KM-77-07-238-EN-D

What’s in it for you? Make Europe the best place Take part in shaping
to do business your business
Stay ahead
a Find out about major forthcoming
environment
policy initiatives before the decisions Sign up
are taken.
at: European Business
Make a difference
a Become a member and influence EU
http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ebtp
Test Panel
policies — we need your views.

Know more
a Receive feedback about how your
advice was taken into consideration.
or contact your national coordinator
for further information
I look forward to welcoming you as a mem-
ber of this unique group representing Euro-
pean business,

and I wish to thank all of you who have

already made important contributions to
our consultations.

Charlie McCreevy The European Business Test Panel is a joint

initiative between EU Member States and
Commissioner the Directorate-General for Internal Market
Internal Market and Services and Services of the European Commission.

European Commission

05_2007_4372-EN.indd 1 26-09-2007 9:23:12

 European Business Test Panel
http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ebtp
What is the European Business
Test Panel?
The EBTP is a unique group of around 3 905 companies
of various sizes and business sectors, located in all the EU
Member States.
As a member, you have the opportunity to give your views
on some of the major business related policies.
There will be a maximum of six to eight online questionnaires
per year. They should not take more than 15 to 20 minutes
to fill in.
Your national coordinator will be your direct contact and
can advise you if needed.
Your contribution will influence decisions on important
issues for the business environment in Europe!
05_2007_4372-EN.indd 2
The European Business Test Panel
spoke out …
…on VAT procedures
EBTP: Some 54 % of companies had never requested a VAT
refund in another EU country due to difficult procedures.
Result: In October 2004, the European Commission proposed
a simplified electronic procedure for businesses wishing to
claim refunds of VAT paid in other Member States.
…on business legislation in the EU
EBTP: Some 80 % of EBTP respondents claim that the
costs to comply with legislation are too high and rising.
Employment, taxation and accounting rules are most costly
to comply with.
Result: This information will help EU policymakers set
priorities as they work to reduce business administrative
burdens related to EU legislation.
The European Business Test Panel
spoke out…
…on discrimination in the workplace
EBTP: 83 % of companies replying claim that they benefit
from anti-discrimination policies; however, only 50 % have
them in place.
Result: More can be done to change awareness and attitudes.
Employers’ organisations are likely to play the key role in
promoting diversity in companies.
… on the free movement
of ‘non-harmonised’ goods in the EU
(mutual recognition)
EBTP: 50–60 % of the respondents want a transparent and
efficient dialogue with authorities in another EU country if
they meet with restrictions to market their goods.
Result: The Commission is examining new ways to further
facilitate the marketing of such goods throughout the EU.
26-09-2007 9:23:13