Welcome by Alena Vlacihova

This year, CEBRE celebrates its 10 years of existence, almost half of which I could participate in its activities and projects together with my colleague Michal Kadera.

Michal left for his new position in the Czech Republic and now it is up to me to take the helm. We will continue to encourage the participation of Czech businesses in the EU legislative process – we want them to be heard and listened! We will also try to get their feedback as much as possible and raise awareness on EU issues back in the Czech Republic.

It is not always easy to persuade them about the importance of the EU. For them Brussels is far away and legislative decisions take so much time. As a delegate of the Czech Chamber of Commerce in EUROCHAMBRES and UEAPME for four and half years I know how difficult task it is. But it is our common goal with CEBRE founders – Confederation of Industry, Chamber of Commerce and Confederation of Employers´ and Entrepreneurs´ Associations. CEBRE is also supported by the Czech Ministry of Trade and Industry via CzechTrade agency for which we are grateful to have also strong partners on the side of the Czech public administration. Without them we would be much less successful in lobbying. Grate thanks goes also to Czech MEPs.

In March Tomas Hartman will join the team as a delegate of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic and help us with the agenda of BUSINESSEUROPE. The team will be complete again. I hope we will reach our goals for this year in the priority areas and celebrate our 10-year anniversary with optimism!

Yours faithfully,
Alena Vlacihova