The Association of Employers of Slovenia (ZDS) has excellent relations at the international level, which is essential for the Slovene economy. With Slovenia's entry into the European Union, the ZDS qualified for full membership in the BUSINESSEUROPE, the Confederation of European business, headquartered in Brussels. In July 2007, ZDS has become its full member.
BusinessEurope comprises 40 national industrial and employers' associations from 34 European countries, and represents more than 20 million small, medium and large companies. The name ‘BusinessEurope’ clearly reflects the operation of the organization on behalf of BUSINESS which in the heart of EUROPE creates economic growth and jobs for the welfare of its citizens. Its mission is to:
- active support to the European business;
- commitment to a competitive business environment;
- recognition of the social partners in the European social dialogue;
- the voice of business in shaping the future of Europe.
As an effective and valuable social partner, BusinessEurope has created fundamental priorities of employers and industry associations that follow the programme of the European Commission and allow occupying the competitive position of Europe in a globalised world. With its political agenda 2010-2014, whose slogan is "Go for growth", calls on European institutions to implement the programme for sustainable growth.
ZDS through its Permanent Delegate in Brussels:
- exchanges the views, experiences, best practices, and advances the interests of the Slovene employers in the legislative process and in the preparation of documents within the European institutions;
- coordinates the preparation of international conferences in collaboration with partner employers and industrial associations from the other countries;
- is involved in the preparation of positions on proposed legislation by the European Commission;
- cooperates with the representatives of the European Parliament, experts from the European Commission and the Slovene Permanent Representation in Brussels with a view of consultation on the directives and other documents in preparation.
