The CBI and business groups from across Europe,
representing millions of employees, met with UK Prime Minister
on Monday (13
November).
They discussed the importance of positive progress in the
UK-EU negotiations; the need for urgent agreement on a ‘status
quo’ transition; and beginning discussions on a future economic
relationship that draws on existing close economic ties.
Emma Marcegaglia, President of BusinessEurope,
leading an important delegation of European Business leaders in a
meeting with PM , said:
“Businesses from across Europe welcomed the opportunity to
meet with , the UK Prime Minister, to
emphasise the mutual importance of making urgent progress in the
EU-UK talks.
“Business is extremely concerned with the slow pace of
negotiations and the lack of progress only one month before the
decisive December European Council. Business aims to avoid a
cliff edge and therefore asks for a “status quo – like”
transitional arrangement with the UK staying in the customs union
and the single market as this will best provide citizens and
businesses with greater certainty.
“In order to achieve this goal, we urge the UK Government
to make good on its Florence commitments by providing concrete
proposals on the three issues critical for talks to move to the
next phase including citizens’ rights, the situation of Ireland
and the financial settlement. Equally, the EU should look
constructively on these proposals once received.
“Gaining momentum as we head into the New Year will provide
companies with the confidence they need to continue contributing
to prosperity right across Europe in these uncertain
times.”
Commenting after the meeting, Carolyn Fairbairn,
CBI Director-General, said:
“With UK-EU trade worth more than 600 billion euros each
year, business groups from across Europe used today’s meeting
with the Prime Minister as a welcome opportunity to highlight the
mutual importance of seeing real progress before Christmas. All
business organisations present reiterated the damage a ‘no-deal’
scenario would do to trade.
“A transition period reflecting the current arrangements
remains the priority on both sides of the Channel. While
businesses welcomed the Prime Minister’s Florence speech, we now
need to move beyond warm words if jobs, investment and living
standards are to be protected.
“Moving to the next phase will enable discussions to gather
momentum, so negotiators can focus on the future economic
relationship. It’s in everyone’s interests that a good, unique
final deal reflects the strength and depth of our existing
relationship and integration. This will help promote prosperity
and better living standards right across Europe for generations
to come.”
Notes to Editors:
BusinessEurope is the leading advocate for growth and
competitiveness at European level, standing up for companies
across the continent and campaigning on the issues that most
influence their performance. A recognised social partner, we
speak for all-sized enterprises in 34 European countries whose
national business federations are our direct members.
