UNICE is changing its name to Businesseurope, the Confederation of European Business, with effect from 23 January.

The change is intended to put business and companies at the centre of the European debate. Businesseurope represents more than 20 million small, medium and large companies through its 39 leading national business federations from 33 countries.

The Malta Federation of Industry (FOI) Director General Wilfred Kenely accompanied by officials from the Malta Business Bureau attended the launch of the new name, which was held in Brussels.

At this event, President Ernest-Antoine Seillière and Secretary General Philippe de Buck spoke about the need for Businesseurope to actively promote the role of enterprises in Europe and to advocate a competitive business environment.

In the ongoing debate on the future of Europe, Businesseurope also presented a “Declaration on the 50th anniversary of the European Union”.

Businesseurope said it strongly supports Chancellor Merkel’s intention of agreeing to new arrangements before a newly-elected European Parliament and a new European Commission are in place in 2009.

Businesseurope said it shares the Chancellor’s sense of urgency to find a remedy for the serious impasse in the European project since the start of the crisis surrounding the Constitution.