Our company is actively involved in the political dialogue at many levels - with the aim of incorporating the perspectives of trade and Travel and Tourism into European legislation. Our Management Board members in particular represent our interests in numerous discussions with high-ranking politicians.

In recent weeks, Lionel Souque, Hans-Jürgen Moog and Telerik Shishmanov took the opportunity to discuss current economic policy challenges with representatives of the EU Commission in Brussels. They emphasised the impact that political decisions have on our industries - and why trade is a strong part of a resilient European economy.

Photo State of NRW, Marius Becker Lionel Souque took part in a meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the invitation of NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst. The delegation included eleven CEOs from leading German companies.

The focus was on the current challenges and opportunities for companies in Europe: inflation, shortage of skilled labour, geopolitical uncertainties and technological upheaval. Trust in political institutions and stable economic conditions were also discussed.

„Bureaucracy costs time, capital and innovative strength.“ Lionel Souque "We need stability, trust and reliable framework conditions - for companies and society," said Souque. "Bureaucracy costs time, capital and innovative strength."

As an international retail and tourism company, REWE Group is directly affected by many current EU projects - from the Supply Chain Act to sustainability requirements and the handling of artificial intelligence (AI Act). The exchange in Brussels provided an opportunity to contribute our practical perspective.

Souque's message to politicians: "We are ready to take responsibility - now we need the political will to give us this responsibility."

Selected representatives from the retail sector and EuroCommerce met Stéphane Séjourné, Vice-President of the EU Commission, in Brussels. Management Board member for Purchasing Hans-Jürgen Moog was also active in the political dialogue - in talks with Stéphane Séjourné, Vice President of the EU Commission.
„Excessive regulation not only affects SMEs, but also us as a Group. We also urgently need substantial and tangible relief“ Management board member for purchasing Hans-Jürgen Moog Together with selected representatives from the retail sector and EuroCommerce, he campaigned in Brussels for urgently needed relief for the European economy. "Excessive regulation not only affects SMEs, but also us as a group. We also urgently need substantial and tangible relief," said Moog.

Two points were particularly important to him: Reducing bureaucracy, always thinking in line with the entire value chain - and a strong, functioning internal market with reliable framework conditions, legal certainty and protection as a basis for investment.

Hans-Jürgen Moog's conclusion: "an open, solution-orientated exchange in which it became clear what practical effects political decisions have on companies - and what a central role trade plays for a resilient European economy."

Top representatives of European companies, including Telerik Shishmanov, with ECB President Christine Lagarde. (Photo: State of NRW / Marius Becker) Top representatives from European companies met with ECB President Christine Lagarde at the European Central Bank's round table in Frankfurt - including our CFO Telerik Shishmanov. The focus was on the question: How can the digital euro be successfully developed as a European payment solution?

„It was a very constructive exchange in which it became clear that we have a common goal: To make Europe more digitally sovereign and competitive. This requires clear framework conditions, planning security - and speed in implementation“ CFO Telerik Shishmanov

ECB President Lagarde also emphasised the role of the economy: "Companies are important partners in making this vision a reality. Their insights will help us ensure that the digital euro fulfils the needs of customers and businesses alike," she wrote about the meeting on LinkedIn.