Three new projects coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce

In February, three new European projects financed by the Erasmus+ programme and coordinated by the Chamber have started: Softimprove, START and DG-VET.

  • Softimprove’s principal goal is to provide entrepreneurs and professionals with the knowledge and practice of soft skills needed to increase their employability, improve their professional prospects, and increment their chances of success. Its duration is three years and the countries where the activities will be implemented are: Spain, Belgium, Francia, Germany, Iceland and Estonia.
  • START has a duration of two years and brings together 5 partners from 6 countries particularly active in the retail sector: Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Poland, Romania and Chipre. The project’s main goal is to help current and future retail professionals in the development of an international strategy for their business. The aim is to provide them with an adequate training which will guide them during the internationalisation process and its successful implementation.
  • DG-VET aims to provide young NEETs from rural areas with the digital and green skills required by the labour market in order to improve their employability, through the development of an innovative training methodology and materials. The project has a duration of two years during which the Chamber, together with the other consortium members, will implement a series of activities in different European countries: Spain, Belgium, Greece, Chipre, Bulgaria and Austria.

The Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg is the coordinator and contact point for these projects for Belgium and Luxembourg .

For further information, please contact:
María Robledano, project manager

  • dgvet@e-camara.com
  • start@e-camara.com
  • softimprove@e-camara.com

Online breakfast debate with Joaquín López-Vallés, Director of the CNMC’s Department for the Promotion of Competition.

The Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg has held its first virtual breakfast-debate of the year in the framework of its working group “Competition Spain”, a committee in which member companies of the Chamber address specific issues and aspects of competition law and policy that may affect them.

The webinar was attended by Joaquín López-Vallés, Director of the CNMC‘s Department for the Promotion of Competition. Under the title “The CNMC’s challenges for the coming years”, López-Vallés explained the main lines of action in the CNMC’s area of competition advocacy, as set out in the new strategic plan 2021-2026 and in the agency’s action plan 2021-2022.

Miguel Troncoso, Chairman of the working committee of Competition Spain, acted as moderator, welcoming and briefly introducing the speaker and outlining the main milestones of his professional career. He also thanked him for his willingness to participate and share with all the attendees.

Promote competition

López Vallés then took the floor to give a quick introduction to the CNMC and explain the basic principles of the body’s actions to promote competition. He emphasised that the main objective of the institution is to promote and defend the proper functioning of all markets, looking after the interests of consumers and companies by exercising consultative tasks before the regulatory authorities thanks to its high degree of specialisation and independence.

During his speech, López Vallés also highlighted the current and near-future challenges for the CNMC’s competition advocacy work. Among them, he pointed out the major implications that the pandemic has had when it comes to promoting pro-competitive regulatory frameworks and public intervention, as well as the need to adapt to the new prevailing realities of digital economic systems.

Afterwards, there was a question-and-answer session where the attendees were able to express their doubts and comments on the issues discussed during the day.

The Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg would like to thank both the speaker and the members of the working group for their attendance and participation in this breakfast-debate.

Luncheon-debate with Gerassimos Thomas, Director General for Taxation and Customs Union – DG TAXUD

Last Tuesday 22nd February, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organised a new luncheon-debate with the participation of Gerassimos Thomas, Director General for Taxation and Customs Union – DG TAXUD at the European Commission. The theme of the event revolved around the role of the energy tax, the CBAM and the implications for customs authorities reflected in the new European Green Deal and was sponsored by the firm Van Bael & Bellis.

The conference was opened by Pablo López-Álvarez, President of the Chamber, who took the opportunity to thank all those present for their attendance, and then dedicated a few words of special recognition to the extensive career of the speaker Gerassimos Thomas and his long trajectory in European institutions. López-Álvarez also highlighted the complex situation Europe is facing in relation to energy and the importance of a regulatory framework adapted to the current context.

The President of the Chamber also introduced Pablo Muñiz, partner at Van Bael & Bellis and sponsor of the event. Muñiz briefly introduced his company, a leading international law firm in European commercial law and international law, and highlighted the intense work that European regulators are currently facing in imposing different taxonomic tools in many different areas of activities, and then handed over the floor to Gerassimos Thomas.

Taxation tools

Thomas, dedicated his speech to explaining the different tax and regulatory tools currently available to the EU to meet the objectives set out in the European Green Deal, in relation to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the stimulation of environmentally friendly energy.

In this context, Thomas stressed that the package of measures promoted by the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, brought together the various political and administrative tools to address the challenges posed by the current climate situation.

Thomas also took the opportunity to stress the continued concern of the European authorities about the sustained increase in energy prices. He also pointed out that the best way to avoid future instabilities is to follow the path set out by the EU Green Deal and continue to focus on the transition to a supply system that comes from renewable sources and closer geographical location.

Focusing on how European industries must transform themselves to adapt to the challenges posed by packages such as the Fit for 55, Thomas clarified that the answer cannot come from the regulatory framework alone, stressing that taxation tools can and should play a key role in providing concrete incentives for companies to move forward and adapt to the current situation.

Descarbonisation

With regard to the CBAM (Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism), Thomas advanced that it will be a key tool for making external EU producers assume greater climate ambition when it comes to decarbonising their production processes in a similar way to that which European companies will be obliged to do. This will reduce the competitive advantage of companies located outside the European area and will encourage third countries to take concrete measures in the fight against global warming, thus promoting sustainable production.

Thomas dedicated the last few minutes of his speech to stressing the importance of compliance by European importers with all regulatory measures regarding products entering the common market. He also highlighted the constant coordination of the European authorities with the economic and productive sectors most affected by the energy transition and the importance of advancing in this transition in a coordinated manner, without forced impositions and an agreed timetable, thus promoting a stable commitment to the future.

After the presentation, a round of questions began, where the participants were able to express their opinions and ask different questions about what had been presented. Among the issues that aroused most interest were the doubts about the possibilities of not passing on the increase in energy prices to end consumers, as well as the importance of raising awareness among citizens to consume products that, although more expensive, are identified with the values that Europe wants to promote in relation to an environmentally neutral society.

From the Chamber we would like to show a special thanks to Atavus Priorat, whose wines IURA 2011 and Buen Karma 2019 could be tasted by all the attendees, as well as to the participants, for making this event a very successful lunch-debate.

Forum commission meeting

On February 15th, the last meeting of the year of the Fora Commission was organised telematically, working group whose task is to propose, organise and monitor the events organised by the Chamber.

During the meeting, chaired by Carlos Rodríguez Cocina of Telefónica, an assessment was made of the latest events organised by the “business circle” tribune and the priorities and upcoming activities for the coming months were defined.

Finally, the priorities and upcoming activities for the next months were defined.

About the Chamber’s Commissions

The Commissions are composed of some of the members as well as the person in charge of the area in question in the Chamber.

These working groups have numerous functions: in-depth studies of proposals, issues, projects, and activities. Through them, the members influence the day-to-day running of the Chamber in order to better adapt the Chamber’s activities to the needs of the members.

At any time, a member can ask the chairman of a Committee to join it or ask the Secretary General to set up a new group.

Conference “Energy transition and the supply chain”

The Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, in collaboration with the Belgian business association Agoria and the Spanish Embassy in Belgium, held yesterday a conference entitled “Energy Transition and the Supply Chain”.

The event focused on how the strategic decisions of energy companies will affect the functioning of the supply chain and was attended by Spanish companies Naturgy and Iberdrola.

In a first opening block, Eduardo Gutiérrez, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Spanish Embassy in Belgium, welcomed all the participants and underlined the importance of this kind of events to favour the business collaboration between Belgian and Spanish companies. Then, Pieter Jan Provoost, Manager at Agoria’s Energy Technology Group and Pablo López Álvarez, President of the Chamber, gave a brief presentation of the different organisations.

Later, in a second block aimed at learning about the new public policies in relation to energy, as well as the investments planned both in Spain and Belgium, the event included the intervention of María Palanca Reh, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Brussels, and Filip De Weerdt, Science and Technology Coordinator at Flanders Investment & Trade.

Strategic decisions

The conference continued with two presentations, given by Nuria Rodríguez, Director of Environment and Sustainability at Naturgy and Pieter Ferdinand Elias Duerinckx, International Head of Renewable Energy Generation Equipment at Iberdrola. Both presented their respective points of view on how the strategic decisions taken by energy companies will directly affect the functioning of the global supply chain.

Pieter Jean Provoost, Manager at Agoria, moderated next a panel discussion between the two speakers, followed by a round of questions related to the implementation of green hydrogen in Spain and the particularities of its taxonomy were highlighted.

The event ended with a cocktail party where guests were able to share their views on the discussions, as well as serve as a meeting point for professional networking.

Online breakfast debate with Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Head of Energy Policy at DG ENER

Last Thursday 10 February 2022, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organised a new virtual breakfast-debate within the cycle “Business Circle”, a meeting platform between Spanish companies and representatives in the European institutions. Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Director of Energy Policy at DG ENER of the European Commission, participated in the debate.

The breakfast, sponsored by Iberdrola, focused on “The challenges of Fit for 55 in today’s energy environment”.
The President of the Chamber and moderator of the event, Pablo López Álvarez, welcomed and briefly introduced the speaker, summarising her professional career. He also thanked all the attendees for their presence.
This was followed by Eva Chamizo, Director of European Affairs and Iberdrola’s Brussels office. In her speech, she mentioned the priorities and concerns of her company.
Cristina Lobillo began her speech by summarising the current situation in the energy sector and the temporary pressure on energy prices. She also gave an introduction to the awareness and investment process that the European Commission is currently considering.
The energy transition and cooperation between countries were the main themes of his speech throughout his intervention. After the introduction, Lobillo pointed out the current need to defend a diversification strategy, on the basis of which work has been carried out with the USA, given the decrease in the percentage of gas storage in the European Union. In this respect, Lobillo assured that the current measures against this crisis are only transitory, as the Commission has not abandoned, in any case, the priorities and actions to comply with the proposed energy transition.
Finally, Cristina Lobillo spoke about taxonomy, the guide for moving from coal to gas and from there to renewable energies. At this point, she emphasised the three activities that the Commission has identified and which should be the subject of investment.
During the question and answer session, the attendees were able to express their doubts and comments on numerous current issues. The speaker spoke about the efforts and security of supply of EU member states, the existing financing mechanisms for green hydrogen and blue hydrogen, and the countries that are most committed to renewable energies.
The Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg would like to thank Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Iberdrola and all the participants for their participation.

Luncheon-debate with Marcos Alonso, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Spain to the European Union

On Tuesday 8 February, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organised a luncheon-debate in Brussels with Marcos Alonso, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Spain to the European Union, sponsored by Indra. The theme of the event revolved around the European debate and its evolution until the Spanish presidency in 2023. More than 70 participants attended the event, including members of the Chamber, business executives, delegates of Autonomous Communities and representatives of Spanish and European organisations.

The day was opened by Pablo López-Álvarez, President of the Chamber, who began his speech by expressing his enthusiasm to be able to resume the traditional luncheon-debates of our organisation and thanking all the attendees for their presence at the event. He then presented the extensive career of our guest speaker, Marcos Alonso, highlighting the excellent relations between the Chamber and the Permanent Representation of Spain to the EU.

López-Álvarez also introduced David Luengo, Managing Director of Indra in Brussels, and sponsor of the event. Luengo presented his company, an international benchmark in consultancy and technology, and highlighted the current and future importance of technology in European policies, as well as the opportunity that the recovery funds represent for the transformation of Europe. He also emphasised Indra’s determination to lead European projects that provide greater recognition to the company’s products and foster its international expansion, and then gave the floor to Marcos Alonso.

Alonso began by explaining various key aspects of the current state of the debate on the European Union and the great opportunity that opens up for Spain with its presidency in 2023, to continue to lead the EU’s coordinated response to the different challenges that must be faced with its proposals.

Priorities

Alonso stressed that the pandemic has not changed the priorities set by both the Commission and the Parliament for this policy cycle, but has even served as an impetus for accelerating them and for the commitment to a recovery that places value on the green and digitalised transition.

During his speech, Alonso devoted much of his time to explaining the lines of work that will undoubtedly have to be present when Spain is in charge of presiding over the EU Council. Among them, he highlighted the promotion of the Schengen area as a great achievement of all EU members, and the new framework of relations that must be built with the United Kingdom, given its position as a strategic partner of the Union and particularly for Spain.

In the strictly economic sphere, Alonso highlighted the commitment of the EU-27 to offer a coordinated response to the pandemic through the mutualisation of debt and the distribution of funds aimed at the economic transformation of the continent.

After the presentation, a round of questions was opened, where participants were able to make their opinions known and raise different questions about what had been presented. Among the doubts clarified at the event were various issues such as the position that Spain will take to promote EU relations with Latin America and the difficulties of coordination within the European Institutions.

The Chamber would like to express its special thanks to Bodegas Campoameno, whose Syrah Barrica and Chardonnay wines could be tasted by all the attendees, as well as to the participants, for making this event a very successful luncheon-debate.

The Chamber participates in the presentation of the FEDECOM Annual Award to Técnicas Reunidas in UAE

The Federation of Official Spanish Chambers of Commerce in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania (FEDECOM), of which the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg is a member, presented its Annual Award to Técnicas Reunidas on Wednesday 2 February in Dubai.

With this recognition, FEDECOM distinguishes each year a Spanish company that stands out for its commercial activity and international profile in one of the member countries of the Federation.

The award ceremony, which took place during the Gala Dinner of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Arab Emirates, was attended by Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry and Xiana Méndez Secretary of State for Trade. Maroto presented the award to the company in a ceremony that was the last event of the activities to commemorate Spain Day at Expo Dubai 2020. The Minister congratulated Técnicas Reunidas for the FEDECOM Award and highlighted the strong presence of Spanish companies, both large and small, in practically all sectors of a market as competitive and demanding as the Emirati one. He also highlighted the prestige and esteem that the Spanish business sector enjoys among local companies and governmental institutions.

 

 

Representatives

Representing the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, the event was attended by its president Pablo López Álvarez and its secretary general Marta González Benguria.

Técnicas Reunidas is one of the most important Spanish companies in its sector on an international scale, with a presence in 25 countries and a track record that totals more than 1,000 industrial plants in its 61 years of experience. In November 2021, Técnicas Reunidas and its Emirati partner Target won a $950 million contract in Abu Dhabi for the design and execution of the onshore facilities required to process gas from the Dalma field on the country’s northwest coast.

Técnicas Reunidas’ activity is mainly focused on the development of engineering projects, design and construction of industrial plants and technology for the energy transition, with leading positions in clean fuels, sustainable chemistry and natural gas, and solutions linked to the circular economy and decarbonisation, such as CO2 sequestration and capture, renewable hydrogen, biofuels, waste recovery, etc., initiatives that make its headquarters in Spain a centre of excellence in engineering.

The Minister of Industry presented the FEDECOM Award to the President of Técnicas Reunidas, Juan Lladó, who thanked her “in recognition of the company’s long history in international markets, the contribution of its initiatives to our country’s export capacity and its constant incorporation of Spanish companies in the development of its projects”.

During the award ceremony, the President of FEDECOM, Eduardo Barrachina, stressed that “when we think of the United Arab Emirates we think of prosperity, a prosperity in which so many Spanish companies have played an important role. None more so than Técnicas Reunidas, tonight’s winner”.

Second professional ham cutting workshop

On the 31st of January, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, in collaboration with The Cortador Academy – the first school in Benelux to learn how to cut ham professionally – organised the Second professional ham cutter workshop. The course was conducted by the Master Ham Cutter José Cristóbal Álvarez García, who obtained his renowned diploma at the Spanish school “Escuela Internacional de Cortadores de Jamón”.

The workshop was aimed at professionals from the Horeca sector and ham enthusiasts who wished to deepen their interest in the art of slicing and plating this product.

During the day, in the second professional ham cutting workshop, attendees were able to study, theoretically, the different types of ham, their characteristics, knives and the regulations that apply to the sector. They also learned, in a practical way, the main techniques for professional slicing from the meat to the bone and how to plate it on both square and round trays.

Learning to cut Iberian ham, an “art” that is gaining ground in Belgium – Agencia EFE | Access the full video here

Second professional ham cutting workshop

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