Beyond bureaucracy: A new vision for Europe. Annual bulletin of the Advisory Board of the Foundation for Family Businesses

We have long known that Germany and Europe will soon be required to spend enormous sums of money - driven by geopolitical, economic and security policy requirements. States must significantly increase their investments and secure their financing. This will not only affect EU Member States' government debt levels (and possibly the EU's debt as a community), but also growth rates. In addition, European companies will need to resume large-scale investments in order to create the necessary capacities and remain internationally competitive.But does Europe measure up as a location for businesses? The Country Index for Family Businesses recently revealed that particularly the large countries are falling behind. They are facing massive declines in wealth and prosperity. So right now, just a few days after the federal elections in Germany, it is important to turn our attention to Europe. Fundamental reforms are imperative if Europe is to remain competitive. Instead of increasingly complex corporate governance requirements, there needs to be a return to the vision set out in the original EU treaties and the guiding principle of free markets. Regulatory policy must be prioritised again. Strengthening the single market, reducing red tape and promoting mobility: this is the call to action from the Foundation for Family Businesses' Advisory Board. In short, Europe needs to abandon its interventionist approach. In this publication, six professors present six visions for Europe. They propose vital reforms and initiatives to ensure the European project is successful, both now and in the decades to come.