751 businesses to take over European Parliament

Following the success of the first edition in 2008, a second edition of the “European Parliament of Enterprises” will take place on October 14.

Seven hundred and fifty one entrepreneurs of all sizes and sectors and coming from the 27 EU member states will meet at the European Parliament to debate and vote on specific business-related issues. Twenty-four entrepreneurs from 18 non-EU countries will also attend as observers.

Participants will have their say on crucial topics currently debated at EU level, and by which they are directly affected.

Topics will be treated in three different sessions and include:

• Session 1 – Conditions: the economic crisis, the EU’s SME policy, the digital agenda, collective redress and consumer rights.

• Session 2 – Resources: late payments, education, labour market, environment and energy issues.

• Session 3 – Markets: company law, international relations, trade agreements, market access.

European Parliament and European Commission representatives will be present in each session to react to companies’ votes. Stefano Mallia, Malta Chamber vice president said: “This event will give entrepreneurs the opportunity to make their concerns heard, especially at a time when many subjects directly affecting the business community are being discussed at European level.

“For this reason the Malta Chamber will be sending a high level delegation to this event.”

Institutional representatives having already confirmed their participation in the event include Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, MEP Wolf Klinz, chairman of the Special Committee on the Financial, Economic and Social Crisis, MEP Herbert Reul, chairman of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, MEP Malcolm Harbour, chairman of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, Antonio Tajani, Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Industry and Entrepreneurship and Karel De Guht, European Trade Commissioner.