What could be done immediately by EU CEOs? INSTEAD OF addressing the post –
“The EU leadership is acting as the hare does in the picture, causing a recession.”
Blaming politics won’t solve the problems of European companies.
I just attended the BCCG & IWR Business Summer 2025 event; I tried to look for any positive outlook from participants.
Several conversations reinforced that the economy faces challenging times ahead in the EU. Nothing new on that.
I talked with a business developer from an international car rental company; B2C is doing well internationally, not just in Europe but in North America too, which shows that tourism is strong, while B2B is not as lucrative.
Be positive—the truism is prospering 😊
I spoke to one of the international executive-search company’s managing partners, who is responsible for the German market:
He doesn’t see any positive economic outlook in Germany. He reduced headcount in his offices, too.
I could continue with more examples, but it wouldn’t solve the situation.
There was no conversation in which a positive economic outlook was expressed in Germany.
Energy prices;
Europe has a disadvantage; in the past years, there have been tremendous investments in renewables. But there are physical limitations due to the transmission and strength.
That’s why there is a need for gas motor(s) to support the electricity network. I think the European electricity market is rapidly developing, but there will remain a long-term disadvantage. (I will write a separate post with an expert from the energy industry.)
Several starting ideas for policymakers;
In general, the same legal conditions are enforced for European and non-EU countries.
Some non-EU companies have a comparative advantage, which should be legally forced to be the same as European companies (if they import goods from non-EU countries, they should have the same requirements as if they were produced in Europe).
EU companies give a wide range of compensation for employees—one example is health insurance, which makes their products more expensive (think about it when you buy a non-EU car).
Environmental expectations—if non-EU companies are exporting to the EU, is the environmental cost the same as in the EU?
Over-subsidized industries in non-EU countries. If the EU subsidizes non-EU investments, we should demand obligations (e.g., a certain EU supplier rate, or requesting EU joint ventures).
Massive work has to be done.
EU funding for Ukraine:
- Is it controlled properly?
- Upon reconstruction starts, the European Fund for Reconstruction will be a potential opportunity for European construction companies—or will it flow directly to non-EU countries?
- After the reconstruction is completed, what will be the role of European companies in Ukraine?
Can you achieve a durable competitive advantage by excelling across product, service, sales, purchasing, and finance—consistently over time?
What could be done immediately by EU CEOs in their companies?
- Do you have an advantage in automation?
- Do you have the best people who can lead your company from this perspective, or are you following other companies?
- Is the best business developer in your industry sitting on your team or on the competitor’s team?
- Are you a market leader in employer branding?
- Are the best talents eager to work for your company?
- Labor efficiency –
- Is the home office effective?
- General labor commitment above that of your competitors?
- Several companies have to decrease headcount: – Despite this, do you have the best employer branding in practice?
- Energy sourcing—do you have the best strategy?
I work with CEOs in small working groups:
- What could be done immediately by EU CEOs—sharing best practices
- What should be proposed to policymakers?
If you are interested as a CEO, please join us- share your view. We will lift up the European economy together! Europe will be great again 😊
