COLLEGARE le imprese all’ Europa

1. http://www.eurochambres.eu COLLEGARE le imprese all’ Europa ASSOCIAZIONE DELLE CAMERE DI COMMERCIO EUROPEE

2. Una rete di: 45 Organizzazioni camerali nazionali 1 Organizzazione camerale transnazionale 2000 Camere di Commercio +20 000 565 Imprese LA RETE 120 000 000 Dipendenti

3. I Paesi membri 45 Organizzazioni camerali nazionali 1 Organizzazione camerale transnazionale

4. Mandatory Affiliation Voluntary Affiliation EU 27: 994 Camere di Commercio Numero di Camere

5. NON EU: 712 Camere di Commercio Automatic Affiliation Voluntary Affiliation Number of Chambers

6. La rete 2000 Camere locali

7. La comunità di imprese 19.9 mln imprese affiliate • 99% sono PMI • 97% < 50 dipendenti

8. La struttura europea Obiettivi programmati dai 6 Stati fondatori: • Riunire competenze e scambiare esperienze • Sviluppare una cooperazione internazionale di alto livello • Far sentire la voce delle Camere di Commercio in Europa e partecipare ai processi decisionali

9. La missione Rappresentare Servire Promuovere le Camere di Commercio europee

10. Come opera Eurochambres Rappresentanza Programmi Politiche

11. Le procedure • Consultazioni

12. Le procedure • Input delle CCIA • Trasparenza

13. La struttura interna Gestione Amministrazione Consulenza Affari Legali Comunicazione Affari Europei Affari Internazionali Affari societari Istruzione e formazione Commercio Pubblicazioni e comunicati Competitività Piattaforma camerale globale Servizi ai Membri Studi Economici Uffici Regionali Sviluppo dello staff Riconoscimento Istituzionale Allargamento Eventi

14. Some Examples… Lisbon Strategy • KEY ISSUES • Establish the economy as the EU priority and competitiveness as main focus of the Strategy • Improve governance and implementation of the Strategy at all levels (EU, national, regional etc.) • Contribute actively to improving the business environment and our competitiveness • Contribute to the European discussion and policy initiatives on the Strategy • Annual assesment of the Strategy • Monitoring impact – studies and indicators

15. Small Business Act for Europe KEY ISSUES • Ensure that the initiative leads to tangible improvements in the regulatory and policy environment in which European SMEs operate. • Put forward specific recommendations/proposals and position the Chamber network as a main interlocutor on the drawing up of the SBA for Europe. MAIN ACTIVITIES 2008 • Response to the EC consultation; • Co-draft a EP Written Declaration on the SBA; • Meetings with key MEPs, the EC, various Perm. Rep • Press conference further to the adoption of the SBA by the EC scheduled for July 2008

16. Competitiveness -Indicators and Studies Key issue • Monitoring the EU’s competitiveness and its development using innovative methodologies and instruments • Annual update of the EU’s “competitiveness gap” with the main global economic counterparts (US and China in 2008) expressed in “time distance” in terms of productivity, income, R&D investment and employment.

17. Internal Market KEY ISSUES • Reduce the difficulties faced by companies trading across borders • Promote the free movement of goods and services • Encourage fair competition MAIN ACTIVITIES 2008 • monitor the development of the European Private Company Statute • Monitor the implementation of the Service Directive • Ensure the adoption of the so-called ‘goods’ package’

18. Research and Innovation Policies • KEY ISSUES • To contribute actively to raising the levels of Research & Development (R&D) and innovation and thus promoting economic growth • To advocate in favour of higher involvement of SMEs through a change in priorities and procedures • To urge the EU to modernise IPR rules, particularly the European Patent System

19. Regional Policy KEY ISSUES • To intervene in the relevant planning and decision making processes • To guide enterprises in their development process • To develop own projects that will contribute to sustainable economic growth at regional level • Main activities 2009: Contribution to the Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion, calling for a business friendly future Regional policy (post 2013)

20. EUROCHAMBRES Economic Survey An annual qualitative regional survey of business expectations in Europe involving over 100,000 businesses from the 27 EU Member States and the Accession Candidates A unique comparison tool for Chambers enabling them to assess the general business sentiment at regional level and to compare it with other European regions. ALL Chambers welcome!

21. EUROCHAMBRESWomen Network • Key issues • Fostering female entrepreneurship via the promotion of a “women friendly” business environment in Europe • EU projects: • “Women in Business and in Decision-Making” Implementation 2004-2005 • “CHASE” - Chambers Against Stereotypes in Employment Implementation 2005-2006 • “On board” – Women on board of local development / Implementation 2006-2008 • “Break Gender Stereotypes – Give Talent a Chance” – under the leadership of the ITC/ILO /Implementation 2008-2009

22. Information Society Technologies (IST) Policies • KEY ISSUES • To add representativeness of business community in the decision taking process of IT policies • Chambers network can help in dissemination, training, benchmarking MAIN ACTIVITIES 2008 • To develop e-Signature services by Chambers via Wesign project • To urge the EC to implement e-Procurement in its own administation processes

23. Mentoring Business Transfer • Objective:provide mentoring to 1,000 persons who have just taken over (first year) small enterprises of less than 50 employees in the EU 27. • Partners: 19 countries, 37 CCIs, 2 lead partners (CRCI Rhône-Alpes & the University of Savoie) • Budget: €3 million • Duration: 33 months (including 27 months of mentoring)

24. Environment & Energy Policy KEY ISSUES: • Europe needs a secure and sustainable energy supply at affordable prices. Energy efficiency is an important component in this. • International agreement on fight against climate change must be effective and balanced. • Avoid disadvantages for EU businesses, especially SMEs in implementation of Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) MAIN ACTIVITIES: • Participation in Commission working groups and inputs to consultations • Contacts with MEPs (visits, mailings) • Events (ECH Congress –energy session, Event in Copenhagen, December 2009) • Project CHANGE 

25. CHANGE – Chambers promoting Intelligent Energy for SMEs The CHANGE project helps SMEs optimise their energy use by creating “Intelligent energy contact points” (advisors) in 61 Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIs) from 12 European countries. • CCI advisors will be providedwith training on energy efficiency and application of renewable energy. • They will act as “first ports of call” for SMEs in energy matters. • They will actively promote intelligent energy among the business community via websites, newsletter articles and information events. • They will facilitate energy pre-checks and carry out a survey. With financial support from:

26. Transport Policy KEY ISSUES: • A well-functioning transport system is a prerequisite for business transactions and a functioning internal market; • Optimal use of existing infrastructure reinforcement of missing links; • Level playing field between transport modes; • Bureaucracy and cost must be kept to manageable levels; • Dossiers: Eurovignette Directive, Urban Mobility, Supply Chain Security, Maritime and Ports Policy MAIN ACTIVITIES: • Position Papers (ECH + joint statements with other business organisations) • Contacts with MEPs (visits, mailings) • Drafting/evaluation of amendments

27. International Affairs • Africa Caribbean Pacific (ACP) • Asia • Gulf & South Mediterranean • Latin America • US & other Industrialised Countries • Western Balkans and CIS • European Chambers Abroad • Global Chamber Platform • Trade Policy • Customs

28. Some Examples… Africa Caribbean Pacific (ACP) • KEY ISSUES • Caribbean Chamber Academy • July 17th-20th, 2006 in Trinidad • 5-day intensive training & networking program • Open to executives from CCI and related business organisations within Caribbean region • Policy (DG DEV/AidCo & DG TRADE) • EU-Africa Business Forum, EU-SADC Business Council, … • PRO€INVEST, ESIPP • Shaping and implementation of the EPAs

29. Asia • KEY ISSUES • Strong and growing links (trade & investment) • Focus on China / India / ASEAN More business opportunities for Chambers! • SME support programmes • Capacity building programmes • Policy (summits)

30. Understanding China OBJECTIVE: to facilitate the understanding on China for European businesses, esp. SMEs MAIN ACTIVITIES: • Training programme for EU SME business intermediary organisations • Enhanced policy dialogue through a range of events: 8 SME roundtables and 3 conferences ORGANISATION: • Duration: 3.5 years • EUCH + 8 EU CCIs, Friends of Europe, Univ. of Antwerp Management School, EU Observer • Budget: EUR 3.6 mio

31. European Business & Technology Centre in India (EBTC) • KEY ISSUES: Global Europe; enhanced market access OBJECTIVE: a Centre that will become THE reference point for promoting European clean technologies in India MAIN ACTIVITIES: • in 5 sectors: Biotech, Transport, Environment, Energy, Market Access • Intelligence Hub • Clearing House (in coop. with bilateral CCIs) ORGANISATION: • Physical centre in Delhi + 3 regional antennae

32. CIS • KEY ISSUES • New Neighbours / priority for the EU • Russia / Common Economic Space High level of interest / links EU – CIS CCIs • Policy papers ahead of EU summits • ENP (European Neighbourhood Policy)-related programmes for CIS CCIs. • Internationalisation of Russian SMEs 2 project • TAIEX: pan-regional seminars

33. European Chambers Abroad (ECA) • KEY ISSUES • Role & position of European Chambers abroad (ECAs) • Link with bilateral Chambers & EUROCHAMBRES Towards a structured & harmonised network of ECAs? • Inventory • Common standards / Accreditation • Visibility • Benchmarking • Developing joint policy

34. Global Chamber Platform (GCP) • KEY ISSUES • Common platform for EUROCHAMBRES’ main partners around the world GCP can increase coherence of activities, enhance visibility & profile international cooperation activities • Annual meeting • Joint papers / positions

35. US & other industrialised countries • KEY ISSUES • Policy focus on relations with individual countries Direct impact on economic operators. Transatlantic economic relationship most important • Cooperation with US Chamber • High level EU Chambers delegation trips to Washington DC • Position papers & Exchange programme • IPR transatlantic project

36. Latin America • KEY ISSUES • AL Invest IV (2009-2012) service contract • Eurochambres = leader, 9 partners • Objective: technical assistance to the 3 AL Invest IV consortia in LA • Activities: • Specialised team of senior experts, offering dedicated support Training, networking, matchmaking in EU, for LA business organisations and companies • Conferences, seminars, LA academies,.. • Policy: • Promote CCIs involvement – networking links • Input from members / local CCIs in policy work • EU- Central America & EU-Andean Comunity Private Sector Dialogue

37. South Mediterranean • KEY ISSUES • Strategic region for EU policy (Barcelona process / new neighbours) • Economic cooperation in the MEDA region for many EU CCIs • Improve business climate in the Mediterranean • Partnerships • Programme «Invest in Med» • Contacts with regional partners

38. GCC – Gulf Cooperation Council • KEY ISSUES • Strong European economic interest in the Gulf region and vice versa • Strategic partnership EUROCHAMBRES-FGCCC (Federation of GCC Chambers) • The EU-GCC Chamber Forum • Delegations, seminars, conferences

39. EU-Gulf relations EU-GCC Chamber Forum • Structured EU-GCC dialogue on SME development and economic diversification • Elements: • Exploratory discussion groups in GCC: Jan/ Feb 09 • Visit of senior GCC Chamber executives to Europe 11-15 May 09 • Comparative study on policy frameworks for SME creation in the GCC • Final conference in Bahrain 29 September 09

40. Trade & Customs • KEY ISSUES • Successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) • Regional and Bilateral Free Trade Agreements • Implementing Provisions of the Modernized EU Customs Code • Role of CCIs in trade facilitation • Information & monitoring • DG TAXUD & DG TRADE contact groups • Position papers

41. Enlargement • Economic integration of candidates /potential candidates is high priority CASE (Chambers towards Acquis Support and business ethics) project for Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Turkey (+ fYRoM) • acquis audit of 400+ companies • CSR strategy for 100+ companies

42. Enlargement ETCF (EU-Turkey Chambers Forum) • EU-Turkey Chamber Partnership Grant Scheme • Enhance Turkish chambers’ knowledge on EU policies (Survey, seminars, booklets, creation of Turkish Experts Database, upgrading the existing accreditation system)

43. Western Balkans PARTNERS for INVESTMENT PROMOTION (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, fYR Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) • 8 Chamber cluster partnerships • Sectors: tourism, food & beverages, waste management & renewable energies, … • Survey on main obstacles to FDI

44. Corporate Affairs • Staff development • Training • Recruitment • Member Services • Academy programme • Annual Congress • ERASMUS for ECH staff • EIC network • Enterprise Experience Programme • PR Events • IT activities • Contact Relation Management • Web / members extranet • IT support

45. Some Examples…Academy • KEY ISSUES • One week intensive training and networking course for Chamber executives • A unique initiative that brings together colleagues from all over Europe – and far beyond (Asia, Egypt, Latin America…) Academy Planning for 2009 : • International Trade Forum, 28 – 31 January, Menthon St Bernard, France • Summer Academy 12th edition, 15-19 June, Obidos, Portugal • 5th LA Academy, end 2009, Latin America

46. Enterprise Experience Programme European SMEs to host EU senior officials for a training week! • By the end of 2009, all of the 350 administrators of DG ENTR should have spent a week in an SME, shadowing key personnel & experiencing the different functions/departments of the company. Key Issues • Foster mutual understanding between the institutions & SMEs; • For the EU Commission staff: experiencing the SMEs reality; • For the companies: raising awareness.

47. 16th EUROCHAMBRES’ Annual Congress • 14-15 May 2009, Congress Hotel Clarion in Prague, Czech Republic • Under the theme “Business without Barriers”, the 2009 Congress will address the major challenges that businesses and Chambers of Commerce face • This year, EUROCHAMBRES will open its Congress jointly with the Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry in the framework of the first European SME Week campaign and the Czech Presidency • See more details on the Congress website: www.eurochambres2009.eu

48. European Parliament of Enterprises - EPE • 1st Edition on 14 October 2008 in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels • Some figures: • 774 companies coming from 45 countries • 413 representatives of European Chambers • 40 journalists coming from 20 countries • 420 press clippings all over the world • The “Members of the European Parliament of Enterprises” now make up an exceptional panel of 643 companies from 27 EU countries and 17 companies from 9 non-EU countries of all sizes and from all sectors, which will be consulted on very specific policy issues • 2nd Edition in 2010

49. European Parliament of Enterprises • Recreation of a parliamentary session • 800 entrepreneurs • debate business issues with experts of the European Commission and European Parliament • Will take place every two years

50. Contact Relation Management • KEY ISSUES • Internal Contacts Management Software to support more efficient internal / external communication and lobbying activities • 2006: fully operational with around 10,000 • contacts, including EU institutions and world-wide CCIs