The MEDEF Opens Its "Maison des Entreprises de France" in Brussels
Brussels, Belgium – The MEDEF (Mouvement des Entreprises de France), the leading employers’ organization in France, has inaugurated its "Maison des Entreprises de France" in Brussels, Belgium. The new facility, located near the European Parliament, serves as a symbol of the MEDEF’s growing influence on the European Union’s economy.
Spanning approximately 1000 square meters, the Maison des Entreprises de France provides a dedicated workspace for French federations and businesses to collaborate and showcase their presence within the EU. The entire MEDEF Executive Committee attended the inauguration, which was presided over by Stéphane Séjourné, the French Commissioner for Industrial Strategy and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.
Strategic Timing and Focus
The inauguration of the Maison des Entreprises de France comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the European Commission’s forthcoming proposals on a Pact for a Clean Industry, an Omnibus Simplification Law, and an Action Plan for Affordable Energy – all issues of paramount importance to businesses.
Since the appointment of Patrick Martin as its president in late 2023, the MEDEF has prioritized re-engaging with the European arena, particularly in light of the recent European elections and beyond. The organization has outlined a comprehensive "Europe Plan" to guide its European strategy, of which the Maison des Entreprises de France is an integral part.
Advocacy and Partnerships
The MEDEF has been actively advocating for its positions, often in collaboration with other European employer organizations. In late November, it joined the BDI (Confederation of German Employers’ Associations) and Confindustria (Italian General Confederation of Industry) in presenting a set of measures to the new European Commission, deemed essential for Europe to remain competitive against China and the United States under Donald Trump.
In late January, the same organizations called on the Commission to implement a robust reform of the European regulatory framework. Last week, the MEDEF initiated the creation of a Nuclear Employer Alliance, bringing together 14 European employer organizations in support of nuclear energy. Patrick Martin is keen to increase such initiatives as part of a broader strategy of "economic diplomacy."
Partners and Mission
The Maison des Entreprises de France has nine partners:
- Association Française de la Gestion (AFG)
- Fédération des Entreprises de la Beauté (FEBEA)
- Fédération bancaire française (FBF)
- France Industrie
- France Invest
- Groupement des industries françaises aéronautiques et spatiales (GIFAS)
- Mobilians
- Air Liquide
- L’Oréal
The facility will serve as a hub for French businesses and organizations to strengthen their presence in Brussels, advocate for their interests, and contribute to shaping EU policies that impact the European economy.
