CHAMBERS NEWS EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT OF ENTERPRISES
Down to Business
IN BRUSSELS Now in its eighth year, the European Parliament of Enterprises continues to welcome Irish businesses to Brussels to gain an insight into the real impact the EU can have on the business community.
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he European Parliament of Enterprises (EPE) is an initiative developed by Eurochambres, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The first event took place in 2008 to mark the 50th anniversary of Eurochambres. The event allows business people from all over Europe to become Members of the European Parliament of Enterprises (MEPEs) for one day and get a unique look at how one of the most powerful bodies in the world goes about their decision-making process. The idea behind the concept is to bridge the gap in knowledge of both the business community and the European Parliament about what the other does. There is a feeling among the business community that European legislators do not take into account the concerns of entrepreneurs, for example, with regards to excessive red tape and gold plating of directives. On the other hand, businesses are largely unfamiliar with the exact role of the Parliament and the significance that the institution’s decisions can have on their day-to-day business activities. The EPE is an opportunity for both parties to learn in a collaborative environment. WHAT HAPPENS AT THE EPE? 751 entrepreneurs, or MEPEs, from EU countries, gather in the symbolic location of the Hemicycle of the European Parliament. The composition of the EPE reflects the number of Members of the European Parliament per
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Kevin Murray, Deputy President, Chambers Ireland at the EPE
member state. Additionally, 53 seats have been allocated for entrepreneurs coming from the 18 non-EU Eurochambres members. The EPE recreates a parliamentary session and gives the floor to European entrepreneurs. This highlights the “economic democracy” of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry through their representation and their structure. On the day, MEPEs will hear a range of presentations from key EU personnel and take InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2015
25/02/2015 15:27