Extract of an interview by the journal of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises Yrittäjä with Employers' Group President Stefano Mallia

The European elections are knocking at the door. In June, the citizens of the EU Member States will elect their representatives to the European Parliament, who will be in power for the next five years. When Stefano Mallia, President of the EESC Employers' Group, is asked about the biggest challenge facing European entrepreneurs over the next five years, the response is quick.

– The green transition, he says.

According to Mallia, it is important for the transition towards a more environmentally sustainable economy and growth to ensure that businesses can thrive.

– The green transition must be carried out in such a way that allows businesses to be set up and grow. When businesses do well, then the whole of society does well too. Businesses create jobs and generate tax revenue for society.

Cutting red tape

One of the key tasks of the EESC’s Employers’ Group in recent years has been to help reduce the administrative burden significantly for businesses. Mallia notes that it was important for the Commission to understand, among other things, that the extensive reporting obligations for SMEs should be lifted.

– Whenever new legislation is being drawn up, it is essential to take account of business competitiveness. Care must be taken to ensure that business can grow.

The importance of voting in the European elections

While acknowledging that the European Union faces its own challenges and problems, Mallia believes that the EU as a whole has accomplished a lot.

– Entrepreneurs should vote so that there are people in the Parliament who look out for businesses and entrepreneurs. If you don’t vote, you will hand the decision-making power to others. Voting in the European elections can also prevent extremists from gaining power.

Read the full interview here.