Chambers of Commerce Demand Their Role in European Competitiveness

The Eurochambres Congress 2026 gathers 200 representatives from 91 chambers across 38 countries in Valencia. The presidents of Eurochambres and Cámara España call for a review of European rules and more support for SMEs.

The Palau de la Música in Valencia hosted the inauguration of the Eurochambres Congress 2026 this Monday, which is being held in Spain for the first time. The event brings together 200 representatives from 91 chambers and organisations from 38 countries, according to La Vanguardia, with European competitiveness as the central theme of the debate.

The president of Eurochambres, Vladimír Dlouhý, asserted the role of chambers of commerce in building European competitiveness: "Europe's competitiveness will not be built only in Brussels, Madrid or Valencia; it will also be built thanks to the chambers that work with businesses in their regions." Dlouhý also pointed out the "unfair competition from China" and advocated for a review of European rules to operate in an increasingly complex landscape.

"Europe's competitiveness will not be built only in Brussels, Madrid or Valencia; it will also be built thanks to the chambers that work with businesses in their regions"

In the same vein, José Luis Bonet, president of Cámara España, positioned SMEs as "the true backbone of the European economy." Bonet noted that chambers face a mission "more necessary than ever" as "a common home for businesses" to facilitate digitalisation, promote training, and generate opportunities. "Europe must believe again in its capacity to compete, lead, and innovate," he stated.

"Europe must believe again in its capacity to compete, lead, and innovate"

The Minister of Finance, Arcadi España, defended Spain's position in the negotiation of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 and criticised those calling for cuts: "There are voices asking for reductions; some think that the answer to a more hostile world is less budget and weaker institutions." The minister asserted Spain's "deeply European" character and questioned whether an "ambitious common budget or a shrinking one" is advisable.

"There are companies that are as large as a country, and it is fine that they exist, but no country can stand without its SMEs"

The plenary session also featured former Italian Prime Minister and president of the Jacques Delors Institute, Enrico Letta, who presented his proposal for a Regime 28 to accelerate administrative processing in the European single market. Letta argued that this approach does not imply "cancelling or eliminating the national legislation of each country, of which we are all proud."