Macroeconomic dialogue: key takeaways

Speaking at the Macroeconomic Dialogue, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer highlighted the key findings of BusinessEurope's Reform Barometer 2026. Although almost 60% of member federations view the European Commission's competitiveness and growth agenda more favourably than a year ago, more than 80% of federations report the investment climate has stagnated or worsened, with regulatory burden, high energy costs, and labour shortages remaining the 3 main obstacles. "Europe does not lack strategy, it lacks execution", Beyrer stressed. "The improved sentiment about EU policy intentions can only be sustained by delivering concrete measures that are felt be companies on the ground and that will have a positive effect on Europe's attractiveness for investment. The next phase of Europe's competitiveness agenda must be defined by implementation and measurable results." Looking ahead, he emphasised the importance of giving companies the space to innovate responsibly, particularly around AI, to maintain productivity, create quality jobs, and support social protection in an ageing society.