BT4Europe calls for A1 form exemption for business travellers

European business travel association network BT4Europe has submitted a series of recommendations to the EU aimed at reducing the “bureaucratic challenges” of the A1 form for business travellers.

The EU’s A1 form, which was introduced in 2010, requires travellers to provide proof of payment of social security in another member state and this currently includes short-term business travellers crossing between countries.

BT4Europe wants a 14-day exemption from the A1 requirements to be introduced for activities such as business meetings, trade fairs and training events to reduce the administrative burden on organisations.

The association is also calling for an expanded definition of business travel to include more temporary professional activities, such as client meetings, internal audits, industry events, and recruitment efforts.

A further recommendation is for mandatory digitisation of the A1 form process for trips of more than 14 days, which would ensure “harmonisation” across all EU members.

“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.”

Last month, BT4Europe welcomed a European Commission proposal to create a “digital declaration” system for Posted Workers, who spend longer periods working in other EU countries, but also urged that the initiative be made compulsory rather than voluntary in all member states.

Patrick Diemer, chair of BT4Europe, added: “We are pleased that the BT4Europe’s position now aligns with that of the new commissioner for transport and tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who is committed to delivering paperless travel by 2030.”