Businesses – micro, small, medium and also large – are suffering economic hardship as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic that dwarfs even the peak of the financial crisis of 10 to 12 years ago.

Chambers of Commerce & Industry have been closer than ever to their members since the crisis began and recognise their role in helping businesses to recover from the dramatic economic slowdown.

The crisis has underlined the importance of the EU and the interconnectivity of the European economy. A coordinated European approach is needed to revive the supply of goods and services, uphold free movement and stimulate demand.

The July 2020 special European Council reached agreement on a comprehensive package of over €1.8 trillion, combining the next multiannual financial framework long-term budget with an extraordinary ‘Next Generation EU’ recovery fund.

Although the budget has dominated high level EU political discussions and media headlines in recent months, a number of other powerful EU policy instruments will be critical in ensuring a swift and sustainable economic revival.

The EUROCHAMBRES Rebooting Europe online events series enabled exchanges of views and opinions on some of the key levers at the EU’s disposal to drive the recovery.

• Chamber network representatives will provide insight on the ongoing impact of the crisis on Europe’s grass roots economy and consider how the EU can help struggling businesses drive the recovery;
• Senior EU policy-makers will set out initiatives to contribute to the recovery and to the institutions’ priorities for the 2019-24 term;
• Participants will have the opportunity to pose questions and contribute to the debate.