About: Companies
Recovery and sustainability – how can SMEs achieve both?
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the beating heart of Europe’s economy, accounting for over 90% of all businesses in the EU and for more than half of its gross domestic product, whilst employing about 100 million EU workers before the pandemic.
Germany not sufficiently prepared to tackle ransomware threats
Extortion of companies through ransomware attacks has reached unprecedented levels worldwide, particularly during the pandemic, but Germany's businesses and public institutions are not sufficiently prepared to address such threats that can put livelihoods and economies at risk. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Spain in race against the clock to extend furlough schemes
Spain's employer’s association has rejected a latest proposal by Social Security Minister José Luis Escrivá to extend pandemic-era temporary lay-off schemes known as ERTE - protecting some 600,000 jobs - beyond the 31 May deadline. EURACTIV’s partner EFE reports.
The Single Market is the key to a resilient industrial policy
The COVID-19 crisis has weakened EU industry. It is crucial that we get back on track and increase long-term competitiveness. The solution is to maintain and develop the Single Market through open and fair competition, writes Simon Kollerup.
Thirty Spanish companies ask government for COVID-19 bailout
Approximately thirty Spanish companies hit economically by the COVID-19 crisis have asked for bailouts between €3 and €3.3 billion from the government in order to survive and remain competitive, EURACTIV’s partner EFE reports.
French graduates launch alumni network to fight climate change
It is in the interest of everyone, including the business world, to be committed to the environment, according to "Alumni for the Planet", a unique collective launched in France on Thursday (12 November) that aims to gather French graduates in the fight against climate change. EURACTIV France reports.
German EU Presidency: MEPs warn Merkel of company lobbying
An alliance of MEPs is calling on Germany to tighten the rules on transparency and lobbying when it takes over the EU Council Presidency in July. Germany should follow Finland's example and report what happens at the Council meetings, the MEPs say. EURACTIV Germany reports.
German companies suffer Brexit extension angst
German businesses are nonplussed with the new Brexit extension, thanks to the uncertainty it preserves. But export forecasts are nonetheless seeing an increase, something which has more to do with Donald Trump than with the UK's pending EU exit. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Investors demand binding EU measures to shield from climate risks
A growing number of investors are making their decision based on climate risks and sustainability criteria. Although EU lawmakers are working on making the valuation of companies more uniform in the EU taxonomy, financiers want binding measures. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Trade wars: Germany’s slide into recession
Germany is facing a recession, with business confidence plunging to levels not seen since the global economic crisis of 2009. As a result, calls for increased investment are growing louder – but possibly for the wrong reasons, EURACTIV Germany reports.
RAPEX, the safety guarantee for European products
The rapid alert system removed more than 2,000 dangerous products from the European market in 2018. However, much remains to be done about security, notably with regards to China. EURACTIV France reports.
Time to make French industry young again, suggests French education official
Gabriel Attal, the secretary of state at France's ministry of education, expounds on two of his favourite topics: developing the relationship between schools and SMEs and facilitating patronage. An interview with Gabriel Attal by EURACTIV France’s media partner La Tribune.
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.