EBS 2018: We need to overhaul the way interest representation is being conducted by business organisations

Businesses must work more closely with decision-makers to better understand how legislation can help them, says Othmar Karas.

Othmar Karas | Photo credit: European Parliament audiovisual

By Othmar Karas

Othmar Karas (AT, EPP) is First Vice-President of the European Parliament

23 May 2018

@othmar_karas


The Commission, Parliament and EU member states are champions when it comes to declaring their intention to cut red tape for businesses, especially for SMEs. 

However, the gap between intention and reality has become frequently too burdensome for businesses. It is not so much about how the EU can help businesses, but rather how businesses can help those involved in the decision-making process. 

We need to overhaul the way interest representation is being conducted by business organisations. Too often, they get stuck in trying to reach a balance among their members. 

Instead, they should be establishing direct links between decision makers and businesses, especially SMEs, to make them better understand the (potential) effects of legislative action on businesses.