BT4Europe brought the discussion on A1 reform to the European Parliament, underlining once again how essential – and achievable – simplification is for Europe’s economy.
The debate was hosted by MEP Iuliu Winkler, who championed the discussion at a critical moment.
Strong representation from policy and business communities
The panel brought together leading voices from both the public and private sectors:
- Francesco Corti – European Commission
- Barbara Weizsäcker – European Exhibition Industry Alliance
- Frederico Martins – Eurochambres
- Odete Pimenta da Silva – BT4Europe
- Moderated by Mark Watts
What stood out was the clarity and alignment across Europe’s business and business travel community: practical, united, and calling for a targeted exemption from A1 obligations for short-term cross-border business travel.
Clear message: simplification, not deregulation
Odete Pimenta da Silva emphasised during the discussion: “The current system is no longer fit for purpose. These trips are not postings of workers – yet they are treated as such. This is a clear opportunity within the EU’s simplification agenda: a quick win that can save time, reduce costs, and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. What is needed is a targeted 14-days exemption from A1 form obligations for short-term cross-border business travel.”
From the exhibition industry perspective, the need for practical solutions was equally clear. Barbara Weizsäcker, on behalf of the European Exhibition Industry Alliance, stated: “For sectors where international mobility is essential, such as the exhibition and events industry. The current A1 framework creates unnecessary administrative burden for exhibiting and visiting companies’ staff. A proportionate approach differentiating business travel and short-term cross border services provision from mid-long-term postings of workers across the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland and simple, unified, digital procedures are crucial to boost European businesses’ competitiveness and innovation. Ideally, the best solution would be exempting from the A1 application business travel entirely .”
Representing the broader European business community, Frederico Martins of Eurochambres added: “For companies across Europe, and particularly for SMEs, the current A1 requirement is a tangible barrier to cross-border activity. Simplification here delivers immediate impact: reducing administrative burden and enabling economic growth within the Single Market.”
Momentum towards decision-making
The European Commission confirmed its support for the direction proposed by BT4Europe. While work remains, there is growing confidence that an agreement is within reach. This makes the coming weeks critical.
Call to action
BT4Europe calls on companies, industry associations and stakeholders to:
- Engage with Members of the European Parliament
- Engage with national governments
- Support a 14-day exemption from A1 obligations for genuine short-term cross-border business travel
At the core of Europe’s economy
This issue goes beyond administrative simplification. It touches the very core of how Europe functions as a Single Market. Europe is the world’s largest trading bloc – and it runs on business travel. Now is the time to make it the world’s best place for business travellers.
Media Contact
Mark Watts, LP Brussels
+32474060185, markwatts@lpbrussels.com
About BT4Europe
BT4Europe is the European Network of Business Travel Associations, representing national business travel bodies from across the continent. We advocate for policy solutions that support safe, efficient, and sustainable business travel in a unified Europe. www.bt4europe.com
