The challenges and opportunities of her industry catering They were at the heart of the event organized by the New Democracy MEP, Dimitris Tsiodrasin Brussels in collaboration with the Confederation of Hotels and Restaurants in Europe (Hotrec).
Given the importance of the sector for the Greek and European economy and society, the aim of the event was to Raise the opportunities and challenges facing catering businesses and the promotion of dialogue Among the European bodies and responsible bodies to create a stable institutional framework for the benefit of the industry.
The event was opened by Dimitris Tsiodras and Alexander VassilikosPresident of Hotrec and the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (FEE), while Greek MEPs George Autia, Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Belleris, Manolis Kefalogiannis, PASOK MEP Sakis Arna Michalis Hadjipantela, ND MP Thesprotia Vassilis Yogiakas and representatives from the permanent delegation of Greece in the EU.
THE MEP And a spokesman for the New Democracy Eurogroup stressed that the focus is not just ‘eDrinks serving food but part of culture and European lifestyleยป.
He referred extensively to the particular characteristics of the industry, which is primarily consisting of small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs), noting that access to funding is vital to the sustainability of some of them.
In addition, it emphasized the need to provide targeted EU support, enhancing financial tools, simplifying SMEs’ access to bureaucracy, reducing staff shortages and ensuring transparency in terms of cooperation with digital platforms.
In his speech, Alexander Vassilikos emphasized the need to find solutions to the issues facing the industry, such as the consequences of inflation, the cost of energy and raw materials, the deficiencies in human resources and the impact of the decline in consumer demand for business profitability.
A dialogue was followed by representatives of members of the Confederation from Belgium, Ireland and Italy, who highlighted problems faced by small, family businesses in the industry in their daily lives.