Prominent Opinions

"Facing a transformation of magnitude never seen before in the past in terms of speed and impact on its people, Europe has a duty to develop and defend its own way, a model balancing economic and social development. Only a United Europe will have the size and impact to matter in the world."

— Denis Terrien,
Chairman of the Supervisory board Grandir Group, Board member United Europe
Prominent Opinions

"At a time when populism is gaining in significance in many European countries and beyond, it is more important than ever to participate in the political process – our democracy thrives on it. My urgent appeal to you: Strengthen the reason, send a signal and go to the European elections!"

— Prof. Dr Dr Reinhard Hüttl,
CEO Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam
Prominent Opinions

"What is Germany without Europe? In times of increasing populism and conflicts all over the world, we need a strong, democratic Europe. A high turnout at the upcoming European election would be a strong signal for a united Europe. The world needs a strong Europe."

— Andreas Rudolph,
Chairman of the Board, GHD GesundHeits GmbH Germany
Prominent Opinions

"We can all appreciate the immense contributions of the EU concerning growth and prosperity across Europe. However, the real merit is that 500 M people live today in freedom, for whom the concept of war or conflict with each other would be unthinkable. It is imperative that we preserve this within a strong European Union."

— Dr. Michael Böhmer,
Partner, Ernst & Young GmbH
Prominent Opinions

"The European idea is fundamental for our democracy, history and values. And Europe is our only chance to maintain relevance in a world that is changing ever faster. Thus, we must continue to develop the European idea and concentrate on few major projects like defence, energy, mobility or aspects of digital."

— Dr. Leonhard Birnbaum,
Member of the Board, E.ON SE
Prominent Opinions

"We are better together - economically, culturally and in every other way. Better together with 500 million people."

— Baroness Jay of Paddington,
Member House of Lords, Board United Europe
Prominent Opinions

"Diversity and prosperity are the basis of a united, strong and livable Europe in which all people live in peace and satisfaction. Europe needs strong regions, strong cultures and strong economies. There lies the power of a strong Europe."

— Uwe Reuter,
Chairman VHV Holding AG
Prominent Opinions

"Europe has patiently succeeded at achieving peace and unprecedented prosperity. We have built a unique area of tolerance, free trade and diversity. Yet it’s construction remains fragile and in need for our constant care, attention and love."

— Guillaume Alvarez,
Senior Vice President EMEA, Steelcase
Prominent Opinions

"The European Elections will require a resounding plebiscite to compel national parties to take a stand on the European model they want and to ignite debates on this model on the political stage."

— Dr. Jorge Antos de Barras,
Honorary Consul and President of Chamber Commerce & Industry Portugal -Baltic’s

Conclusions of the YPS in Arosa, June 2016

How to Foster Entrepreneurship in Europe /

Conclusions of United Europe’s Young Professionals Seminar in Arosa,
June 17-19, 2016 /

Presenting working group results in Arosa
Presenting working group results in Arosa

With slow growth and an ageing population, Europe is coming under increasing pressure from more competitive regions of the world. Our continent needs to become more innovative and more agile in order to create jobs and maintain our prosperity. New businesses with new ideas are in urgent demand.

This is why United Europe chose to focus its seventh Young Professionals Seminar on “The Spirit of Entrepreneurship”. After an intensive two-day debate, 28 young Europeans representing a total of 17 nations put forward a list of specific measures to help foster entrepreneurship in Europe:

Increase awareness

  • Create a pan-European campaign on the importance of entrepreneurship for growth and jobs
  • Present role models of successful entrepreneurs within their national and European context
  • Encourage cooperation between established corporations, start-ups and universities

Improve education

  • In primary schools, focus on helping children develop creativity, application and self-confidence
  • Open up schools and universities to lecturers with genuine entrepreneurial experience; introduce lessons in entrepreneurship
  • Boost the quality of universities and research centres in science and technology to be able to compete with the best in the world
  • Create mentorship networks with experienced entrepreneurs
  • Organise accelerators and boot camps to help young entrepreneurs develop

Streamline regulation

  • Make regulation less burdensome and more innovation-friendly
  • Work towards European harmonisation of business-related regulation
  • Reform taxation and labour market regulation to ease the burden during the early phases of start-ups
  • Adjust the social security systems so they do not disadvantage entrepreneurs

Improve infrastructure

  • Speed up building broadband networks
  • Set up centres of excellence for entrepreneurship
  • Offer good childcare in order to allow parents to start a business

Make funding available

  • Allow pension funds to invest in venture capital
  • Facilitate equity funding for start-ups
  • Offer tax incentives for investing in the early stages of new businesses
  • Use public funds and guarantees to help start-ups
  • Foster angel investors
  • Build network platforms for entrepreneurs and future investors

To download the conclusions as a PDF, please click here.

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