BusinessEurope’s Council of Presidents convened in Copenhagen, hosted by its two Danish member federations – the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) and Danish Industry (DI). With the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU starting in just over a month, the delegation met with Morten Bødskov, Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, to outline the European business community’s key priorities for the upcoming Danish Presidency. They also exchanged views with Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, and had an audience with His Majesty King Frederik X and Her Majesty Queen Mary.
– A stronger economy with competitive companies is a prerequisite for solving the geopolitical and societal challenges facing Europe. The EU must urgently implement its newly unveiled Single Market Strategy, take further measures to lower energy costs, and deliver tangible simplification of regulatory requirements to swiftly address the root causes of Europe’s competitiveness gap. Acting in unity and promoting an ambitious international trade policy is more important than ever, starting with a swift ratification of the Mercosur and Mexico trade agreements. In its relations with the United States, the EU must safeguard its interests with the ultimate objective of finding a negotiated solution to avoid a damaging ‘tariff war’. The recent EU-UK summit opens a path to advance our strategic partnership and enhance shared prosperity, BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson said.
– BusinessEurope counts on the future Danish Presidency to foster the broad partnership needed to meet the historical challenges the EU is facing, he concluded.
– A stronger European economy depends on improving competitiveness by building a skilled workforce, reducing administrative burdens, and respecting national labour market models, Director General at the Confederation of Danish Employers, Jacob Holbraad, commented.
– We welcome that the upcoming Danish EU Presidency prioritises social dialogue – not just in words, but as a tool to create jobs, support stability, and ensure long-term growth. New EU rules must reflect national differences and help companies remain globally competitive, he said.
– Europe is facing a serious crisis – our prosperity and competitiveness can no longer be taken for granted. But in the face of adversity, we have the chance to act decisively: by breaking down internal barriers, cutting red tape, and investing boldly in defence, innovation, and the green transition. After meeting all my European colleagues here in Copenhagen, I can say without a doubt that we, as a united European business community, are dedicated to contributing to this crucial transition. I believe, together, we can turn setback into comeback, CEO of Danish Industry, Lars Sandahl Sørensen, said.
Read the full Copenhagen Declaration of BusinessEurope’s Council of Presidents here.
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