller on the small things – refraining from legislating if other policy tools are preferable, minimising regulatory burdens and respecting the principle of subsidiarity;

•    Transparent, coherent and effective – with better coordination between Directorates-General and a joined up approach that reflects the overarching objective of sustainable economic growth, a stronger focus on evidence-based policy making and the enhanced involvement of stakeholders.

Speaking this morning, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said “The work of the European Commission is vital to Ireland. Every year, a range of directives are passed down to Irish lawmakers that have a direct impact on business. We urge the Government to ‘go smaller on the small things’ and ensure no gold plating of EU legislation which would further increase the already heavy regulatory burden on Irish businesses.” 

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Notes to Editors
About Eurochambres
Chambers Ireland is a member of Eurochambres, the European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Established in 1958 as a direct response to the creation of the European Economic Community, Eurochambres acts as the eyes, ears and voice of the business community at EU level. Eurochambres represents over 20 million member enterprises in Europe through 45 members (43 national associations of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and two transnational chamber organisations) and a European network of 1700 regional and local Chambers. More than 93% of these enterprises are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Chamber members employ over 120 million employees.

For further information contact Amy Woods, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4319, 086 6081605 or email amy.woods@www.chambers.ie