About: Companies

Lobby register reform must deliver strong data checks and enforcement

If an organisation breaks EU lobby rules, it should not be able to continue accessing policy-makers in Brussels. That requires a comprehensive “no registration, no meeting” rule, which the Parliament and Council seem unwilling to adopt, and until they do so, the Commission will not extend it internally, writes Margarida Silva.

Tax evasion deprives the EU of 20% of corporate taxes

Economists consider, based on tax havens’ statistics such as Bermuda or Ireland, that 40% of multinational companies' profits avoid taxation. The EU would thus be deprived of a fifth of its income from companies. EURACTIV.fr reports.

Transnational company agreements – another form of social dialogue in Europe

Transnational company agreements, made within European multinationals have helped to Europeanise industrial relations. Although the European Commission views such agreements as an innovative tool for cooperation, it has yet to define a legal framework for them. EURACTIV.fr reports.

Keeping smaller businesses strong

The financial and economic crisis is not yet over, with lingering uncertainties about growth, competition and profits. Therefore, stricter credit terms are an important topic for small and medium enterprises, argues Markus Stock.

Bigger is better: Large companies good for the economy, study finds

Large companies contribute disproportionately more to a country’s economic performance than smaller ones, according to a new EU-funded survey.

EU floats ideas to make companies more ethical, diverse

Enforcing gender quotas on company boards and making existing voluntary ethical codes binding are all options that may emerge from a European Commission consultation paper published yesterday (5 April).

EU takes on distribution sector, eyes online sales

European antitrust regulators on Tuesday (28 July) unveiled a proposal for new rules on distribution deals between manufacturers and retailers, which would make it easier for Internet companies to sell goods and services online.

Report: EU ‘losing business’ due to lack of language skills

European business risks losing competitiveness as other countries start outperforming the EU in terms of language skills, concludes a report presented by business leaders last week (11 July).

Where will Europe’s next champions come from?

The old-age of Europe’s big corporations and its lack of large 'young blood' companies are a key impediment to the bloc catching up with its main competitor, the United States, explains Nicolas Véron of the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel.

EU to help entrepreneurs start up and start up again

While efforts to make it easier for Europeans to set up their own company are starting to pay off, a majority of EU citizens continue to hold back for fear of going bust. The Commission is now proposing taking action to reduce the stigma attached to business failure and encourage non-fraudulent bankrupts to make a fresh start.

Transatlantic technology gap grows

US companies continue to spend more money on research and development than their European rivals, according to a study from the UK’s Department of Trade and Industry.