There are around 1,000 business associations organized and addressed to the European Union (EU) level, which correspond to two-thirds of all EU groups (Greenwood, 2007, p.49). There is a wide range of these business groups, from unique and exclusive businesswide clubs of multinational firms (MNF) through to highly specialist interest organisations (Greenwood, 2007, p.49). The mobilisation of collective action from multinational firms is one of the most important developments in the EU and is a signal of new influential political actors at EU level (Cowles, 1998, p.108). This essay tries to outline what the European Roundtable of Industrialists (ERT) is exactly, how it was founded and whether they have substantial influence, and if so, why and how they organise it.
One of the most important and influential businesswide clubs is the European Roundtable of Industrialists, which is representing around 45 multinational firms of European parentage (Cowles, 1998, p.108; Nollert, 2005, p.299). They describe themselves neither as a business lobby group, nor as a think tank (ERT, 2011). The members cover a wide range of industrial and technological sectors and are situated all over Europe (ERT, 2011). Important member firms are for example Unilever, Nestlé, Siemens, ThyssenKrupp, Philipps, Bayer and BMW (ERT, 2011; Spindler, 2002, p.17). Together they have sales figures of more than 1,000 billion Euros, provide around 6.6 million jobs (ERT, 2011) and are responsible for huge investments, not only in Europe (Richardson, 2000, p.10). The secretariat is now based in Brussels and is regularly publishing articles on different pan-European subjects (Nollert, 2005, p.299). The main concern of the ERT is the creation of conditions necessary to improve European growth and jobs (ERT, 2011).
Table of Contents
1. What is the European Round Table of Industrialists?
2. ERT history
3. Influence of the ERT
4. Future of the ERT
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the role, history, and political influence of the European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT) within the European Union, specifically analyzing how this exclusive club of business leaders shapes pan-European economic policy and agendas.
- The organisational structure and membership criteria of the ERT.
- Historical context of the ERT's founding as a response to European industrial challenges.
- Mechanisms and strategies used by the ERT to influence EU decision-makers.
- The impact of the ERT on key initiatives like the single European market.
- Critical perspectives on the balance between economic influence and social welfare.
Excerpt from the Book
1. What is the European Round Table of Industrialists?
There are around 1,000 business associations organized and addressed to the European Union (EU) level, which correspond to two-thirds of all EU groups (Greenwood, 2007, p.49). There is a wide range of these business groups, from unique and exclusive businesswide clubs of multinational firms (MNF) through to highly specialist interest organisations (Greenwood, 2007, p.49). The mobilisation of collective action from multinational firms is one of the most important developments in the EU and is a signal of new influential political actors at EU level (Cowles, 1998, p.108). This essay tries to outline what the European Roundtable of Industrialists (ERT) is exactly, how it was founded and whether they have substantial influence, and if so, why and how they organise it.
One of the most important and influential businesswide clubs is the European Roundtable of Industrialists, which is representing around 45 multinational firms of European parentage (Cowles, 1998, p.108; Nollert, 2005, p.299). They describe themselves neither as a business lobby group, nor as a think tank (ERT, 2011). The members cover a wide range of industrial and technological sectors and are situated all over Europe (ERT, 2011). Important member firms are for example Unilever, Nestlé, Siemens, ThyssenKrupp, Philipps, Bayer and BMW (ERT, 2011; Spindler, 2002, p.17). Together they have sales figures of more than 1,000 billion Euros, provide around 6.6 million jobs (ERT, 2011) and are responsible for huge investments, not only in Europe (Richardson, 2000, p.10). The secretariat is now based in Brussels and is regularly publishing articles on different pan-European subjects (Nollert, 2005, p.299). The main concern of the ERT is the creation of conditions necessary to improve European growth and jobs (ERT, 2011).
Summary of Chapters
1. What is the European Round Table of Industrialists?: This chapter introduces the ERT as an exclusive, influential group of European multinational firms and outlines its focus on improving European economic growth.
2. ERT history: This chapter details the origins of the ERT in 1983, established by industrial leaders to advise European Commissioners on solving the industrial crisis.
3. Influence of the ERT: This chapter analyzes the strategies used by the ERT to influence EU policies, emphasizing face-to-face contact and their specific role in advancing the single European market.
4. Future of the ERT: This chapter evaluates the long-term impact of the ERT and discusses prospective goals, including the integration of Europe into the global economy by 2025.
Keywords
European Round Table of Industrialists, ERT, European Union, multinational firms, agenda setting, single market, European Commission, lobbying, industrial leaders, economic integration, policy influence, pan-European, competitiveness, Brussels, corporate networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper focuses on the European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT), investigating its nature, historical development, and its significant influence on European Union policy agendas.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the organizational structure of the ERT, its historical response to economic crises, its strategic lobbying methods, and its vision for Europe's economic future.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to explain what the ERT is, how it was founded, and how it exerts its substantial influence on high-level political decision-makers in Europe.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis based on literature and reports from academic researchers, the ERT itself, and historical records regarding EU policy formation.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the membership profile of the ERT, the historical timeline of its reports and initiatives, and the specific strategies used to foster integration within the European market.
Which keywords best characterize the study?
Key terms include ERT, European Union, policy influence, single market, corporate lobbying, multinational firms, and industrial leadership.
How does the ERT differ from other business interest groups in Brussels?
Unlike larger, broader federations like UNICE, the ERT is highly selective, consisting of CEOs who represent specific, large-scale industrial interests through direct, face-to-face access to top political leaders.
What role did the report "Reshaping Europe" play in the ERT's impact?
The 1991 report "Reshaping Europe" was a crucial document that provided a framework for efficient pan-European business and significantly influenced the timeline of the realization of the monetary union.
Does the ERT face any significant criticisms or failures?
Yes, the paper notes failures such as the lack of success in simplifying tax reforms and implementing a unified EU tax system, as well as broader concerns about the influence of global policy groups on social welfare.
- Quote paper
- B.A. Stefan Groitl (Author), 2012, The Influence of the European Roundtable of Industrialists, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/194055
