BT4Europe, the European business travel association, has called on the European Union to reduce the bureaucratic burden associated with the A1 form for business travelers. The A1 form, which requires proof of social security contributions in another EU member state, has been a source of administrative challenges for short-term business travelers.
In a series of recommendations submitted to the EU, BT4Europe is advocating for a 14-day exemption from the A1 requirements for business activities such as meetings, trade fairs, and training events. The association argues that such an exemption would ease the administrative workload on businesses, allowing them to operate more efficiently.
Expanding the Definition of Business Travel
Additionally, BT4Europe is calling for an expanded definition of business travel to encompass a wider range of temporary professional activities. These include client meetings, internal audits, industry events, and recruitment activities. The aim is to ensure that more business-related travel is exempt from the A1 form’s cumbersome paperwork requirements.
A key recommendation is the mandatory digitization of the A1 process for trips lasting longer than 14 days. This digital transformation would help standardize the process across all EU member states, promoting greater efficiency and consistency in managing business travel.
Support for Digital Declaration System
BT4Europe also expressed support for the European Commission’s recent proposal to introduce a “digital declaration” system for Posted Workers, who work in other EU countries for extended periods. The association, however, urged that the system be made mandatory in all EU member states, rather than voluntary.
“Streamlining A1 form requirements is not just about reducing paperwork; it’s about empowering businesses to thrive in a connected Europe,” said Odete Pimenta da Silva, a founding member of BT4Europe. “Our proposed reforms will enable businesses of all sizes to operate more efficiently while supporting the EU’s broader goals of simplification and sustainability.”
Aligning with EU Goals
Patrick Diemer, chair of BT4Europe, noted that the association’s position is now aligned with that of Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU’s new Commissioner for Transport and Tourism, who is committed to achieving paperless travel by 2030.
BT4Europe’s proposal aims to address the challenges of business travel within the EU and to support the EU’s broader goals of simplifying administrative processes and fostering sustainability in the workplace.
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