Before matters begin in unfamiliar surroundings, it commences with a touch of solemnity. "Ladies and gentlemen," says moderator Ben Butters, "please rise for the European anthem." Schiller's Ode to Joy resonates from the speakers, and about 700 women and men stand up in the plenary hall of the European Parliament. As the music fades, they applaud briefly.

The unusual aspect is: It's not elected representatives populating the august halls of European democracy on this day. It's business leaders and company executives in business attire or suits and ties. They represent not the interests of the people but primarily their own and those of their employees and business partners.

This is precisely what makes the role reversal so intriguing. Businesspeople from across Europe (not just the 27 member states of the European Union) let top politicians and officials know what's on their minds. That is the purpose of the "European Parliament of Entrepreneurs." For the first time since 2018, Eurochambres, the umbrella organization of Europe's chambers of industry and commerce, had convened in Brussels.

This format has never been more valuable than in these turbulent times. The fact that the pandemic-delayed sixth edition comes after a five-year hiatus is evident from a glance at the plenary: Only a few seats remain empty. Even in regular political operations, such attendance is rare.

Vladimír Dlouhý skillfully sets the tone for the debate. The President of Eurochambres delivers his opening speech in the style of a statesman, which is no surprise: Dlouhý served in the 1990s as the Minister of Economy, Industry, and Trade in his home country, the Czech Republic. He repeatedly turns to Valdis Dombrovskis, addressing the Vice President of the European Commission directly. His motto: From the struggle for survival back to the path of success.

Dlouhý vigorously advocates for the concerns of the many small and medium-sized enterprises in the plenary. They feel increasingly overwhelmed. He urgently admonishes the European Commission to find a "balance" in prestigious projects such as climate protection and the industrial project Green Deal. Dlouhý himself also adheres to such balance in his speech: he does not shy away from criticizing the "age of excessive bureaucracy." However, he also hints at an understanding of the difficult world and economic situation the European Commission is confronted with.

Then, the assembled entrepreneurs have their turn. Dozens speak about matters close to their hearts, such as competitiveness, skilled worker shortages, and trade relationships. And as befits parliamentarians, they occasionally proceed to vote. The consensus among the entrepreneurs leaves little doubt that the workload for the next European Commission is unlikely to diminish:

Should the EU focus on investments in energy infrastructure and networks to develop the internal energy market more quickly? 98% press the green yes button at their voting consoles.

Is it harder for them today than five years ago to find suitable skilled workers? 88% yes.

Does the Green Deal make competition on the world market more challenging? 83% yes.

Finally, Bernd Lange takes a seat at the front of the podium, the chairman of the trade committee in the Parliament. For the SPD politician it must feel like an away game on his own turf since he usually sits in the plenary himself. Lange has to listen to reproaches, criticism, and advice; a young entrepreneur from Schweinfurt wishes for more trust. But here and there, Lange also receives commendations. When someone praises the EU's punitive tariffs on dumping imports from China, some even applaud again.