Brussels, 31 October 2025 - On 4 November 2025, entrepreneurs from across Europe will have their say at the "European Parliament of Enterprises" (EPdU) in Brussels. During a simulated parliamentary session, they will address their concerns on economic issues directly to the EU institutions.

Europe stands at a crossroads. 700 entrepreneurs from all over Europe are sending a powerful signal: At the European Parliament of Enterprises (EPdU), they assume the role of Members of Parliament for one day in a simulated plenary session and discuss the future of Europe as a business location with representatives from the Commission and Parliament.

The diagnosis is serious: In the global competition for business locations, Europe is increasingly losing ground. High energy prices, excessive regulation, and obstacles in the internal market are crippling competitiveness.

"We have a real location problem," warns Peter Adrian, President of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and leader of the 90-strong German EPdU delegation. "Europe needs a clear agenda: reduce bureaucracy, remove internal market barriers, and lower energy prices. This is the only way we can stay in the race." His demand is clear: "Europe must become faster, more open, and more practical. Companies need stable framework conditions and room for innovation, not a flood of regulations."

In light of increasing regulation at the European level, Jörg Dittrich, President of the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH), warns of a growing alienation between political aspirations and operational reality, as well as the risk that the EU will be seen as a factory for norms rather than a guarantor of peace and prosperity. "We need fewer but clearer, efficient, and practical rules that are based on the reality of small and medium-sized enterprises. If EU laws cannot be implemented locally, they will not contribute to achieving political goals," warns Dittrich. Politics needs to rethink: "Instead of wanting to control and regulate everything, politics should give companies more trust and entrepreneurial freedom again."

On the EPdU agenda: Internal market potential, energy crisis, protectionism, and concrete solutions from business practice. The EPdU takes place every two years and is organized by the European chamber association Eurochambres. It offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to directly place their concerns where Europe's future is decided.

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