Headlines: EU-Mercosur, EU budget proposal

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Headlines

17 July 2025

EU-Mercosur agreement: Ratification is more urgent than ever

On 14 July, BusinessEurope met with the Ambassadors of Mercosur countries to discuss the state of the EU-Mercosur agreement. Our Director General Markus J. Beyrer delivered a clear message: This deal must move forward without further delay. Amid growing global trade uncertainty, the need for ratification is more urgent than ever.

BusinessEurope and our membership have been strong supporters of the agreement and continue to call for its swift ratification. This deal is fundamental for the EU’s export and import diversification strategy. It will improve market access for key European sectors such as automotive, chemicals, machinery and services.

Beyond economic gains, it will also create new opportunities to access raw materials, reinforce a strong commitment to high sustainability standards, and pave the way for deeper cooperation in areas of common interest like climate change. With a unique opportunity to cement ties with a major global player, the EU must seize the moment.

Business reaction to the EU budget proposal

Yesterday, the European Commission published its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), covering the period from 2028 to 2034. European business welcomes the proposed establishment of a European Competitiveness Fund worth 409 billion euros. "We take note of the Commission’s efforts to achieve simplification by the consolidation of various programs into four strategic pillars, the emphasis on flexibility, and the inclusion of stakeholders in the Fund’s dedicated strategic board", our Director General Markus J. Beyrer commented. However, we are deeply concerned by the proposed new levy on companies’ net turnover (“CORE”), which would raise the tax burden and further undermine EU attractiveness as a destination for investment at a time of significant competitiveness challenges. Read our press release.

Just out: Simplifying the EU digital rulebook

Complexity is not strength. A growing web of rules on digital legislation without proper coordination, impact assessment, or clear entry into force timelines has created unnecessary friction.
The European business community is calling for a smarter, more coherent, and agile regulatory approach - one that treats digital not as a standalone sector, but as a key driver of resilience, innovation and growth.
Our new paper presents concrete examples of where and how digital legislation must be simplified to ease the burden on European businesses. Check out our recommendations!

Did you know?

Source: European Commission
On 16 July, the European Commission presented its proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, amounting to almost EUR 2 trillion.