BT4Europe, the European network of business travel associations, brought the discussion on A1 reform to the European Parliament, underlining once again how essential – and achievable – simplification is for Europe’s economy, according to a BT4Europe press release.
A1 reform in Europe refers to an active push—led largely by business travel and employer groups—to simplify or exempt short‑term cross‑border business trips from the EU’s A1 social‑security certificate requirement. The reform effort argues that today’s rules treat brief business travel as if it were a full worker posting, creating unnecessary administrative burden
A debate was hosted by Iuliu Winkler, a member of the European parliament, and there was strong representation from policy and business communities. The panel brought together leading voices from both the public and private sectors.
The clear message, according to the release: simplification, not deregulation. Odete Pimenta da Silva of BT4Europe said: “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.”
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.”
BT4Europe called 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
