Czech industry boss ‘hopes’ EU elections will ease regulatory burden

7 months ago 28

The head of the Czech Confederation of Industry told Euractiv.cz that he hopes the upcoming European Elections will “generate” politicians who prioritise easing the industry’s growing regulation burden. Read more.

CUT

Jan Rafaj, president of the confederation, said the EU has already strengthened its competitiveness by supporting some manufacturing segments.

However, despite promises, the reduction of regulatory burden has not materialised.

“When it comes to regulation, we need much more activity and less talking. So far, I think it is just about talking,” Rafaj told Euractiv.cz.

“We believe that the elections will generate politicians who will insist on simplifying and streamlining the EU,” he added, hoping that the EU will prioritise business and industry.

“The elections will tell the whole story, but so far, it seems that competitiveness and regulation are important issues, along with the security of Europe. These are issues that resonate in most EU countries. So, let us hope that this will be the case; we are betting on it,” Rafaj noted.

Czechia is one of the most industrialised countries in Europe.

According to a new survey by the confederation, conducted on the occasion of the country’s 20th anniversary of EU membership, domestic companies appreciate the EU’s positive impacts but are worried about excessive regulation.

In their EU elections manifestos, two political parties—the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) and the Liberals (ALDE)—mentioned reducing heavy regulation as a key priority.

Industry perception changed after Russia’s war

He also pointed out that before the Russian aggression in Ukraine and the subsequent crisis, European politicians and bureaucrats were stifling communication with businesses.

“Yes, it was a huge failure when they felt they should not talk to business,” Rafaj said.

“European politicians have driven it to the point where Europe is becoming uncompetitive, and we have to do something about it,” the Czech industry representative added.

According to Rafaj, only an economically strong Europe can ensure a socially strong and internationally strong Europe.

He also welcomed several EU initiatives to boost the production of chips, green energy or pharmaceuticals in Europe.

“We are simply seeing that Europe is suddenly realising that there is a whole range of manufacturing that we need to return to because we cannot run on services alone,” Rafaj concluded.

(Aneta Zachová | Euractiv.cz – Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos | Euractiv.com)