Lobbying by Mouvement des Entreprises de France

Mouvement des Entreprises de France

MEDEF

Mouvement des Entreprises de France is the largest representative organization of French businesses.

Focus Areas

2025

2023-2024

2015-2022

Links

Website Transparency Register Profile

ID: 43763731235-75

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Laurence Farreng (Member of the European Parliament)

12 Jan 2026 · Perspectives européennes des entreprises françaises

MEDEF urges EU to prioritize industrial growth over digital regulation

9 Jan 2026

Topic — A review of the European Union's strategy for digital transformation by 2030.

Message — The organization demands a two-year delay for AI Act rules and regulatory simplification. They also propose a 'Buy European Tech' act for public contracts.1 2

Why — Reducing regulatory overlap and compliance costs would improve the global competitiveness of EU firms.3 4

Impact — Non-European technology providers risk losing access to lucrative public contracts under suggested procurement rules.5

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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Jan 2026 · Post 2030-Framework

Meeting with Alexandre Paquot (Director Climate Action)

7 Jan 2026 · Discussion on latest policy developments on ETS and CBAM for industrial decarbonisation

Meeting with Manuel Mateo Goyet (Acting Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

18 Dec 2025 · Les positions et actions du MEDEF en matière de numérique et de souveraineté

Meeting with Joan Canton (Head of Unit Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

18 Dec 2025 · IAA, EU industrial and energy policy

MEDEF urges "lab to fab" strategy for EU Quantum Act

15 Dec 2025

Topic — The initiative aims to accelerate research, development, and industrial deployment of quantum technologies.

Message — MEDEF calls for an integrated strategy to transform scientific excellence into industrial capability. They propose a unified funding framework and the creation of European innovation hubs.1 2

Why — Streamlined funding and procurement would reduce barriers for French companies to commercialize innovations.3

Impact — Non-European technology providers lose market share as the EU reduces reliance on foreign suppliers.4

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Meeting with Bruno Tobback (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Dec 2025 · Energy Policy

Meeting with Karen Vandekerckhove (Head of Unit Justice and Consumers) and BUSINESSEUROPE and

3 Dec 2025 · Exchange on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2023/970

Meeting with Philippe Lamberts (Principal Adviser Inspire, Debate, Engage and Accelerate Action)

2 Dec 2025 · General discussion of the state of play of the EGD/CID

Meeting with Dóra Dávid (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Nov 2025 · Digital omnibus

Meeting with Valérie Hayer (Member of the European Parliament) and Google and

19 Nov 2025 · IA

Meeting with Dorota Denning (Cabinet of Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis), Mirzha De Manuel (Cabinet of Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis) and

18 Nov 2025 · Competitiveness and simplification

Meeting with Kilian Gross (Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

13 Nov 2025 · Exchange of views on simplification and implementation of the AI Act as well as interplay between the AI Act and the GDPR

Meeting with Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President) and

6 Nov 2025 · Compétitivité

Meeting with Svetlana Schuster (Acting Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

4 Nov 2025 · Cybersecurity Act, Digital Omnibus, EUCS

French Business Group MEDEF Opposes New Digital Fairness Regulations

23 Oct 2025

Topic — EU proposal to strengthen consumer protection against dark patterns and unfair digital practices.

Message — MEDEF requests no new legislation, arguing existing EU rules already cover digital fairness issues. They call for better enforcement of current laws and practical guidance instead of additional regulations.1 2 3

Why — This would spare them compliance costs and preserve competitiveness under existing complex regulations.4 5

Impact — Consumers lose stronger protections against manipulative interfaces and exploitative digital practices.6 7 8

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Meeting with Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea (Director Environment) and

23 Oct 2025 · Exchange of views on the IED, IEPR, ESPR, Environmental Omnibus and CEA

Meeting with Wojciech Saryusz-Wolski (Head of Unit (Ad interim) Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

22 Oct 2025 · Exchange of views on digital simplification for French small, medium, and large businesses

French business lobby urges EU to prioritize electrification in industrial strategy

9 Oct 2025

Topic — EU action plan to increase electrification from 23% to support decarbonisation and competitiveness.

Message — MEDEF calls for making electrification a strategic priority in the Clean Industrial Deal and Affordable Energy Action Plan. They request a clear, predictable framework that reduces electricity bills, de-risks projects, and supports infrastructure deployment across all business sizes.1 2

Why — This would help French businesses secure stable, competitive electricity prices and close the competitiveness gap with US and Chinese competitors.3 4

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Meeting with Laurent Sillano (Head of Unit Directorate-General for International Partnerships) and Alstom and

9 Oct 2025 · Presentation and discussion on four rail projects in sub-Saharan Africa

French Business Federation Urges 35,000bn Euro Innovation Mobilization

3 Oct 2025

Topic — EU regulation to strengthen Europe's innovation ecosystem and attract private capital.

Message — MEDEF requests completing a Savings and Investment Union to mobilize 35,000 billion euros of private savings, massively deploying venture capital to prevent industrialization moving outside the EU, accelerating market access through dedicated instruments and pro-innovation procurement, and drastically simplifying access to European public funding through a single window with harmonized rules.1 2 3 4

Why — This would unlock massive private capital for French companies and prevent them losing control during industrialization phases.5 6

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Meeting with Ioan-Dragos Tudorache (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné) and Airbus and

18 Sept 2025 · US and EU-China relations, trade agreements, economic security and trade defence measures, upcoming EU initiatives

Meeting with Denis Redonnet (Deputy Director-General Trade)

18 Sept 2025 · EU-US Joint Statement Implementation ; EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement ; Economic Security

Meeting with Chiara Galiffa (Cabinet of Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič) and Airbus and

18 Sept 2025 · US and EU-China relations, trade agreements, economic security and trade defence measures, upcoming EU initiatives

Response to European Climate Law amendment

15 Sept 2025

AFEP, MEDEF, France Industrie Press Release 2040 CLIMATE TARGET Achieving Europes decarbonisation requires the immediate launch of a globally competitive agenda The European Commission proposes to create a legally binding target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. MEDEF, AFEP and France Industrie reaffirm their full commitment to decarbonising the European economy a vital condition for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement but consider this new target premature. The current Commissions mandate was built on the conclusions of the Draghi report, which underlined that decarbonisation and competitiveness are inseparable. One year on from the European elections, our organisations argue that the absolute priority must be the immediate implementation of a globally competitive agenda, structured around six key priorities: Completing the single market to eliminate intra-European barriers that fragment our economic potential Ensuring competitive access to energy and greater coherence in climate action Modernising competition policy Achieving and supporting the continents digital transformation Ensuring strategic use of public procurement Mobilising substantial private and public investment to drive Europes transformation. Implementing this agenda is a prerequisite for achieving climate targets. It must therefore contribute to the determination of the net greenhouse gas emission reduction target. This competitive agenda will ensure that the climate targets are both realistic and achievable for businesses. It will also allow the Commission, in collaboration with economic stakeholders, to define the measures needed to support the transition and determine how it will be financed. Conversely, without the immediate implementation of a competitive agenda, the premature adoption of climate targets will inevitably lead to industrial job losses, which will run counter to the interests of Europeans, both economically and socially. MEDEF, AFEP and France Industrie are therefore calling on the European authorities to provide, in the coming weeks, full visibility on the productive and competitive agenda that will underpin the launch of these six key initiatives. The pathway for net emission reductions can then be derived accordingly. AFEP, MEDEF and France Industrie stand ready to contribute, alongside all relevant stakeholders. Press contacts: AFEP Mael Evin, +33 6 44 12 14 91, presse@afep.com MEDEF Press service, presse@medef.fr France Industrie Press service, +33 6 01 65 37 73, presse@franceindustrie.org

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French Business Federation MEDEF Urges Pragmatic Approach to Fleet Greening

8 Sept 2025

Topic — EU proposal sets minimum requirements for zero-emission vehicles in corporate fleets.

Message — MEDEF calls for a balanced fleet greening strategy with clear milestones that integrates economic and operational realities of businesses. They emphasize technological neutrality, progressive trajectories adapted to different vehicle segments, and coordination between public and private actors rather than punitive sanctions.1 2 3

Why — This would avoid excessive sanctions and administrative burdens while maintaining flexibility for different business models.4 5

Impact — Climate goals lose momentum if businesses delay vehicle replacement to avoid punitive measures.6

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French Business Federation Urges Stronger EU Electricity Cost Compensation

5 Sept 2025

Topic — EU revision of state aid rules compensating industry for higher electricity costs from emissions trading.

Message — MEDEF requests continuation of indirect cost compensation beyond 2030, announced by end 2025. They demand harmonised EU-wide emission factors, 100% aid intensity instead of current 75% cap, and broader sector eligibility including forge and foundry industries.1 2 3 4

Why — This would protect French electro-intensive industries from electricity prices two to three times higher than competitors in North America and Asia.5 6 7

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Meeting with Olivier Bringer (Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

3 Sept 2025 · Exchange of views on EU digital sovereignty, the International Digital Strategy and International Affairs

Meeting with Valérie Hayer (Member of the European Parliament) and L'Oréal and France Industrie

27 Aug 2025 · Compétitivité

Meeting with Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President) and

27 Aug 2025 · - Marchés publics - Buy European act - Marché intérieur - Relation UE US

Meeting with Eric Mamer (Director-General Environment)

18 Jul 2025 · Réunion entre le MEDEF et le DG pour l’environnement

Meeting with Hubert Gambs (Deputy Director-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs) and

18 Jul 2025 · EU competitiveness agenda

Meeting with Gilles Boyer (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

16 Jul 2025 · SIU, taxation, BEFIT, omnibus simplification, MFF, international trade

Meeting with Nathalie Loiseau (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Jul 2025 · Enjeux de défense

Meeting with François Kalfon (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Jul 2025 · Politique industrielle de l'UE

Meeting with Chloé Ridel (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur for opinion)

16 Jul 2025 · Omnibus

Meeting with Jessica Larsson (Acting Head of Representation Communication)

16 Jul 2025 · Visite de courtoisie du MEDEF suite à la prise de fonction de Madame Lepage en tant que Directrice du pôle Europe-International du MEDEF.

Meeting with Thibaut Kleiner (Director Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

15 Jul 2025 · Discussions on the main challenges and objectives related to EU digital sovereignty.

Meeting with Pascal Canfin (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

11 Jul 2025 · 28th Regime

French business federation urges stronger EU ETS protections amid global competition

8 Jul 2025

Topic — Review of EU Emissions Trading System for 2040 climate targets and competitiveness.

Message — MEDEF requests maintaining free allocations post-2030 for sectors outside CBAM, preserving compensation for indirect electricity costs, and removing new administrative conditions on climate plans and energy audits. They argue current volatility and regulatory complexity discourage investment.1 2 3 4

Why — This would protect their industrial base from carbon leakage and reduce compliance costs.5 6 7

Impact — Environmental groups lose stronger climate accountability through removed monitoring and planning requirements.8 9

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French business federation urges EU to prioritize permitting speed and financial support

8 Jul 2025

Topic — EU regulation to accelerate industrial decarbonisation through investments and faster procedures.

Message — The organization requests fast-track permitting with capped timelines, European funding for low-carbon projects, and financial tools like green tax depreciation. They emphasize the need to move beyond coercive regulation toward incentive-based industrial policy.1 2 3 4

Why — This would reduce administrative delays and improve project profitability through tax incentives.5 6 7

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Meeting with Manuel Mateo Goyet (Acting Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

26 Jun 2025 · Discussions on the main challenges and objectives related to EU digital sovereignty.

Meeting with Sergey Lagodinsky (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Jun 2025 · Speaker

Meeting with Maria Luís Albuquerque (Commissioner) and

23 Jun 2025 · Presentation of each trade union and their positions on the SIU

Meeting with Elisabeth Werner (Deputy Secretary-General Secretariat-General)

13 May 2025 · Competitiveness

Meeting with Ralph Schmitt-Nilson (Head of Unit Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs) and European Construction Industry Federation and Fédération Nationale des Travaux Publics

16 Apr 2025 · FNTP, Clean Industrial Deal, in connection with the challenge of decarbonising infrastructure, as well as the reform of the public procurement directives.

Meeting with Felix Fernandez-Shaw (Director Directorate-General for International Partnerships) and

1 Apr 2025 · Plenary Feedback round on previously held GGIA Working Group sessions of 9 different thematical groups regarding Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Meeting with Pascal Canfin (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and TIC Council

31 Mar 2025 · Omnibus I

Meeting with Koen Doens (Director-General Directorate-General for International Partnerships) and

18 Mar 2025 · Global Gateway

Meeting with Arthur Corbin (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné), Bertrand L'Huillier (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné) and

13 Mar 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal Simplification Trade

Response to Savings and Investments Union

7 Mar 2025

La Commission européenne a lancé le 3 février 2025 un appel à contribution sur l'Union de lépargne et de linvestissement. Cette union s'appuiera sur l'achèvement réussi à la fois de l'Union des marchés de capitaux (UMC) et de l'Union bancaire. Lobjectif visé est dorienter l'épargne vers les investissements les plus productifs, en mettant l'accent sur les objectifs stratégiques de l'Union Européenne (UE), notamment l'innovation, la décarbonisation, les technologies numériques et la défense. Pour la Commission, cette union doit s'attacher à accroître le rendement de l'épargne des citoyens de l'UE et à élargir les possibilités de financement pour les entreprises, afin d'améliorer la compétitivité de l'UE. Le MEDEF partage lambition de la Commission et ses objectifs. Développer la capacité de financement des entreprises par les marchés financiers à léchelle de lUE et par des acteurs européens est un enjeu essentiel. Dans le cadre dune économie européenne encore largement financée par le crédit, les besoins croissants de financement des entreprises sont en effet estimés à 800 milliards d'euros par an, pour la transition écologique et numérique. Il apparait donc impératif dapprofondir les capacités de financement des entreprises. Ce défi sinscrit de plus dans un contexte international qui impose à lUnion de renforcer la compétitivité de ses entreprises et de son secteur financier si elle veut continuer dexister et de se développer en assurant prospérité et sécurité à ses citoyens. La simplification des normes européennes jouera un rôle central pour atteindre cet objectif. Parvenir à un marché unique à proprement parler représente un horizon ambitieux. Pour les entreprises françaises, lenjeu est dabord daméliorer significativement le cadre de lespace européen de circulation des capitaux pour renforcer la compétitivité des acteurs financiers européens et ainsi la compétitivité des entreprises européennes, notamment françaises. En leur assurant une plus grande diversification et profondeur des sources de financement, cest aussi lautonomie stratégique de lUE qui sera renforcée. Le secteur financier est à cet égard un secteur qui devrait être considéré comme stratégique par lUnion européenne. Sa compétitivité devrait faire lobjet dune attention soutenue. Le projet dUnion de lépargne et de linvestissement de la Commission européenne a ainsi un rôle central à jouer pour financer lautonomie stratégique de lUnion. La récente impulsion donnée au projet dUMC par la Commission et les Etats membres, ouvre la voie à la structuration et à la mise en œuvre de propositions concrètes. Les rapports de Mario Draghi (A competitiveness strategy for Europe, septembre 2024), Christian Noyer (Développer les marchés de capitaux européens pour financer lavenir, avril 2024) et Enrico Letta (Much more than a market, avril 2024) témoignent dailleurs de cette ambition. Les positions du MEDEF exprimées dans sa contribution s'appuient sur les échanges du MEDEF avec ses adhérents représentants des entreprises financières et non financières. 8 axes d'avancées sont demandés: 1. Desserrer et harmoniser le cadre juridique et fiscal européen (notamment par la suppression des retenues à la source) afin de proposer un écosystème juridique cohérent et dencourager les investissements transfrontaliers 2. Développer lépargne financière de long-terme. 3. Encourager la participation des investisseurs particuliers aux marchés de capitaux 4. Desserrer les contraintes qui pèsent sur les assureurs afin de faciliter leurs investissements à long terme, notamment en actions 5. Revitaliser le marché de la titrisation à léchelle de lUE 6. Mettre le sujet de la compétitivité des acteurs européens au cœur de toute réforme en lien avec lUMC 7. Adopter une approche « bottom-up » comme complément de lapproche « top-down » 8. Développer une supervision cohérente des marchés financiers à léchelle européenne

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Meeting with Gabriele Bischoff (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Association Française des Entreprises Privées / French Association of Large Companies and Bundesverband deutscher Wohnungs- und Immobilienunternehmen

6 Mar 2025 · Austausch

Meeting with Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Feb 2025 · Directive stage

Meeting with Katarina Koszeghy (Cabinet of Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra), Patrice Pillet (Cabinet of Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra)

18 Feb 2025 · International and EU tax issues

Meeting with Leopoldo Rubinacci (Deputy Director-General Trade)

17 Feb 2025 · Mr. Rubinacci participated in a panel discussion entitled « Politique commerciale / concurrence : comment articuler souveraineté économique et libre-échange ? », organised by the Medef (Mouvement des Entreprises de Frances) with Marie-Pierre

Meeting with Céline Imart (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Feb 2025 · Commerce international

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament)

12 Feb 2025 · Intervention sur la politique énergétique européenne

Meeting with Gilles Boyer (Member of the European Parliament) and Fédération bancaire française and

5 Feb 2025 · Omnibus simplification

Meeting with Valérie Hayer (Member of the European Parliament) and Fédération bancaire française and

5 Feb 2025 · Simplification

French business group MEDEF demands regulatory simplification shockwave

31 Jan 2025

Topic — EU consultation on removing barriers and streamlining rules for the 2025 Single Market.

Message — MEDEF calls for suspending due diligence rules and delaying sustainability reporting. They demand outcome-based regulations to reduce administrative burdens.1 2 3

Why — This would lower compliance costs and give firms more flexibility to innovate.4

Impact — Small businesses lose protection from late payments if the 30-day limit is scrapped.5 6

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Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament)

29 Jan 2025 · Echanges avec des entreprises de la région Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Meeting with Valérie Hayer (Member of the European Parliament)

27 Jan 2025 · Politique économique européenne

Meeting with Laurence Farreng (Member of the European Parliament) and Airbus and

21 Jan 2025 · Défis européens des grandes entreprises françaises

Meeting with Valérie Hayer (Member of the European Parliament) and Airbus and

21 Jan 2025 · Politique économique européenne

Meeting with Céline Imart (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Jan 2025 · Commerce international

Meeting with Jozef Síkela (Commissioner) and

17 Jan 2025 · Presentation of the Global Gateway Strategy and INTPA instruments.

Meeting with Roland Sourd (Cabinet of Commissioner Jozef Síkela) and BUSINESSEUROPE

15 Jan 2025 · Preparation of the visit of Commissioner Síkela to Paris and his meeting with the MEDEF

Meeting with Aurore Lalucq (Member of the European Parliament) and France Chimie

8 Jan 2025 · Rencontre avec des élus et des industriels sur la situation industrielle à Dunkerque

Meeting with Aurore Lalucq (Member of the European Parliament)

7 Jan 2025 · Priorités du mandat, politique économique et industrielle

Meeting with Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President) and

15 Dec 2024 · Simplification

Meeting with Stephanie Riso (Director-General Budget)

12 Dec 2024 · Meeting with the network of 'conseillers du commerce extérieur', which promotes and supports the internationalisation of FR companies. Topics: current state of implementation of MFF and NextGenEU, and perspectives for next long-term budget.

Meeting with Arthur Corbin (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné), Bertrand L'Huillier (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné)

6 Dec 2024 · Mandate priorities and Simplification agenda

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament)

6 Dec 2024 · Echanges autour des actualités politiques européennes et françaises

Meeting with Michael Hager (Cabinet of Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis)

6 Dec 2024 · Competitiveness Draghi report

Meeting with Grégory Allione (Member of the European Parliament)

4 Dec 2024 · Réunion MEDEF

Meeting with Pascal Canfin (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Oct 2024 · Clean Industrial Deal

Meeting with Aurore Lalucq (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair)

18 Sept 2024 · Compétitivité européenne, finalisation du marché intérieur, pacte pour une industrie propre, Fonds européen pour la compétitivité, lutte contre les ingérences étrangères

Meeting with Gilles Boyer (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · Priorités de la mandature pour la competitivité

Meeting with Andreas Schwab (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · competitiveness

Meeting with Raphaël Glucksmann (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · Competitiveness

Meeting with Valérie Devaux (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · Enjeux de compétitivité en Europe

Meeting with Laurence Farreng (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · Priorités du nouveau mandat ; compétences et compétitivité

Meeting with Nathalie Loiseau (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · Compétitivité européenne

Meeting with François-Xavier Bellamy (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · Emploi

Meeting with Grégory Allione (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · Réunion MEDEF

MEDEF urges easing of EU anti-tax avoidance rules

10 Sept 2024

Topic — The Commission is evaluating the implementation of the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive.

Message — The organization requests removing redundant foreign company rules and increasing interest deduction ceilings. They also demand reduced reporting obligations.1 2

Why — These changes would lower corporate tax bills and reduce compliance costs for businesses.3 4

Impact — Member states risk losing tax revenue if anti-avoidance protections are reduced or eliminated.5

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Meeting with Gerassimos Thomas (Director-General Taxation and Customs Union) and Airbus and

9 Sept 2024 · Physical meeting - Exchange on EU Taxation and Customs policy priorities

Response to Public country-by-country on corporate - template and electronic format

6 Sept 2024

Dear Sir/Madam, We welcome the consultation of the European Commission relating to the Tax paid by multinationals template and electronic formats for country by country reports. We note that the present consultation process relates to the reporting template and format for the EU Public CbCR which are of purely technical nature. We would like to stress that it is crucial that the reporting template and format do not depart from the provisions of the Public CbCR Directive by providing flexibility to introduce additional requirements for companies or by allowing divergent implementations across different Member States in the EU. In our view, the Implementing Regulation and annexes proposed by the EU Commission go beyond the scope allowed by Article 48(c)(4) of the Public CbCR Directive. This creates a risk of complexifying the reporting and blurring the understanding of the requirements. In addition, ensuring a level-playing field between companies in the EU and keeping the administrative burden to a reasonable level are also key priorities for businesses in the EU. We are concerned that the proposed Implementing Regulation and annexes create a number of issues in this respect. Please find attached our detailed comments. Yours sincerely. MEDEF Tax Affairs

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Response to Evaluation and review of the Regulation concerning the screening of foreign direct investments

26 Apr 2024

The Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) welcomes the European Commissions proposal for a review of the Regulation on Foreign Direct Investment screening in the EU. Over all, the updates proposed in the new Regulation go into the right direction. It becomes for example mandatory for all Member States to establish a screening mechanism. This will contribute to mitigating gaps in the current system, while also addressing fragmentation in the Single Market and ensuring a level playing field for investments in the EU. For critical and strategic sectors, whose competitive edge is largely relying on tightly integrated value chains in the EU and beyond, a stronger harmonization of legislative frameworks in the Member States and the reinforcement of the cooperation between national competent authorities and the Commission are very welcome. MEDEF estimates that the EU needs to remain an attractive destination for trade and investments, while risks related to security and public order arising from certain types of investments need to be effectively addressed. We believe that this balance is present in the proposal. Nevertheless, we would like to call attention to some concerns related to the burden and the uncertainty that the processes might create if not well designed and coordinated. 1/ Own initiative procedures Legal uncertainty for investors could result from the own initiative procedures (Article 9), in particular because it could be triggered by a Member State up to 15 months after the conclusion of a transaction. Another point which deserves clarification is whether the own initiative procedure would only apply to transactions which should have been notified and were not, or whether this relates to all transactions. 2/ Mandatory notifications While we see value in the proposals to reinforce the cooperation mechanism and increase the accountability of investment screening (e.g.: feedback process), we are concerned that the system of mandatory notifications, including intra-EU investments (Art. 5), has the potential to substantially increase the number of cases and consequently lead to delays and uncertainty. The review of the Regulation should aim to reduce national notification cases that are non-essential, reduce the number of unnecessary reviews by the Commission and other Member States under the cooperation mechanism, and limit increased reporting for EU companies and foreign investors, while protecting confidential information. We acknowledge that a concerted effort is required by all Member States to ensure that they have adequate means and resources available to comply with these requirements. We would encourage the Commission to guide Member States as much as possible, through for example the sharing of best practices to help members in their efforts to set up, adapt and / or maintain screening mechanisms that fulfill the minimum requirements of the Regulation. 3/ Availability of critical technologies Regarding the factors/criteria that should be taken into consideration when determining the likelihood of an investment posing security or public risks, the Regulation proposes the availability of "critical technologies". Facing the dynamic geopolitical environment, the Regulation must be continuously adapted to economic and security policy requirements. The Regulation must be reviewed within a reasonable period after its entry into force and quickly updated if necessary.

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MEDEF urges French firms to maximize CETA trade benefits

23 Apr 2024

Topic — Evaluation of the five-year performance of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

Message — MEDEF supports CETA and argues its full economic potential is still untapped. They call for better outreach to help more businesses use available tariff preferences.1 2

Why — French firms gain a major competitive advantage and lower costs for exports.3 4

Impact — Competitors from non-EU countries lose market share due to Europe's privileged access.5

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Meeting with Kerstin Jorna (Director-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

19 Apr 2024 · Courtesy discussion with newly appointed Director-General of MEDEF Ms Garance Pineau

Meeting with Maurits-Jan Prinz (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton) and ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DES INDUSTRIES DU NUMERIQUE

15 Apr 2024 · Digital policy

Meeting with Olivier Guersent (Director-General Competition)

12 Mar 2024 · Positionnement des organisations professionnelles : exigences relatives au droit de la concurrence et enjeux de protection / préservation de l’environnement

Meeting with Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (Member of the European Parliament)

23 Feb 2024 · Bilan de la legislature actuelle

Meeting with Sylvie Guillaume (Member of the European Parliament)

22 Feb 2024 · LES ENTREPRISES D’AUVERGNE-RHONE-ALPES A L’HEURE EUROPÉENNE

Meeting with Laurence Sailliet (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Feb 2024 · Règlement sur les retards de paiement

French business group MEDEF opposes reopening GDPR rules

2 Feb 2024

Topic — The Commission is reviewing the General Data Protection Regulation's application after six years.

Message — MEDEF opposes reopening the regulation to avoid additional compliance costs. They want authorities to prioritize a risk-based approach over rigid interpretations. The group calls for better alignment between data rules and new technologies.1 2

Why — Maintaining the current text protects firms from expensive new technical and legal requirements.3

Impact — National regulators lose power to impose stricter local interpretations that deviate from business interests.4

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Meeting with Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (Member of the European Parliament)

2 Feb 2024 · Late Payments

Response to Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT)

24 Jan 2024

Madame, Monsieur, Nous vous remercions de lopportunité de partager nos réflexions dans le cadre de la consultation publique sur la directive intitulée BEFIT (Business in Europe : Framework for Income Taxation), qui concerne limposition des revenus des entreprises dans lUnion européenne (UE). Les entreprises attendent essentiellement dune base harmonisée européenne une simplification, un atout compétitif et une sécurité juridique. Cela signifie une consolidation des assiettes ; une suppression/simplification des prix de transfert intra-UE avec un mécanisme efficace de non double imposition ; et une clé de répartition adaptée à la réalité économique des Etats pour une soutenabilité du système. Il est essentiel de préciser linteraction avec le Pilier 2 pour garantir les avantages de la consolidation fiscale européenne et de minimiser la complexité. Il est important que les préoccupations soulevées par les entreprises soient prises en compte : nous appelons à un travail collaboratif qui associe les entreprises tout au long du processus délaboration du texte. Vous trouverez ci-après nos messages clés sur le projet de directive, suivis de nos commentaires plus détaillés et plus techniques. Nous restons à votre disposition pour clarifier et développer notre point de vue et vous prions dagréer, Madame, Monsieur, nos salutations distinguées. Affaires Fiscales Medef

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Response to Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT)

3 Jan 2024

Dear Sir/Madam, We welcome the consultation of the European Commission (EC) relating to a proposal for a Council Directive on transfer pricing. Please find hereattached our feedback. As always, we stand ready to further discuss and explain our views. Yours sincerely, Tax Affairs MEDEF

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Meeting with Thierry Breton (Commissioner) and

20 Nov 2023 · Echanges avec les membres du MEDEF sur le marché intérieur et la compétitivité européenne.

Meeting with Celine Gauer (Head of Task Force Secretariat-General)

13 Nov 2023 · Exchange with Conseil Exécutif du MEDEF

Meeting with Laurence Farreng (Member of the European Parliament) and Schneider Electric and

17 Oct 2023 · Rencontres avec les grandes entreprises françaises

Meeting with Zaneta Vegnere (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

9 Oct 2023 · Future EU trade relations Economic security strategy Business environment in China

Response to Adjusting size criteria for inflation in the Accounting Directive to define micro, small and medium-sized enterprises

6 Oct 2023

MEDEF supports the Commission's initiative to adjust the size criteria for micro, SMEs and large undertakings or groups, according to the inflation. This proposal enables to consistently apply this regulation over time. Considering the various transparency requirements embedded in the accounting directive, which covers several subjects such as accounting requirements, auditing, sustainability reporting and special purpose reportings, it is important to tailor reporting obligations according to the size of the company as the balance between benefits and costs is more difficult to reach for small entities. Although MEDEF strongly supported the revision of the NFRD to improve the comparability and verification of the sustainable reporting, MEDEF didn't support the European choice to lower the employees threshold to 250 employees instead of the former criteria of 500 employees. In MEDEFs view, the objective to provide readability of thresholds shouldn't have prevented the legislator to focus some reporting obligations on more targeted categories of companies. Some parts of the reporting are too complex and costly to be generalised to the whole large companies's scope. French ETIs, a French category of intermediary-sized companies, which corresponds to the smaller part of the European large companies' category, fear the administrative burden of the CSRD. SMEs, even though not in the scope of the CSRD, are also affected through the value chain requirements. MEDEF constently advocated, in the EFRAG's works, to simplify the architecture and wording of the non-financial standards to be understandable by companies, taking into account the new scope of the sustainability reporting. But the delegated act published in July does not meet this objective as the standards are not written in a way that could be easily understood by a company director. Lots of companies will thus encounter difficulties to properly understand these new requirements and consequently, need important experts' fees to elaborate their reporting, in addition to internal and auditing costs. For those reasons, MEDEF supports the Commission's initiative to adjust the size criteria according to the inflation and encourages both EFRAG and the Commission to propose really simplified standards for voluntary SMEs and listed SMEs standards. Finally, MEDEF stresses the importance of the materiality in the sustainability reporting and welcome the Commission decision to enhance its application in its proposal for the delegated act on the ESRS. It urges the Commission to accordingly implement this central concept in all the sustainable finance regulation so that financial market participants have a consistent treatment of non-material information for the issuer in their own requirements.

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Meeting with Aliénor Margerit (Cabinet of Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni)

21 Sept 2023 · Discussion of CBAM and other taxation issues meeting together with Erik Burckhardt

French business group MEDEF urges broader withholding tax reforms

18 Sept 2023

Topic — This consultation proposes a common EU system to simplify withholding tax relief procedures.

Message — MEDEF requests the inclusion of non-intermediated flows like intra-group dividends and royalties. They propose prioritizing a standardized electronic residency certificate to reduce administrative burdens. Finally, the group suggests a progressive approach to ensure the system remains workable.1 2 3

Why — This would reduce compliance costs and prevent the dismantling of existing efficient national systems.4

Impact — Financial intermediaries risk significant legal liability and operational costs due to vague negligence definitions.5

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Medef demands ESG rating alignment with existing reporting standards

1 Sept 2023

Topic — New rules to improve transparency and integrity in environmental and social ratings.

Message — Medef requests that the regulation aligns with the CSRD to prevent redundant data requests. They also advocate for mandatory dialogue with companies before ratings are finalized.1 2

Why — This alignment would lower operational costs by preventing multiple reporting requirements for businesses.3

Impact — ESG data providers would face new disclosure obligations regarding their methodologies and sources.4

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French Business Federation Warns Climate Plans Risk Distorting Competition

22 Aug 2023

Topic — EU rules requiring climate-neutrality plans for industrial sites receiving free emission allowances.

Message — MEDEF requests the requirement apply only to underperforming sub-installations rather than entire sites. They want dynamic exit criteria allowing installations that reduce emissions to escape ongoing constraints, and simpler requirements for SMEs.1 2 3

Why — This would avoid risking 20% of free allowances for best-performing sites.4

Impact — Climate advocates lose stronger decarbonization commitments from industrial facilities with mixed performance.5

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Response to Compulsory licensing of patents

28 Jul 2023

MEDEF comments on the European Commissions proposals dated 27 April 2023 for a Regulation on the unitary supplementary protection certificate for plant protection products ; on compulsory licensing for crisis management and amending Regulation (EC) 816/2006 ; on standard essential patents and amending Regulation (EU)2017/1001 (Patent package).

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MEDEF demands pragmatic EU rules for environmental claims

21 Jul 2023

Topic — EU proposal requiring companies to prove green claims using environmental footprint methods.

Message — MEDEF requests the preservation of national tools and the removal of pre-approval requirements. They also call for a 36-month implementation period for technical adjustments.1 2 3

Why — This would lower administrative costs and protect existing French business investments.4 5

Impact — Consumers may lose access to environmental information if companies abandon green claims.6 7

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French business group MEDEF urges leniency in carbon reporting

11 Jul 2023

Topic — The consultation concerns reporting obligations during the transitional phase of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Message — MEDEF calls for official training, more flexibility in using default carbon values, and limiting penalties to intentional misreporting. They argue the current rules are overly complex and data from foreign producers is difficult to obtain.1 2 3

Why — These changes would protect members from fines while they adapt to complex new systems.4

Impact — Downstream industries will face competitive disadvantages due to significantly higher raw material costs.5

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French business lobby urges simpler EU sustainability reporting rules

7 Jul 2023

Topic — This consultation specifies the sustainability reporting standards that large companies must follow.

Message — The group demands the removal of problematic requirements regarding corruption and non-employees. They request that materiality principles align with international standards to ensure consistency. They also urge postponing complex social indicators like those concerning adequate wages.1 2 3

Why — These changes would reduce administrative burdens and protect firms from self-incrimination risks.4 5

Impact — Financial institutions face misaligned obligations if essential data remains voluntary for companies.6

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Response to Promoting sustainability in consumer after-sales

25 May 2023

Le MEDEF soutient linitiative de la Commission européenne dapporter des mesures facilitant laccès à la réparation pour les consommateurs. Ces propositions viennent en complément dinitiatives françaises qui ont déjà été introduites depuis 2020, et notamment le « fonds réparation » issu de la LOI n° 2020-105 du 10 février 2020 relative à la lutte contre le gaspillage et à l'économie circulaire (art. 62). Cette mesure est destinée à favoriser la réparation des produits hors garantie. Bien que le MEDEF soutienne linitiative européenne, elle exprime ses vives inquiétudes quant à la coexistence du régime français favorisant la réparation (fonds réparation) et les nouvelles règles européennes prévues par la proposition de directive. Néanmoins, le MEDEF soutient la volonté de la Commission européenne de ne pas revenir sur le cadre juridique existant en droit européen permettant ainsi de garantir une stabilité aussi bien pour les professionnels que pour les consommateurs et sinscrit dans lesprit du législateur européen de promouvoir la réparation en dehors de la garantie légale de conformité plutôt que de revenir sur ce régime.

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French industry group MEDEF backs urgent electricity market reform

23 May 2023

Topic — Revision of EU electricity market rules to lower prices and support low-carbon energy investment.

Message — MEDEF urges the confirmation of long-term tools like Power Purchase Agreements and Contracts for Difference. These contracts should cover existing and new production, including nuclear energy. Revenues from these schemes should be redistributed to industrial consumers.1 2 3

Why — This would provide businesses with stable, predictable energy prices to restore industrial competitiveness.4

Impact — Residential consumers might receive less financial relief if revenue redistribution ignores consumption levels.5

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MEDEF urges flexibility and technological neutrality in packaging rules

24 Apr 2023

Topic — The European Commission is reviewing packaging design, reuse, and waste prevention requirements.

Message — MEDEF requests flexibility for member states to reach targets using their own methods. They advocate for technological neutrality instead of mandatory reuse or deposit systems.1 2 3

Why — This maintains predictability for industrial investors and reduces administrative reporting costs.4 5

Impact — Environmental organizations lose from weakened EU-wide mandates for reuse and compostable packaging.6

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Meeting with Maria-Manuel Leitão-Marques (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Association Française des Entreprises Privées / French Association of Large Companies and Nike, Inc.

13 Apr 2023 · Forced Labour ban

Meeting with Raphaël Glucksmann (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Association Française des Entreprises Privées / French Association of Large Companies

13 Apr 2023 · APA - Forced labour

Response to VAT in the Digital Age

4 Apr 2023

Dear Sir/Madam, We welcome the consultation of the European Commission relating to its proposed package on VAT in the Digital Age published on 8 December 2022. We would like to share hereattached some overarching observations, followed by some more technical comments. We note that Commissions proposal is very comprehensive and proposes some major changes of the existing VAT rules, the outcomes of which have not yet been fully grasped by business: further work, analysis and evaluation will be needed, and we therefore call for a further dialogue with all stakeholders involved, including business. Careful attention should be given to the situation of SMEs and small businesses so that they may easily comply with the VAT framework in the EU. As always, we stand ready to further discuss and explain our views. Yours sincerely, Tax Affairs - MEDEF

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Meeting with Max Orville (Member of the European Parliament)

23 Mar 2023 · Développement économique Outre-mer

Meeting with Ursula von der Leyen (President) and Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e.V.

28 Feb 2023 · VTC with BDI President and MEDEF President

Meeting with Valdis Dombrovskis (Executive Vice-President) and BUSINESSEUROPE and

16 Feb 2023 · Critical Raw Materials package

Meeting with Maurits-Jan Prinz (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton)

24 Jan 2023 · Data Act

MEDEF Urges Clarity and Legal Alignment in Cybersecurity Act

23 Jan 2023

Topic — This consultation proposes cybersecurity requirements for hardware and software products with digital elements.

Message — The organization supports the regulation but requests better alignment with existing laws. They want incident reporting deadlines extended to 72 hours to ensure practical implementation. Clearer definitions for critical products are needed to provide legal certainty for manufacturers.1 2

Why — Aligning reporting rules would lower compliance costs and protect sensitive trade secrets.3

Impact — Consumers may have limited access to technical information about software vulnerabilities.4

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MEDEF urges legal certainty in revised EU product liability rules

9 Dec 2022

Topic — Revision of EU rules on manufacturer liability for defective digital and physical products.

Message — MEDEF calls for maximum harmonization and alignment with the AI Act for legal certainty. They argue software should be components and misuse must be excluded from defect assessments. The organization requests extending the transposition period to 24 months for adequate implementation.1 2 3

Why — These changes would reduce compliance costs and prevent legal risks from unpredictable product misuse.4 5

Impact — Victims of non-high-risk AI systems face greater hurdles in obtaining necessary evidence for compensation.6

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Meeting with Pascal Canfin (Member of the European Parliament) and Air France-KLM

6 Dec 2022 · Green Deal

French lobby MEDEF calls EU AI liability rules premature

28 Nov 2022

Topic — The Commission is proposing new liability rules for damage caused by AI systems.

Message — MEDEF argues that adopting liability rules before the AI Act is finalized is premature. They demand that evidence disclosure procedures apply only to high-risk systems during formal legal proceedings.1 2 3

Why — This would protect trade secrets and reduce the legal risks faced by tech developers.4 5

Impact — Damage victims lose easier access to evidence and face greater burdens of proof.6

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Meeting with Joan Canton (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton)

22 Sept 2022 · Energy crisis and emergency measures in France

Meeting with Florentine Hopmeier (Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen) and Airbus and

16 Sept 2022 · SOTEU, energy, RepowerEU, Recovery and Resilience Facility

Meeting with Malte Gallée (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur for opinion)

14 Sept 2022 · Corporate sustainability due diligence directive

Meeting with Pascal Canfin (Member of the European Parliament) and ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE

29 Aug 2022 · Green Deal

French Business Federation Backs Nature Restoration but Warns Against Excessive Constraints

28 Jul 2022

Topic — EU regulation requiring member states to restore degraded ecosystems and biodiversity.

Message — The organization requests clarification on what constitutes 'good condition' for ecosystems and prioritization of restoration actions. They argue measures that block projects of public interest would be excessive, noting some infrastructure serves both human needs and environmental protection.1 2 3

Why — This would prevent restoration requirements from blocking their members' infrastructure and development projects.4 5

Impact — Environmental groups lose stronger protections as business interests gain flexibility to continue development activities.6

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French business group MEDEF opposes EU debt deduction limits

26 Jul 2022

Topic — European Commission initiative to reduce tax bias favoring debt over equity financing.

Message — MEDEF opposes new interest deduction limits and argues that debt and equity are complementary financing sources. They request higher equity allowance rates and a safe harbor for small businesses.1 2 3

Why — Preserving debt financing flexibility helps companies maintain liquidity and manage current economic crises.4 5

Impact — European companies face higher borrowing costs and reduced competitiveness against non-EU rivals.6

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Response to Review of the de minimis aid Regulation

20 Jul 2022

La Commission européenne a lancé un appel à contributions dans le cadre de la révision des règles sur les aides de minimis qui expirent le 31 décembre 2023. Le règlement de minimis régit les aides d’État de faible montant qui sont de ce fait exemptées de contrôle car elles sont considérées comme n’ayant aucun impact sur la concurrence et le commerce dans le marché intérieur de l’Union européenne ; les États membres de l’Union Européenne n’ont donc pas besoin de les notifier à la Commission européenne. En 2019, la Commission a lancé un vaste bilan de qualité dans le cadre d’une évaluation globale de la réforme visant à moderniser le contrôle des aides d’État qui conclut notamment que des adaptations du règlement de minimis sont nécessaires à moyen terme, notamment en ce qui concerne le plafond d’aide qui pourrait ne plus refléter l’impact du développement économique. Le plafond d’aides de minimis fixé à 200 000 € sur trois ans, n’a pas été révisé depuis 2006. CF. DOCUMENT JOINT

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Response to Distance Marketing of Consumer Financial Services - Review of EU rules

8 Jul 2022

Le Mouvement des entreprises de France (MEDEF) est le premier réseau d’entrepreneurs de France représentant plus de 173 000 entreprises adhérentes regroupant l’ensemble des secteurs d’activité et dont 95% sont des PME/ETI. La mission du Mouvement des entreprises de France est de promouvoir et de représenter les intérêts des entreprises françaises vis-à-vis des pouvoirs publics français et européens et de développer l’entreprenariat. Le MEDEF représente, outre les acteurs du crédit, tous ceux impliqués dans la consommation française que finance le crédit (constructeurs et professionnels de l’automobile, grande distribution, commerce de détail, vente à distance, communication, etc.). En septembre 2021, le Medef a répondu à la consultation sur l’évaluation et l’éventuelle révision de la directive sur la vente à distance de services financiers (DMFSD) en demandant le maintien à l’identique de ce texte qui apporte un socle juridique pour la vente à distance de services financiers et un filet de sécurité minimal pour les consommateurs en l’absence de texte sectoriel. La DMFSD bien qu’ancienne, a parfaitement joué son rôle depuis 2002 et n’a pas été un frein au développement de la vente à distance de produits financiers. Ainsi, le MEDEF regrette-t-il que la Commission ait opté pour une révision du texte et pour l’intégration dans une directive plus large (directive relative aux droits des consommateurs) des éléments pertinents et encore valables de la directive de 2002, tout en créant de nouvelles dispositions et en apportant des aménagements à l’existant au détriment d’une cohérence des règles européennes applicables en matière de protection du consommateur (ex : « acquis communautaire »). Dans le cadre de la consultation publique lancée par la Commission européenne sur la proposition de directive modifiant la directive 2011/83/UE et abrogeant la directive 2002/65/CE, le MEDEF souhaite faire part des observations ci-jointes étant précisé que l’évaluation des nouvelles obligations introduites nécessiterait une étude d’impact complète.

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Response to Informal guidance for businesses on rules for agreements distorting competition and abuse of dominant market position

21 Jun 2022

Le MEDEF estime que la révision de la Communication de 2004 sur les orientations informelles à l’intention des entreprises est nécessaire, mais regrette que le projet de communication révisée ne réponde pas suffisamment aux attentes des entreprises de sécurisation juridique de leurs accords. La Commission indique que la révision de la Communication a pour but d’actualiser les critères énoncés dans la Communication actuelle pour permettre à la Commission d’utiliser cet outil de manière plus souple dans l’intérêt des entreprises et de la sécurité juridique. Les entreprises et organismes professionnels évoluent dans un cadre juridique d’une complexité croissante, associé à un fort risque de sanction en cas d’infraction aux dispositions des articles 101 et 102 TFUE. La sécurisation juridique de leurs accords est essentielle ; il s’agit, non seulement, de ne pas freiner des projets indispensables à la réalisation des objectifs que l’Union européenne s’est fixé mais également de permettre la réalisation de ces opérations qui sont nécessaires au développement des entreprises dans une concurrence mondialisée. Cette préoccupation se répercute in fine sur les consommateurs dans la mesure où des projets potentiellement créateurs d’efficiences risqueraient à défaut, de ne pas être mis en œuvre. La révision - en cours ou aboutie - de certains règlements d’exemption (et des lignes directrices) facilite l’auto-évaluation par les entreprises de leurs accords, mais n’exclut pas le besoin qu’elles ont de pouvoir s’adresser directement à la Commission tant les transitions à l’œuvre (écologique, numérique et résilience) soulèvent de nouvelles questions ou nécessitent d’appréhender certains sujets sous un angle différent. Il existe un intérêt évident d’user plus fréquemment de lettres d’orientations, plus particulièrement dans des domaines relevant des défis nouveaux ou des secteurs en constante évolution dans lesquels l’innovation joue un rôle important, comme c’est le cas en matière de développement durable, des secteurs du numérique, de la santé , … CF DOCUMENT JOINT

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Meeting with Geneviève Tuts (Cabinet of Commissioner Didier Reynders), Lucrezia Busa (Cabinet of Commissioner Didier Reynders)

16 Jun 2022 · Proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence, proposals in the field of consumer policy and the sustainable consumption pledge.

Meeting with Antoine Colombani (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

16 Jun 2022 · European Green Deal

Meeting with Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

31 May 2022 · Instrument anti-coercition

Response to Empowering the consumer for the green transition

28 May 2022

Dans le cadre du nouvel agenda pour le consommateur initié en juin 2020, la Commission européenne a fait le choix de réviser les directives 2011/83/CE « droits des consommateurs » et 2005/29/CE « pratiques commerciales déloyales ». Le MEDEF souhaite faire part des observations dans le document joint.

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French lobby MEDEF demands protection for strategic corporate data

13 May 2022

Topic — The Data Act establishes rules for accessing and sharing industrial and consumer data.

Message — MEDEF requests narrower definitions to distinguish raw data from processed information. They also seek to preserve contractual freedom in business-to-business data relationships. The group demands stronger safeguards to protect trade secrets and research investments.1 2 3

Why — Tighter rules would help companies protect intellectual property and maintain their competitive edge.4 5

Impact — Public bodies and third-party competitors would face greater restrictions when accessing corporate data.6 7

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Meeting with Gilles Boyer (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

10 May 2022 · CRR

Meeting with Thierry Breton (Commissioner)

29 Apr 2022 · Préparation REPowerEU : discussions sur les impacts de la crise énergétique sur les entreprises françaises et échange sur la préparation de ces industries

Meeting with Florika Fink-Hooijer (Director-General Environment)

8 Apr 2022 · Biodiversity, Zero Pollution, Circular Economy

Response to Fighting the use of shell entities and arrangements for tax purposes

4 Apr 2022

Dear Sir/Madam, We thank you for the opportunity to participate in the public consultation on the proposal for a directive on “shell companies” and would like to share with you the following detailed comments and proposed amendments (please see attached). As always, we stand ready to further discuss and explain our views. Yours sincerely, Tax Affairs – MEDEF

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Response to Minimum level of taxation for large multinational groups

31 Mar 2022

The Mouvement des Entreprises de France supports the global minimum tax project, in that it can limit certain excessive tax differences between countries. However, this important political objective must not be achieved at the expense of European (including French) companies. We believe that the draft directive presents certain risks that could undermine their competitiveness and legal certainty, as well as the overall effectiveness of the minimum tax. The Commission’s proposal is about bringing “fairness, transparency and stability to the international corporate tax framework”. However, our concern is that this proposal leaves EU businesses in the middle of the ford, with extremely complex rules to implement but without any protective mechanisms to solve the many obstacles that they will face. The implementation of minimum taxation in the EU should also be about protecting the interests of EU headquartered companies, which create and foster growth, investment and jobs: it is essential that they operate on a level playing field with their non-EU competitors. A fundamental concern is the implementation of the minimum taxation rules by the other major partner countries of the EU. Companies are also deeply concerned about legal uncertainty and the risk of double taxation: protecting the interests of EU companies is not only about the process of Article 51 (Assessment of equivalence) and should be considered in a broad way. The application, interpretation and control of very complicated rules by the administrations of third countries are sources of uncertainty. The data of companies must be protected and shared only through the official channels of exchange between tax administrations. Mechanisms to ensure dispute prevention and resolution should be available and binding. The ambitious timetable announced by the European Commission (1 January 2023) is unattainable for business as the rules are not yet final at EU level: a postponement to 31 December 2023 would leave more reasonable time for companies to carry out the complex projects required for the implementation of minimum taxation. The situation of EU large-scale domestic groups calls for simplification avenues as these companies will have to carry out complex calculations although in most cases, there will be no top-up tax due. In our view, forcing groups of SMEs and mid-caps (which will form part of these large-scale domestic groups) to use the costly services of external advisors is not sound tax policy. The complexity of the rules (on which there has been no public consultation by the OECD or the European Commission) will pose a real challenge for companies in terms of their correct application, as well as for tax administrations in terms of monitoring these rules. We call for a “learning period” and for further dialogue between tax administrations and taxpayers when implementing this set of completely new rules, so that any difficulties be addressed and solved smoothly, swiftly and efficiently.

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Response to 2022 Strategic Foresight Report

17 Mar 2022

Les transitions écologiques et numériques sont essentielles pour accélérer la compétitivité et la souveraineté de l’Europe et pour soutenir une croissance économique et sociale durable et responsable. Cette double transition doit s’appuyer sur le déploiement d’innovations technologiques et de rupture grâce à des partenariats renforcés entre les principaux acteurs que sont les industriels, les centres de recherche et les start-ups. Pour accompagner les entreprises dans cette transformation et assurer leur croissance, des solutions innovantes doivent être développées dans les domaines clés tels que la robotique, l’intelligence artificielle, le quantique, la cybersécurité, l’électronique structurelle, l’internet des objets ou encore le jumeau numérique. L’accélération du développement et la généralisation de ces nouvelles technologies numériques permettront aux acteurs économiques de développer de nouvelles propositions de valeur autour de produits et services conjuguant exigences environnementales et impératifs économiques. En effet, un des principaux apports de la convergence entre ces deux transitions réside dans la refonte de nos schémas de production permise par le partage de données entre acteurs de la chaîne de valeur. Cette nouvelle approche renforce notamment la nécessité de systématiser la mise en œuvre d’une démarche d’éco-conception qui prendra en considération la performance environnementale à chaque étape du cycle de vie du produit, de la fabrication au recyclage en passant par l’usage. En particulier, les procédés de recyclage doivent constituer un axe de recherche stratégique qui combine des compétences multiples (chimie, électrochimie, science des matériaux…), avec un double objectif : valoriser les matières les plus critiques et développer de nouvelles filières de valorisation des matières secondaires. A titre d’exemple, la fabrication additive répond entre autres à ces exigences en présentant des atouts majeurs. Cette technologie, très prometteuse, permet de bénéficier de cycles de production de petites séries économiquement viables pouvant être installées au plus proche des consommateurs, offrant ainsi une production personnalisée de masse. La capacité de produire en petites ou grandes séries devient un élément de différenciation afin de mieux s’adapter à la demande, de réduire notre empreinte écologique tout en limitant les risques de surplus et de péremption. Cette double transition est un accélérateur du développement économique et social des territoires. Les acteurs publics doivent en effet se saisir du numérique comme outil de développement économique partagé et accompagner les entreprises dans leur transition numérique responsable. A ce sujet, pour tendre vers un numérique plus sobre, il est impératif d’être en capacité de mesurer l’empreinte environnementale du numérique sur l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur. Sans une telle mesure, les acteurs économiques ne peuvent déterminer précisément quels sont les leviers d’action pour modérer les impacts de leurs activités numériques. Pour mener à bien cette double transition, il est par conséquent nécessaire de sensibiliser les citoyens et les entreprises sur les impacts du numérique et en leur donnant des clés pour modérer l’empreinte de leurs usages. D’autre part, la formation au numérique responsable doit être étendue et intégrée dans l’ensemble des cursus des étudiants ingénieurs du numérique. Enfin, il convient de rappeler que les acteurs économiques s’engagent pour la convergence des transitions écologique et numérique. Par exemple, a été lancée en France l’initiative Planet Tech’Care, plateforme qui propose aux entreprises un programme d’accompagnement gratuit pour se mobiliser pour un numérique innovant et engagé, au service de la transition écologique.

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Response to Instrument to deter and counteract coercive actions by third countries

10 Mar 2022

See our document attached.

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Response to Alignment EU rules on capital requirements to international standards (prudential requirements and market discipline)

23 Feb 2022

In its Banking Package 2021, the Commission proposes a review of EU banking rules to finalise the implementation of the Basel III agreement in the EU. While we recognise the Commission’s efforts to take EU specificities into account, its proposal is not yet in line with the mandate given to the Basel Committee to finalise the Basel III framework without significantly increasing overall capital requirements across the banking sector. In fact, we are concerned that some of the propositions might have an adverse impact on the real economy. In our view, the finalisation of the Basel III accords should be: (1) fair, i.e. recognise the specificities of the EU banking sector (banks’ use of internal models to calculate risks, companies’ reliance on derivatives for edging purposes, etc.); (2) reasonable, i.e. pragmatically apply the output floor at the consolidated level; and (3) definitive, i.e. mark the final step in the reform of banking rules. Only this would ensure sustainable financing from the banking sector, and therefore a growing economy. Please find the full Medef contribution attached.

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Response to EU Competition law – revision of the market definition notice

16 Feb 2022

Synthèse : 1. Le MEDEF partage les résultats de l’évaluation conduite par la Commission qui conclut à la nécessité de réviser la Communication de 1997 sur des points essentiels (marchés numériques, évaluation des marchés géographiques dans un contexte de mondialisation, concurrence non tarifaire, …) 2. La révision de la Communication devrait permettre une approche plus prospective, dynamique, moyen/long terme selon les cas et plus globale des marchés dans un cadre mondialisé des échanges, digitalisé et technologique. - La révision de la Communication devrait permettre d’interroger la place du marché pertinent dans la politique de concurrence européenne, plus particulièrement dans le secteur numérique, du fait notamment des effets de leviers d’un marché à l’autre et de ses limites pour appréhender les écosystèmes. - Les trois contraintes concurrentielles (substituabilité du côté de la demande, substituabilité du côté de l’offre et concurrence potentielle) devraient pouvoir être prises en compte dès le stade de la délimitation du marché pertinent. - Dans un environnement omnicanal, la Commission devrait envisager - et fournir des orientations - sur la possibilité, d’intégrer la substitution de canal et de prendre en compte les opérateurs actifs dans différents secteurs, tant dans la dimension produit que la délimitation géographique du marché pertinent. 3. La révision de la Communication devrait permettre d’envisager la question de la charge que représentent, pour les entreprises, les demandes d’informations de la Commission.

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Meeting with Olivier Guersent (Director-General Competition)

27 Jan 2022 · politique de concurrence/impact sur les entreprises FR – aides d’Etat

Meeting with Lesia Radelicki (Cabinet of Commissioner Helena Dalli)

19 Jan 2022 · Exchange on the legislative projects of Commissioner Dalli

Meeting with Isabelle Perignon (Cabinet of Commissioner Didier Reynders)

18 Jan 2022 · consumer protection

Response to New EU system for the avoidance of double taxation in the field of withholding taxes

25 Oct 2021

Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) welcomes the European Commission's initiative to address the issue of burdensome withholding tax relief procedures for cross-border investors with respect to certain types of income (mainly dividends, interest and royalties). This is a long-standing problem on which little progress has been made in recent years. Businesses continue to bear the burden and costs of barriers to investment and trade. The procedures for withholding tax relief are archaic (still mostly paper-based, time-consuming and not harmonized). We agree with the Commission that inefficient withholding tax relief procedures are one of the main obstacles to the free movement of capital and the integration of capital markets. We also note that the current withholding tax relief system has been literally paralyzed during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to many inextricable situations (e.g., no possibility to send paper forms by post; tax residence certificates not issued by the tax authorities due to home-office; etc). The procedures for ex-post reimbursement are by nature burdensome: we believe that the procedures for relief at source should be expanded. We understand the concerns of tax administrations about potential abuse: we note, however, that technology should offer new avenues for more robust and fraud-proof procedures. The current withholding tax relief procedures are clearly not aligned with the EU's top priority of a "Europe fit for the digital age". We believe it is time to act decisively to remove barriers to investment and trade. We note that there are already useful guidelines in the European Commission's "Code of Conduct on Withholding Tax" (2017). At minimum, the Option 1 envisaged by the EU Commission (“Improving withholding tax refund procedures to make them more efficient”), should be implemented. We stand ready to actively contribute in this area.

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Meeting with Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

10 Oct 2021 · Instrument anti-coercition

Response to Review of the general product safety directive

4 Oct 2021

Le Mouvement des entreprises de France (MEDEF) se réjouit de la publication du présent projet de Règlement qui répond en partie aux grands enjeux soulevés par le MEDEF dans le cadre de sa contribution au nouvel Agenda pour le consommateur de septembre 2020. Notre intérêt porte tout particulièrement sur deux grands objectifs poursuivis par cette révision : - l’alignement des règles de sécurité et conformité des produits en UE ainsi que celui des responsabilités de chaque opérateur économique en fonction de son rôle dans la chaine d’approvisionnement, et - l’encadrement des plateformes onlines en cohérence avec les débats portant sur le projet de règlement relatif aux services du numérique (DSA). Depuis plusieurs années, le MEDEF poursuit l’objectif visant à garantir aux entreprises une zone européenne de libre-échange, uniformisée dans ses règles et dans leur application. Le MEDEF revendique ainsi le droit à une libre circulation des produits non alimentaires dans l’Union européenne, assortie d’une égalité de traitement quel que soit le canal de commercialisation choisi. La libre circulation des marchandises sur le territoire communautaire est un pilier fondamental de l’Union européenne. Néanmoins, les produits non alimentaires sont aujourd’hui encore soumis à un cadre règlementaire complexe. Les travaux entrepris sur le paquet Sécurité et ceux conclus sur le paquet Produit ont démontré la nécessité de recadrer les responsabilités de chaque partie prenante à la commercialisation des produits dans l’UE. Cette nécessité est d’autant plus criante car elle s’inscrit dans un contexte où les autorités nationales de contrôle tendent à interpréter les textes de manière divergente et où les Etats membres multiplient les surtranspositions voire les surenchères normatives. Tout comme le rappelle le considérant 3 du projet de règlement soumis à consultation, recourir à un règlement devrait permettre de limiter ces 2 derniers facteurs. Les observations du MEDEF figurent, chapitre par chapitre, dans le document joint.

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Response to European Digital Identity (EUid)

31 Aug 2021

Le MEDEF salue cette initiative qui favorise le développement du marché unique du numérique en permettant aux citoyens et aux entreprises de s’identifier rapidement et de partager des documents plus facilement et dans les mêmes conditions au sein de l’UE. Si l’identité numérique doit s’articuler avec les dispositions du RGPD, le MEDEF partage l’ambition de la Commission européenne d’offrir aux citoyens et aux entreprises une meilleure maîtrise de leurs données personnelles ou industrielles par la mise en place d’une identité numérique européenne, ce qui contribue à la sécurité, à la confidentialité et à la protection de ces données. Afin de créer une offre d'identité numérique fiable qui réponde aux différents besoins des parties prenantes, il est indispensable d'associer en amont les acteurs du secteur privé dans les travaux (de définition du portefeuille européen d'identité numérique) et de tenir compte des travaux de normalisation en cours, par exemple pour l'archivage électronique avec les travaux en cours au Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) sur la conservation des données.

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Response to Requirements for Artificial Intelligence

22 Jul 2021

In a context of sovereignty and international competitiveness where the development of technological and digital infrastructures has become essential, it is vital to build a European ecosystem in favour of innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) that is respectful of European values. To build a trustworthy, efficient and sustainable AI framework, regulation must benefit citizens, but also European businesses (including the smaller ones) by allowing them to develop and benefit from cutting-edge technologies in order to remain competitive. A risk-based approach is essential to frame AI and maintain a margin of innovation and of competitiveness for European businesses. For this, MEDEF considers it is essential to have: − clear and precise definitions, especially for AI and high-risk systems, for more legal certainty; − a consistent regulation compatible with other European texts (GDPR, Machinery Directive, etc.); − obligations proportionate and adapted to innovation. 1) At this point, the definitions of AI and high-risk AI systems are very broad in that they can include all types of systems or software applications that do not involve the same risks. The inclusion of such systems or applications within the scope of the regulation would risk hampering innovation in technology companies, especially smaller ones. However, in a context of international competitiveness, it is essential to encourage technological development and not to prevent SMEs from accessing these markets. The European Commission has the possibility to adopt delegated acts to modify the list of techniques and approaches defined in Annex I (Art 4), as well as to develop Annex III establishing a list of IA systems considered to be highly risk (Art 7). While it is necessary to take account of technological developments, this flexibility creates legal uncertainty and a degree of market predictability should be supported so as not to discourage companies from developing innovative and competitive AI solutions. 2) It is important to ensure consistency with other European texts, in particular the GDPR, the Data Act or the Machinery Directive. At this stage, certain provisions of the proposed regulation appear incompatible, even contradictory, with pre-existing obligations. For example, the systematic categorization of certain AI systems considered to be high risk does not take into account the "accountability" methodologies adopted by the Machinery Directive or the GDPR, which consist in carrying out a risk assessment in order to take appropriate protection measures. Other provisions are superimposed on obligations that already exist in other texts, which is the case, for example, for personal data which comes under a complete and binding regulation (profiling, human control, explainability of algorithms, updating data, etc.), with very high penalties. A consistency with the GDPR is therefore essential. 3) Some obligations are very restrictive, even disproportionate and impracticable for a company. This is particularly the case with the obligation to use free-of-error datasets. While there is a need to strengthen data learning, it is not possible to guarantee that there are no errors in the datasets. However, the regulation provides for stronger penalties in the event of an error.

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Meeting with Aliénor Margerit (Cabinet of Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni)

16 Jul 2021 · exchange on current issues

Response to Addressing distortions caused by foreign subsidies

15 Jul 2021

Le MEDEF soutient globalement le projet de règlement européen relatifs aux subventions étrangères pour traiter les distorsions de concurrence sur le marché unique. Ce dernier reprend plusieurs commentaires et priorités qui avaient été exprimés par les entreprises françaises lors de la consultation publique relative au livre blanc de la Commission. Notre principale réserve porte sur l’efficacité des outils 2 et 3 relatifs aux concentrations et aux marchés publics car les seuils sont trop élevés. Par ailleurs, nous regrettons que les décisions de la Commission européenne ne soient pas contraignantes pour les autorités adjudicatrices concernant l'outil 3 sur les marchés publics. Sur le plan calendaire, le MEDEF souhaite une adoption rapide de ce règlement, si possible lors de la présidence française de l’Union début 2022.

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Response to Revision of Non-Financial Reporting Directive

13 Jul 2021

Mouvement des entreprises de France (Medef) is the main French business association, representing companies of all sizes and sectors, both issuers and investors. Medef welcomes the opportunity to comment on the proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability reporting. As stated in our response to the consultation on the revision of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive in June 2020, Medef shares the Commission’s diagnosis on the NFRD only partially reaching its goal of improving comparability and readability for users, notably - but not only - for investors and the need to allow a level playing field for European companies. For Medef, the primary goal of the revision was to improve comparability and readability of non-financial information through a better alignment of non-financial reporting obligations between EU countries, and between companies of the same sector. In addition, Medef is aware that issuers’ non-financial reporting plays a central role in the successful implementation of new EU regulations on sustainable finance. Therefore, reaching coherence between the various mechanisms, in a clear and consistent timeframe and avoiding duplicates is crucial to allow those initiatives to be successful. Regarding the central objective of enhancing the comparability, choosing a directive rather than a regulation for the non-financial information requires to lock some key points in the text to guarantee that no significant differences in the national transpositions would jeopardize this objective. The Medef acknowledges the efforts made in this proposal regarding those previous considerations but would like to highlight some significant points of consideration : - on the extension of the scope - on the content of reporting, mandatory standards and how to report - on verification, assurance and penalties - on enforcement and governance to ensure that this new directive reaches its goals

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Response to Fighting the use of shell entities and arrangements for tax purposes

17 Jun 2021

In its Inception impact assessment, the European Commission indicates that the issue at stake is the use of legal entities with no or minimum substance and no real economic activities, by taxpayers operating cross-border to reduce their tax liability. MEDEF (Mouvement des Entreprises de France), as the largest representative business organisation in France, would like to express the following comments: • There needs to be a clear understanding and a clear assessment of the problem at stake : this implies a precise identification of the tax avoidance schemes that are considered illegal and that would necessitate additional rules. A thorough assessment of the reasons why the existing EU and national rules are not sufficient to grasp such illegal situations should be carried out. We note that there may be a myriad of situations behind the term « shell company », which may cover fully legitimate structures. • There has been a deluge of anti-avoidance legislation these past years at EU and international level (ATAD 1 and 2 dealing notably with CFC rules, switchover rule, prevention of double non-taxation ; exit taxation ; interest deductibility limitation ; general anti-abuse rule ; hybrid mismatches), DAC4 (CbCR), DAC5 (Rulings) and DAC6 (cross-border tax arrangements), and the fourth Anti-Money-Laundering Directive (AMLD). These come in addition to anti-abuse national rules in the 27 Member States (MS) as well as Transfer Pricing rules. • Given this impressive amount of EU and international legislation, we question the usefulness of a new layer of rules relating to shell companies. We believe that the EU Commission and Member States should evaluate the results of existing legislation, including how Member States have been implementing such legislation in their audit activity. This involves quantifying the amount of additional tax revenues which have been/are being recovered further to tax audits based on such rules. Absent such evaluation and supporting evidence, there is no ground for any additional legislation and the focus should instead be on improving the existing legislation (or improving the implementation of such rules). This is a matter of fairness and accountability of public action. • Because the EU anti-abuse legislation has now become massive, we ask the EU Commission and Member States to evaluate the cost of compliance of taxpayers and to put this in balance with the complexity of any intended legislation and of its expected benefits. This should be a prerequisite for any new action. • From the business’ perspective, it is critical to avoid counter-productive EU legislation meaning rules that (i) are overly complex and create legal uncertainty, (ii) put an excessive compliance burden on taxpayers, (iii) do not focus on abusive situations and (iv) that yield poor results for tax authorities. The very example of counter-productive EU legislation which should be avoided at all costs is DAC6. Business accross the EU is still struggling with the implementation of these rules, the benefits of which still remain to be assessed. This type of « catch-all » legislation falls short of its targets and runs counter the objectives of efficiency and simplification which should be at the heart of EU tax legislation and of business taxation for the 21st century. We very strongly caution against any future legislation on shell companies which would be a reporting type of obligation based on hallmarks (e.g. absence of employees, etc).

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Meeting with Thierry Breton (Commissioner) and

16 Jun 2021 · Plan national de relance de la France, mise à jour sur la situation sur les vaccins

Response to Commission Delegated Regulation on taxonomy-alignment of undertakings reporting non-financial information

2 Jun 2021

Medef is the main French business association, representing companies of all sizes and sectors, both issuers and investors. Medef welcomes the opportunity to comment on the draft delegated regulation specifying the content and presentation of information to be disclosed under Article 8 of the Taxonomy Regulation. Medef and its members support the Sustainable Finance Action Plan of the European Commission and the objectives of having a more efficient and relevant non-financial disclosure ecosystem. However, we would like to draw attention to the complexity of this new reporting, which will require companies to adapt their accounting and data-collecting processes as well as their information system. It is therefore essential that the requirements are clear and allow a certain flexibility in order to maintain the right balance between the cost it represents for the companies and the relevance and usability of the information for the stakeholders. In our view, the delegated act should be reviewed in order to respect the taxonomy regulation without creating a too-complicated reporting, to avoid excessive requirements which go beyond what is required for instance in the financial reports (level of disaggregation of data, number of years of historic, required explanations, prospective analyses…) and to adapt the timeline in order to enable companies to implement this new reporting, which requires an important adaptation project through the whole group.

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French Business Federation Urges Strict Digital Markets Act Limits

4 May 2021

Topic — EU regulation targeting dominant digital platforms acting as market gatekeepers.

Message — MEDEF requests the DMA be strictly limited to the most structuring platforms, with more precise definitions and clearer implementation procedures. They seek guarantees of system balance over time and alignment with ex-post competition rules. They also want qualitative criteria tightened and quantitative thresholds defined more precisely.1 2 3 4

Why — This would protect French and European companies from overly broad regulation during digital transition.5 6

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Meeting with Virginijus Sinkevičius (Commissioner) and

13 Apr 2021 · To present green transition as a chance for the business sector and how European Commission can support them in this transition

French Business Group MEDEF Urges Maintaining Balanced Digital Services Act

31 Mar 2021

Topic — European Commission proposal to regulate digital services and strengthen platform responsibilities.

Message — MEDEF requests maintaining the graduated approach with liability exemptions for intermediaries and no general monitoring obligations. They want the DSA to focus on economic issues while excluding hate speech, child pornography, and terrorist content to be handled through separate specific regulations. They emphasize the importance of the country of origin principle and seek at least one year before DSA application.1 2 3 4 5

Why — This preserves their members' liability protections and avoids costly compliance with fragmented national regulations.6 7

Impact — Citizens lose stronger immediate protections against harmful content by delaying regulation implementation and excluding certain content categories.8

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Meeting with Pascal Canfin (Member of the European Parliament)

23 Mar 2021 · Green Deal

Response to Revision of the NIS Directive

18 Mar 2021

MEDEF welcomes this European cybersecurity strategy because it seems today, more than ever, necessary to strengthen the level of cybersecurity of the entire European ecosystem, be it companies, but also and above all States and public authorities. However, it is necessary to ensure consistency at European level with other regulations and to clearly define the categories of operators falling under the scope of this NIS2 directive. Moreover, while it is crucial to fight against cybercrime and to strengthen the level of cybersecurity in Europe, it is essential to give priority to supporting businesses because they are already heavily penalized and weakened when under attack.

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MEDEF advocates for harmonized definitions and innovation in soil strategy

10 Dec 2020

Topic — The update of the EU Soil Thematic Strategy to address land degradation and climate goals.

Message — MEDEF requests that the EU focus on establishing harmonized definitions for soil artificialization and ecological status while supporting local management. They emphasize research and innovation to make brownfield rehabilitation more economically viable.1 2 3

Why — This approach would protect local planning autonomy and provide financial support for costly decontamination projects.4 5

Impact — Central EU regulators lose the ability to impose uniform environmental standards across all diverse European territories.6

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Meeting with Frans Timmermans (Executive Vice-President)

16 Nov 2020 · EU response to the COVID 19 crisis; Green Deal and 2030 climate target

Response to Sustainable corporate governance

7 Oct 2020

Contribution from the Mouvement des Entreprises de France ( MEDEF) A) Context and definition of the problem The Medef shares the Commission’s objective to take a stand in favour of corporate governance that focuses on the long term and on sustainable growth. Nevertheless, the Medef regrets that the Commission presents a profile at the expense of business and condemns the approach through soft law, even though it is complementary to hard law and has the advantage of flexibility. It laments the use of questionable ratios to claim that many companies have a strictly short-term approach. The Medef also wishes to draw attention to the need to be more realistic, with objectives that are more targeted and effective. It reminds us that enterprise, if it contributes to it, cannot embody the Union’s international ambitions alone. B) Objectives and political options In France, the Medef is promoting this new view of responsible enterprise that further considers the stakeholders’ interests. However, the recognition of an enlightened social interest must not lead to the expanded questioning of directors’ and officers’ liability; the right balance must be found. The Medef positively welcomes the Commission’s will to see every enterprise take measures to manage the social, health, environmental and economic challenges of its activity. It wants these demands to apply also to public entities and to associations entering thresholds yet to be determined. Moreover, it expresses reservations about the establishment of a European duty of vigilance along the whole value chain since companies cannot reasonably be considered liable for the damage caused by other actors in this chain and therefore accept the consequences. The Commission will have to ensure that these demands are proportionate, clearly defined in terms of scope, and reasoned: no performance obligation, prevention adapted to the risks, with a limitation to the principal suppliers and tier 1 subcontractors, and adapted processing of sensitive data. An enterprise should not be held vicariously liable at the risk of undermining both the autonomy of legal persons and the principle of personality for offences and penalties. Finally, a reliable impact study is essential to achieve a balanced text. The preferred approach should be a risk-based approach that takes into account the robustness of the vigilance plans and the context and resources of the enterprise under consideration, subject to proportionate sanctions. Failing that, the initiative would end up creating a massive and onerous administrative burden, without producing a significant result. In presenting its objectives, the Commission fails to mention that numerous texts already focus on the objective of a long-term approach and the strengthening of CSR and enterprise. It is imperative that an inventory be drawn up of the existing texts or those under preparation, in order to ensure their proper coordination with the European initiative to come. C) Assessment of the consequences The objective is to arrive at a better level playing field through the establishment of common rules. To this end, a regulation with direct application would be preferable. It is imperative that we ensure, as part of an in-depth impact study, that this initiative does not harm the competitiveness of European business and the appeal of the internal market (unfair competition, extreme targeting of certain sectors, and so forth). Finally, particular attention will have to be paid to SMEs, with the establishment of harmonised exemptions. The Medef draws the Commission’s attention to the fact that SMEs may also be affected as suppliers or subcontractors to larger firms subject to a duty of vigilance, even though the national laws do not include them in their scope. Please find attached the French version.

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Meeting with Nicolas Schmit (Commissioner) and

29 Sept 2020 · Réunion sur les mesures sociales du Plan de relance pour l’Europe au service d’une reprise économique.

Response to Commission Delegated Regulation on taxonomy-alignment of undertakings reporting non-financial information

8 Sept 2020

Please find enclosed MEDEF's answer on the Inception impact assessment regarding the taxonomy disclosure of turnover, opex and capex.

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MEDEF backs ex ante rules but opposes new competition tool

30 Jun 2020

Topic — The consultation explores ex ante rules for large online platforms acting as gatekeepers.

Message — MEDEF supports adopting ex ante regulations for specifically defined gatekeeper platforms to ensure fair competition. However, they strongly oppose the proposed New Competition Tool, arguing it lacks sufficient justification and creates legal risks.1 2 3

Why — Targeted rules help European firms compete while avoiding broad regulatory burdens on smaller innovators.4 5

Impact — Companies face legal insecurity and innovation penalties under the New Competition Tool proposal.6 7

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Response to New competition tool

30 Jun 2020

Réponse du MEDEF à la consultation de la Commission Européenne - cf document attaché La Commission européenne envisage, dans le cadre du lancement de deux études d’impact :  L’introduction d’un « nouvel outil de concurrence » (« New competition tool »), et/ou  Un instrument de régulation ex ante des grandes plateformes en ligne bénéficiant d’effets de réseaux significatifs et susceptibles de jouer un rôle dans l’accès à certains marchés au sein de l’Union européenne (ci-après les « grandes plateformes – gatekeepers ». Ces deux consultations sont présentées comme complémentaires et lancées en parallèle. Dans sa Position sur les Politiques européennes / Politique de la concurrence , le MEDEF soulignait que la politique de la concurrence européenne devait « nécessairement s’adapter, se moderniser, pour continuer à assurer un bon fonctionnement du marché intérieur, dans un environnement en évolution profonde et rapide » et formulait des propositions en ce sens. Le développement du numérique change la donne concurrentielle et nécessite une évolution du cadre existant. Le MEDEF se réjouit, à cet égard, des travaux engagés par la Commission européenne sur un certain nombre de sujets, parmi lesquels la révision de la Communication sur le marché pertinent, la révision des aides d’Etat, le Livre blanc sur les subventions étrangères, … Dans ce contexte, le sujet des plateformes structurantes est un sujet important, qui suppose de les définir précisément et de mettre en place des outils dédiés, pour éviter des effets de bord qui pénaliseraient les entreprises européennes et les marchés traditionnels, sans garantie de résoudre les problèmes relevés. À cet égard :  Le MEDEF est opposé à l’introduction du « nouvel outil de concurrence » dans les termes dans lesquels il est présenté dans le document soumis à première consultation (New Competition Tool).  Le MEDEF privilégie l’adoption d’une réglementation ex ante des plateformes structurantes - qui suppose de les définir précisément - dans le cadre de l’option 3 proposée par la Commission européenne, dont les deux branches devraient être approfondies.  Dans la mesure où un « enforcement gap » demeurerait entre le champ couvert par la réglementation ex-ante et le droit de la concurrence existant, le MEDEF reste ouvert à une réflexion complémentaire sur l’introduction d’un dispositif qui devrait être strictement circonscrit aux plateformes les plus structurantes.

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MEDEF urges energy tax revision to protect industrial competitiveness

31 Mar 2020

Topic — The European Commission is revising energy taxation to align with climate goals.

Message — MEDEF wants the rules to protect European industries from global competitors with lower standards. They oppose double taxation for companies already paying for carbon through the emissions trading system. They also insist on maintaining tax exemptions to help businesses stay competitive.1 2 3

Why — This would reduce their tax burden and prevent higher operational costs.4

Impact — Environmental groups lose if tax exemptions for energy-intensive industries remain in place.5

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Meeting with Ylva Johansson (Commissioner) and

2 Mar 2020 · Consultations on the New Pact on Migrations

French business lobby urges carbon border tax for competitiveness

6 Feb 2020

Topic — Legislation to make the European Union's 2050 climate neutrality goal legally binding.

Message — MEDEF supports a carbon border adjustment mechanism to restore a level playing field. They insist on maintaining current free emissions allowances until the new system proves its effectiveness.1 2

Why — This strategy protects European manufacturers from competitors operating in countries with lower climate ambitions.3 4

Impact — Global exporters from less ambitious countries face higher costs and potential trade sanctions.5

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Meeting with Werner Stengg (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)

5 Feb 2020 · Digital policy priorities new Commission

Response to Alignment EU rules on capital requirements to international standards (prudential requirements and market discipline)

18 Dec 2019

While the European Union faces huge challenges in ensuring the energy, ecological and digital transition of its economy and financing the hundreds of billions of euros of necessary investments, Medef is extremely concerned about the consequences of the transposition of the Basel agreements of December 2017 into their current form:  A negative macroeconomic impact: impact studies carried out by the European Banking Authority show that European banks should, according to these agreements, mobilise an additional €135 billion of capital. This would mechanically reduce their ability to finance European companies and the EU economy more broadly. Companies are very committed to the stability of financial markets but consider it urgent to take into account all the new regulations adopted in recent years, some of which have not yet had time to produce their full effects, and to avoid any measures that could have a recessive impact that would weaken the European economy and harm its competitiveness.  Certain essential types of financing particularly affected: the characteristics of the European and American economies are very different and justify, as MEDEF has been calling for for many months, much more detailed impact analyses on banks' customers and on the types of financing. The MEDEF is particularly concerned about the consequences of the recent Basel agreements on specialised financing, for example in the field of aviation and more generally in the field of transport, project financing, export financing, as well as on the treatment of SMEs and more generally of unrated companies. The envisaged level of corresponding capital requirements would significantly affect: the financial conditions of sectors of European excellence, such as aviation or public works, to name but two, as well as unrated companies, representing 70% of European companies. The lack of an alternative to this bank financing for medium-sized or small companies would also weaken all logistics chains. In some long-cycle sectors, they would force large companies to finance both their suppliers and customers, exposing them to risks that they are not in a position to properly assess. Moreover, while exports are essential for European growth, it is imperative to preserve the international financing and security of our companies. However, in addition to the prudential treatment of export financing, European companies are highly exposed to exchange rate risk, the dollar being the main currency of international trade: 90% of dollar hedges come from European companies, hence the importance for them of maintaining the exemption from counterparty risk (Credit Valuation Adjustment) on derivatives traded with companies.  A threat to the level playing field between European banks and American banks, which would ultimately penalise european players in the real economy: according to the EBA impact studies, the new rules would have virtually no impact on American banks, which have already considerably increased their share of the European market for investment banking. However, it is essential for large companies to keep banks of various regional origins, while smaller companies have less access to large international banks. So companies are asking, as priorities:  A much more detailed diagnosis of the consequences of these agreements on the real economy, before any transposition, by involving them, especially since they are not equipped to carry out an evaluation;  Adaptation of the recommended measures according to the results of impact studies: in order to prohibit any reduction in the supply of financing or increase in costs.  The preservation of SME's supporting factor to preserve SME financing  Maintaining the exemption from counterparty risk (Credit Valuation Adjustement) on derivatives traded with companies

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Meeting with Sabine Weyand (Director-General Trade)

14 Nov 2019 · EU-US trade issues, EU-China trade issues

Response to Update of the Council Negotiating Directives for Economic Partnership Agreements with ACP countries and regions

18 Oct 2019

Vous trouverez en pièce jointe la contribution du Mouvement des Entreprises de France à cette consultation.

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Meeting with Olivier Guersent (Director-General Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union)

16 Oct 2019 · Les priorités de la prochaine Commission européenne.

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy)

7 May 2019 · politique énergétique

Meeting with Margrethe Vestager (Commissioner)

10 Apr 2019 · Competition Policy

Meeting with Cecilia Malmström (Commissioner) and

20 Mar 2019 · US, WTO, China

Meeting with Michel Barnier (Head of Task Force Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom)

20 Mar 2019 · Meeting with the Task Force for the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the United Kingdom under Article 50 TEU

Meeting with Andrus Ansip (Vice-President) and

22 Sept 2016 · Copyright, telecom review, data economy, cybersecurity, geoblocking

Meeting with Antoine Colombani (Cabinet of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans), Bernardus Smulders (Cabinet of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans) and

7 Jul 2016 · Lunch Debat Grandes Entreprises Françaises - Better Regulation.

Meeting with Sebastian Kuck (Cabinet of Commissioner Jonathan Hill) and Association Française des Entreprises Privées / French Association of Large Companies and Cliff Investor Relations

1 Jun 2016 · Transparency Directive & European Single Electronic Format (ESEF)

Meeting with Fabien Dell (Cabinet of Commissioner Pierre Moscovici)

9 Feb 2016 · paquet mobilité

Meeting with Fabien Dell (Cabinet of Commissioner Pierre Moscovici)

20 Jan 2016 · Budget Zone Euro

Meeting with Maria Elena Scoppio (Cabinet of Commissioner Pierre Moscovici)

12 Jan 2016 · Discussion on the upcoming Tax Anti-Avoidance Package

Meeting with Eric Mamer (Digital Economy) and Orange and

10 Sept 2015 · DSM

Meeting with Antoine Colombani (Cabinet of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans), Bernardus Smulders (Cabinet of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans) and

9 Jul 2015 · Stocktaking 1st Months of New Commission + Better Regulation

Meeting with Ruth Paserman (Cabinet of Commissioner Marianne Thyssen)

30 Jun 2015 · Employment policy

Meeting with Ruth Paserman (Cabinet of Commissioner Marianne Thyssen)

30 Jun 2015 · Deepening EMU

Meeting with Frans Timmermans (First Vice-President)

26 Mar 2015 · Better regulation

Meeting with Edward Bannerman (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

26 Mar 2015 · Investment plan

Meeting with Cecilia Malmström (Commissioner)

26 Mar 2015 · TTIP

Meeting with Günther Oettinger (Commissioner)

26 Mar 2015 · DSM & usine du futur

Meeting with Valdis Dombrovskis (Vice-President) and

26 Mar 2015 · Meeting held in the context of strengthening the social dialogue. Topics discussed: • EU economic governance and COM decisions on France; • Socio-economic situation and social dialogue in France. Follow-up of the high-level conference on "New Start for Social Dialogue".

Meeting with Christian Burgsmueller (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

24 Mar 2015 · TTIP; France

Meeting with Tomasz Husak (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska)

24 Mar 2015 · Single Market Strategy; European Industrial Policy

Meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker (President)

18 Feb 2015 · Meeting with Mr Pierre Gattaz on the political priorities of this Commission