Position paper: 10 Suggestions to Support Business Transfers in the EU

This joint policy paper, co-signed by Cooperatives Europe and six other business organisations, outlines ten strategic recommendations for the European Union to support business transfers across Member States.

Business transfers—whether intra-family, to employees, or external buyers—are key to ensuring continuity, scaling, and innovation in Europe’s business landscape. With up to 150,000 businesses at risk of failed transfers each year, the paper calls for updated EU action on finance, education, data collection, and cross-border support.

Main topics covered:

• Demographic pressures and business continuity

• The need for EU-level coordination and updated recommendations

• Financial and regulatory tools for smoother transitions

• Role of business transfers in digital and green transitions

• Proposals for new EU-funded programmes and data collection tools

Co-signatories: Eurochambres, European Family Businesses, Transeo, CECOP, SMEunited, AECM, and Cooperatives Europe.

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