Association of European Business in the Russian Federation

The Association of European Businesses in the Russian Federation (AEB) is a non-profit organisation that serves as the representative body for European businesses operating in Russia. Established in 1995, the AEB has emerged as a leading business organisation in the country, boasting a strong engagement with both the local authorities, and the EU Delegation.

With three offices located in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Krasnodar, the AEB provides effective support and services to its members throughout Russia.

The AEB represents over 500 member companies from diverse sectors, including automotive, energy, retail, and finance. Its primary mission is to promote trade and investment between Europe and Russia, offering a platform for networking, business development, and advocating for regulatory changes and improved market access for European businesses.

To achieve its goals, the AEB offers a wide range of services and resources to its members. These include advocacy and other GR services, information support (various newsletters and publications), topical and networking events, as well as b2b services (matchmaking). By working closely with Russian authorities and other stakeholders, the AEB aims to create a favorable business environment for European companies.

In summary, the Association of European Businesses in the Russian Federation plays a critical role in the economic relations between Europe and Russia. Through engagement with local authorities, the EU Delegation, EU authorities in Brussels, as well as through the provision of services and resources, the AEB supports the European businesses in the country, and contributes to keeping the channels of communication open.

Publications

The AEB excels in magazine style publications (Link). The following types of publications can be found:

Annual Position Paper: General economic coverage, released in Q1 The most recent presents more than 15 articles analysing issues like parallel imports, suggestions for improving the law on external administration, intellectual property of foreign rightsholders, state regulations of trading margins, etc. (Link)
Business Quarterly: A high quality review of the national business landscape. The most recent issue presented articles covering topics like remote work, staff redundancy, the pension market, registration of entities abroad, trends in wages, etc.
Real Estate Monitor: A detailed magazine. The publication rate has been recently disrupted. The last issue offers information about a market overview of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and some hot topics, like new legislation amendments, warehouse subleasing, etc. (Link)
How to invest in Russia: An annual extensive magazine. The publication rate has been recently disrupted. The last issue offers information about strategic initiatives, localisation and investments, covid-19's impact, regional development, and the green agenda. (Link)
Annual report: They provide an overview of the AEB's activities, accomplishments, and challenges throughout the year. (Link)
Other publications, such as guides for the HR sector, customs, energy, etc. (Link)
News
Crisis Update: The European Union, United States of America, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, and Australia have imposed a broad range of sanctions and export controls against Russia, and Russia, in its turn, imposed a number of retaliatory measures. These new sanctions are complex, multilateral and continue to be incrementally changing in real time.

The AEB keeps monitoring the situation closely and delivers analysis with the most up-to-date information. (Link)

Services

Bilateral chamber services (business match making, business delegations, etc.) are included. The AEB offers Migration Support for members.

Events

Other Services:

AEB members benefit from a complimentary one-stop-shop service for obtaining work permits and visas to Russia. They enjoy discounts on partner events, goods, and services within the AEB loyalty program. Furthermore, the AEB offers a modern conference center equipped with cutting-edge technology, available for rent to host events.

Overall, the AEB provides comprehensive support to its members, encompassing government relations, access to business information, marketing opportunities, networking events, and additional services. These offerings contribute to the growth and success of members' businesses in Russia.

Membership Benefits

Membership Benefits (Link):

Government Relations: The AEB offers robust support in government relations (GR) by collaborating with Russian, European, and Eurasian authorities to address business issues. They facilitate effective interaction with lawmakers and provide opportunities to participate in AEB committees and working groups, including the AEB South regional and AEB North-Western regional committees. AEB members have the ability to engage with over 60 Committees & Working Groups focused on resolving pressing industrial and cross-sectoral issues.
Access to Business Information: AEB members gain access to essential business information through regular mailings and market updates covering news, business, economic, and legislative issues. They also benefit from open meetings, economic and regulatory briefings, conferences, and webinars. Additionally, the AEB provides an early warning system regarding Russian, EU, US and EAEU legislation and sanctions.
Marketing Opportunities: Members can leverage marketing opportunities through new member introductions in AEB Weekly communications and the Business Quarterly publication. The AEB website showcases member companies' news, and sponsorship opportunities are available for conferences, open meetings, receptions, and other events. Members also have the chance to gain exposure through expert information in AEB publications and during the organisation's more than 200 events and meetings.
Networking: AEB members have access to the AEB online membership directory, which includes contact information for all member companies. The organisation hosts respectful social and networking events specifically designed for member companies. Additionally, business breakfasts are organised to welcome new members and provide networking opportunities for AEB CEOs.

Advocacy

80 + Committees (certain Committees contain additional Sub-Committees and Working Groups)

The AEB has established a diverse range of committees, reflecting the organisation's comprehensive engagement across various sectors and industries. For further details, please visit the [AEB's committees] (https://aebrus.ru/en/about/committees/) page.

Cross-Sectoral Committees (14):

Compliance & Ethics Committee
Customs and Transport Committee
Finance and Investments Committee
Green Initiative
Human Resources Committee
Intellectual Property Committee
Legal Committee
Migration Committee
Product Conformity Assessment Committee
Public Relations & Communications Committee
Real Estate Committee
Safety, Health, Environment, and Security (SHES)
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Taxation Committee

Industrial Committees (19):

Agribusiness
Airline Committee
Automobile Manufacturers Committee (AMC)
Automotive Supplier Committee
Banking Committee
Commercial Vehicles Committee
Construction Equipment Committee
Construction Industry and Building Material Suppliers Committee
Crop Protection Committee
Energy Committee
Food Processing Committee
Health and Pharmaceuticals Committee
Home Appliances Manufacturers Committee
Hotels and Tourism Committee
Insurance and Pensions Committee
IT and Telecom Committee
Machine Building & Engineering Committee
Retail Trade Committee
Seed Committee

Working Groups (9):

Coatings Industry Working Group
Heating Systems Manufacturers Working Group
Non-food FMCG Working Group
Tobacco Products Working Group
WG on the Regulation of Chemical Products
Working Group on Labelling and Track & Trace System
Working Group on Modernisation and Innovation
Working Group on Parallel Imports
Working Group on Waste Management

Regional Subcommittees (2):

North-Western Regional Committee (St. Petersburg)
Southern Regional Committee (Krasnodar)

Overall, the AEB's committees, working groups, and regional subcommittees play a crucial role in addressing industry-specific challenges, advocating for regulatory improvements, and promoting collaboration and networking among members within the respective sectors and regions.