Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry
CCIB
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) is a self-sufficient, non-governmental, non-political, non-profit, public-service organization without a patrimonial purpose, a legal person in its own right whose aim is to represent, defend and promote the interests of its members and the other economic actors of Bucharest, for the development of trade, industry, agriculture and services in line with the market economy requirements.
ID: 416977144755-44
Lobbying Activity
Response to Revision of the 'New Legislative Framework'
1 Sept 2025
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the European Commissions consultation on the revision of the New Legislative Framework (NLF). This revision should be responsive to the new developments in the market, combined to the developing EU legislation on circular economy and digitalisation. CCIB welcomes the perspective of futureproof rules to address the dynamism of products for further relevance and opportunities. NLF contributes also to the competitiveness of European companies in the EU Single Market. Digital Product Passport is an important feature in this respect. CCIB welcomes the NLF, however, acknowledges and wants to mention that firms need time to adapt to these features, S-E companies having a different pace of compliance.
Read full responseResponse to Public country-by-country on corporate - template and electronic format
28 Aug 2024
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) welcomes and agrees to the usefulness of the a common template and electronic reporting formats that are machine readable. The specific reference to the XHTML and XBRL are particularly useful as well established solutions in the market. These references to corporate sustainability in the context of a shift towards digitalisation is the way forwards into reporting. The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) feels like that some early references to the AI regulation is needed as this would be the next logical step after machine readability, adding up to business analysis efficiency.
Read full responseResponse to Recommendation to monitor outbound investments for further risk assessment
17 Apr 2024
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) appreciates the opportunity to participate in this consultation touching on business and political economy, impacting on competitiveness, investments, and growth, both inside and outside of the EU. EU is a leader worldwide and foreign direct investment (FDI) and EU funding supporting non-EU countries are among the instruments for statute manintaince. Hence, CCIB considers that investments in non-EU country should be part of EUs foreign policy, in order stimulate growth oversees, while capitalising internally and benefiting itself of this growth. For instance, in regards to private investments, Romanian benefited from FDI while a non-EU country as well as an EU country. CCIB regularly meets with Ambassadors of non-EU countries and business representatives whether in the Chambers of Commerce system or just with private individual businesses and does not consider monitoring of private outbound investments a good strategy for growth as this may actually restrict it, including lack of advancements to knowledge economy, circular economy, exports and business liberty in a larger sense. CCIB as a representative of private businesses understands that certain business sectors are critical and sensitive, yet considers that data exists on such matters and should be addressed elsehow.
Read full responseResponse to RO upgrading programme - nurses responsible for general care - amendment of Directive 2005/36/EC
1 Nov 2023
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) salutes the present proposal on the Recognising professional qualifications upgrading programme for general care nurses in Romania. Despite this is not in the direct interest of CCIB and its activity, our organisation regards this piece of legislation in a larger professional puzzle in the EU where recognition of professional qualifications should have a broader perspective encouraging social mobility and the movement of goods and services (including professional performing the job) in the medical services and other industries. There are obviously risks of brain drain and lack of human resources remaining in the originating country, in this case Romania, for the advantage of the beneficiary country. This has to be adressed by Romania via its internal policies and education and heath systems. Also, the EU can have a more holistic approach on adressing this subject matter. Appropriate training meeting at the required standards in the EU and its Members should be provided, including language command skills, integration courses and other trainings in both the originating and beneficiary states.
Read full responseResponse to Proposal for a decision of EP and Council providing an increase to MFA Moldova
3 Apr 2023
Camera de Comert şi Industrie Bucureşti (CCIB) salută iniţiativa Comisiei Europene în cea ce priveşte propunerea de modificare a Deciziei (UE) 2022/563 în ceea ce privește valoarea asistenței macrofinanciare acordate Republicii Moldova, mai ales în lumina programului de asociere UE Moldova 2021-2027. Din punct de vedere comercial relaţia Uniunea Europeana Republica Moldova este una strânsă, având în vedere că UE este cel mai puternic partner comercial, aproximativ 67% din totalul exporturilor și 45% din totalul importurilor moldovenești, unele State Membre ca România fiind de exemplu partenerul comercial numarul unu, cu o pondere de aproximativ 17% din volumul comerțului total. CCIB consideră majorarea propusă de 145 de milioane euro, în plus faţă de programele financiare pentru perioada 2022-2024 - Asistență macrofinanciară (AMF) granturi, ca fiind una de binevenită şi meritată în cazul în care Republica Moldova satisface pe deplin condiţiile cerute. Harta investițională a Municipiului Chișinau 2022 arată şi oportunităţi de investiţii private în capitala Republicii Moldova în domenii ca IT, industria chimică, textile şi chiar creaţie şi design thinking în sensul larg al cuvântului. Banii pe care UE intenţionează să îi acorde pot reprezenta mai mult decât un ajutor dat Republicii Moldova, având în vedere contractarea economică a ţării; trebuie avut în vedere menţinerea unui partener de dialog şi susţinerea unui partener comercial cu statut de ţară candidată.
Read full response5 Mar 2023
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) read with interest about an authorisation addressed to France to negotiate a bilateral agreement with Algeria on matters related to judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters. CCIB understands the exceptional matter on France negotiating a trade deal with Algeria on behalf of the EU, especially as French Algeria was exceptionally from the European Community and European Economy Community, before its independence and formal acknowledgement of exclusion in 1976. The existing bilateral agreements in trade should be renegotiated as they are decades old and need to be adapted to present conditions, especially as Algiers, its capital city scores rather high in the Global Business City Index for its region and its ascension may look promising. Algeria is Romania third largest business partner in Africa and companies with Algerian capital started to be established in Bucharest. With regards to the exception conditions of historical ties, scale of commerce and political power, CCIB considers itself a legit player in the trade sector and would like to be informed, notified and possibly consulted further about the process of negotiations.
Read full responseResponse to Detailed procedures for addressing distortive foreign subsidies
5 Mar 2023
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) read with great interest the current proposal for regulation on distortive foreign subsidies. CCIB understands the construction and importance of the EU single market as well as global business, seen from the public perspective as well as from the private angle. As well as the general objectives of legislation are understood and appreciated for covering legal gaps there are certain concerns on how to define an indirect financial contribution by a third country. Also, certain aspects on financial reporting relating to timing and consolidation should be present in the European accounting legislation or financial reporting standards for further guidance. A fast track procedure should be put in place in the implementing regulation for cases when it is required.
Read full responseResponse to Binding Information on Customs Valuation (BVI)
18 Jan 2023
The current legislation is useful as supply chain are globally complex. In this respect introducing legislation on binding valuation information and binding origin information in an electronic registrar is the way ahead for exchange of information fostering legit trade. The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) welcomes the consultation that shall be organised by the European Commission on uniform tariff classification and determination of origin and it is directly interested stakeholder due to its competence of issuing certificates of origin. CCIB can be a valuable partner for discussion. The CCIB also appreciates that the European Commission gives enough time, to 2025, so all relevant players can adapt to the new requirements.
Read full responseResponse to Binding Information on Customs Valuation (BVI)
18 Jan 2023
The current legislation is useful as supply chain are globally complex. In this respect introducing legislation on binding valuation information and binding origin information in an electronic registrar is the way ahead for exchange of information fostering legit trade. The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) welcomes the consultation that shall be organised by the European Commission on uniform tariff classification and determination of origin and it is directly interested stakeholder due to its competence of issuing certificates of origin. CCIB can be a valuable partner for discussion. The CCIB also appreciates that the European Commission gives enough time, to 2025, so all relevant players can adapt to the new requirements.
Read full response3 Jan 2023
CCIB appreciates the entire process of stakeholder consultation on reducing administrative burden in regards to requirements to submit invoices to establish the reference quantity and clarifying some issues concerning the Licence Operator Registration and Identification (LORI) electronic system. Regulation, generally provides certainty as trading companies know how to behave in regards to expectations on customs check, notifications, invoicing and VAT. However, CCIB wants to attract attention over the application of the new dispositions as they need to be uniform throughout all the Member States.
Read full responseResponse to Effectively banning products produced, extracted or harvested with forced labour
29 Nov 2022
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) appreciates the opportunity to provide input on Effectively banning products produced, extracted or harvested with forced labour. Similarly, with the other Chambers of Commerce that provided comments, CCIB supports Corporate Social Responsibility practices and welcomes the references and alignments with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and due diligence guidance of ILO; as well as the current, under discussion, EU legislative proposal of Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence. Under all these legal binding and non-binding requirements firms established in the EU should prevent certain unethical behaviour and unfair competitive advantage as a result of forced labour, child labour or modern slavery in the large sense. Therefore, CCIB supports EU legislators approach in banning products where forced labour was involved. However, CCIB must draw attention on the complexity of the supply chains and burden of proof, even when know your client principle applies. EU legislation should provide more clarity on the issue of relevant authorities and whether self-regulation can apply in assessing risks, provide fines and enforce requirements. Additionally, more clarity is needed on whether commercial law would largely apply or other type legislative framework are opted for.
Read full responseResponse to Proposal for a Directive on cross-border activities of associations
3 Nov 2022
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry has a direct interest in regards to Proposal for a legislative initiative on cross-border activities of associations: Single Market, as this concerns its very own legal statute and also is whitin the purpose of its activities. Accordingly to Romanian Law 335/2007, Chambers of Commerce are autonomous, non-governmental, apolitical, non-patrimonial, public utility organizations with legal statute, created in order to represent, defend and support the interests of their members and the business community in relation to the authorities public and with the bodies in the country and abroad. (Art 1) and further on as expressed in Art. 3 [it] represents, supports and defends the general interests of the business community in Romania, pursuing the promotion and development of industry, trade, services and agriculture, in accordance with the requirements of the market economy. In this respect, CCIB is in favour of better-cross border collaboration, to promote the EU Single Market as well as the EU Capital Market, as an expression of the free market economy and social economy. In this sense, it is important the possibility of creation of an legal form of an Europen Association with minimum standards for NPOs. CCIB wants to attract attention on the special character and activities of Chambers of Commece that exist all around the world, EU included. Chambers of Commerce are created by states and yet, they are membership based associations, representing the interest of their members. Also, they may have various legal statutes, oscilating from public to private. Hence, we would like to argue for a special category within the new legislative proposal to cover Chambers of commerce and thier particularities.
Read full responseResponse to EU Action Plan against trafficking in cultural goods
31 May 2022
Comments to the Trafficking in cultural goods – EU action plan
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) is a place of business and culture, promoting both of these two aspects in its current activities. Therefore, this legislative proposal proves to be of very interest and concern, especially when it comes to the treatment of cultural goods in the market, as well as consumer protection. There are known risks and unknown risks when it comes to cultural goods as this is a special category of trade and should be treated accordingly.
Our experts at CCIB are aware of legislation in this subject area, especially with the regulation 2019/880 on the introduction and the import of cultural goods, as well as with the Own Initiative report of the European Parliament on Cross-border restitution claims of works of art and cultural goods looted in armed conflicts and war and with the strategy for international cultural relations (2016/2240(INI) form the same institution.
An action plan is a step forward and CCIB takes the opportunity to congratulate the European Commission on its initiative to tackle trafficking in cultural goods, and its efforts to stop alienation and destruction of cultural heritage and also support further other illegal activities which result from the trafficking of the cultural goods.
Having read the Commission’s proposal, CCIB must comment the following:
● The European Commission must not over-regulate the transfer of cultural goods, and in this respect a clear-cut definition of what is legit trade and what is trafficking must be put in place; also, the terms of cultural goods should be subject to a common denominator as differences in understanding may exist.
● Categories of goods should be envisioned for better understanding;
● Education programmes should be started to rise awareness as this should contribute in a positive manner to save and prevent the trafficking of cultural goods.
Read full responseResponse to Sustainable corporate governance
23 May 2022
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) welcomes the legislative proposal on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and considers it a step further for the EU legal and business environment.
We have read the proposal with interest and it could have been observed that is very inclusive in terms of connecting sustainability with other pieces of legislation like non-financial reporting, sustainable financial disclosures, human rights, deforestation, conflict minerals, and more extensive strategies on circular economy and EU Single Market.
Also, we appreciate the inclusion of trade and especially the issues related to third countries and the Trade Policy Review as it connects to the sustainable corporate governance.
In regards to our legislative feedback: all data start from accounting as the language of business, and hence a greater focus should be placed on the financial disclosures rather than to non-financial disclosures. In this respect capital maintenance arguments under IFRS should be included in the present proposal for regulation together with other accounting standards, including consolidated disclosures of a reporting entity, along with integrated reports that should be addressed more properly.
The issue of supervision has to be revisited as it needs an appropriate supervisory institution or notification body, self -regulator, etc. with appropriate knowledge and tools, as addressing “regulated financial undertakings” may be not enough to reach the purpose of the present proposal. In this sense, a social license of limited liability can be considered, as an advancement of sustainability for the European companies.
Read full responseResponse to EU single access point for financial and non-financial information publicly disclosed by companies
29 Mar 2022
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) welcomes the creation of Financial transparency – single EU access point for company information and has a direct interest in making use of it. Better access to data helps decision usefulness aspect of information and hence improves investment decision making, builds up investors confidence, and increases comparability among companies, especially when data is user friendly, reliable and a faithful representation of the economic reality.
Also, the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) would like to mention the following:
● The VIES VAT number validation should be included as a service in European Single Access Point (ESAP).
● We support ESG as this affects a company value up or down, however, the Non Financial Reporting Directive is far to general. Hands on business there are 183 voluntary frameworks for disclosures of NFI, and even more mandatory disclosures. Sustainability information should take into account company business models as a way of value creation and value processing in the use of business information.
● SMEs should be included in a special category and more attention should be paid to this heterogeneously category, as some companies may use IFRS for SMEs while other may use national financial reporting rules. This may hinder comparability and understanding.
● Further technical attention has to be paid to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) used as XBRL uses XML, while other AI and ML use Python and work better with CSV and JSON, XML included.
Read full responseResponse to Instrument to deter and counteract coercive actions by third countries
14 Feb 2022
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry considers itself a relevant stakeholder in the proposal for regulation on Trade – mechanism to deter & counteract coercive action by non-EU countries, hence we appreciate the opportunity to provide feed-back.
The EU claims that worldwide there seems to be an increasing trend on economic coercion which should be addressed, yet, this proposal for regulation can generate counter-effects, making room for increased protectionism, which is detrimental to trade.
Despite calls for objective criteria, there should be a better differentiation in between EU political interests and EU business interests of private companies. European Commissions should envision possibilities for SMEs to be allowed to trade, outside the coercion mechanism and its political consideration, when proved to be on good standing. SMEs are more exposed compared to large companies and we highly appreciate Commission’s intentions and objectives on “preventing or limiting economic losses as a result of foreign countries’ coercive actions” as presented in the Impact assessment report.
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry appreciates the distinction between official and non-official actors expressed in recital 12, however, a much clearer distinction between companies that are state owned, state linked, private companies and individual interests should be made clearer, as these categories may have and should have dichotomic views and needs.
As part of our feed-back, we consider that the EU should also explore the possibility of involving the Courts of Commercial Arbitration of Chambers of Commerce more, including the City Chambers where businesses are registered and direct interested in settling these types of disputes with other Chamber of Commerce and their governments, to avoid coercion, when possible and when accepted to negotiations.
In regards to tacking down coercion and also resilience practices, further attention has to be paid to consultancy activities meant to foster commerce via policy demands and actual coercive activities.
In conclusion, the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry argues for three things:
1. Exploring further potential implications for Courts of Commercial Arbitration of Chambers of Commerce in early stage mediation of disputes,
in regards to the current proposal for regulation.
2. Exploring the possibility of SMEs to continue trading for a while as a measure to prevent losses.
3. The situation of public affairs consultancies pushing for private and public interests should be better addressed.
Read full response