Espresso Briefings by BusinessEurope

As International Women’s Day approaches, we put the spotlight on advancing gender equality in the workplace as a driver of skills, innovation and competitiveness. Gabriella Sebardt, Chair of our Equal Opportunities Network, reflects on the progress being made on the ground, the role of enterprises in building a more inclusive and resilient European economy, and the clear message employers across Europe want to see delivered this year.

In this episode, we explore BusinessEurope’s call to action for 2026, a focused set of priorities to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in the year ahead. Our President Fredrik Persson explains why urgent and united action from European leaders is needed now, not just to keep pace, but to take the lead.

This episode takes a closer look at a new tool that has quickly become central to the EU’s regulatory agenda: omnibus packages. These are designed to be fast‑moving, cross‑cutting simplification initiatives to reduce burdens, improve clarity, and help restore Europe’s competitiveness. Our Director for Legal Affairs Pedro Oliveira guides us through what they are, why they matter, and what the first of these packages - Omnibus 1 - means for European companies.

2025 was a year of transition and renewed focus on competitiveness, and 2026 is set to be just as decisive! In Episode 2 of Espresso Briefings, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer offers his perspective on the major developments in 2025, from the Omnibus packages and the EU-Mercosur agreement to the Clean Industrial Deal. He also outlines key milestones for 2026 and what it all means for European business.

Our Deputy Director General, Luisa Santos, is in conversation with Alan Sherlock, Acting Director for Communications, about one of today’s most debated trade topics, the EU–Mercosur trade agreement: why it matters, what’s at stake, and what it would mean for Europe’s competitiveness.