Dear guests, dear colleagues,

EUROCHAMBRES' annual Congress provides a unique platform in Europe with more than 50 Chamber networks gathered together to debate; exchange views, and contribute to improved framework conditions for business. This is our unique and constant preoccupation as Chambers whether at local, regional or national level. It is also our daily mission, across all sectors and sizes of business: to achieve success on Europe's business side and to bring it closer to entrepreneurs.

This year we will examine our motto - "Working for European business" - along 4 key chapters for the debates. We will look at the core activities of Chambers in the fields of business creation & transfer, innovation, internationalisation and training. We will review good practices and propose a mapping of the future in order to create new opportunities for our enterprises.

How can Chambers make Europe happen? How can we contribute to the overarching objectives of competitiveness and improved standards of living? What can be transferred across boundaries? Should some business policies be shaped? Communicating Europe…from and for business!

I am proud to invite you - entrepreneurs, politicians and academics - to join our Chambers at their round tables and debates. Together we can shape the message of business to the policy makers while sharing experiences and making the most of a dedicated networking event. A Manifesto of European Chambers will collect all activities, experiences and proposals of Chambers on "Entrepreneurship and SMEs". The Manifesto will finally put the daily work of Chambers in the right light, stimulate our debates and provide guidelines and recommendations for future actions.

We are eager to share our enthusiasm and commitment with you on 5-6 October in Thessaloniki.

Pierre Simon
EUROCHAMBRES' President