During his first meetings in Brussels on 6-7 July as the new President of BusinessEurope, Fredrik Persson met correspondents of key European media and celebrated the start of his mandate with his two predecessors, Emma Marcegaglia and Pierre Gattaz, BusinessEurope's member federations and the enterprises of its Advisory and Support Group, key interlocutors in the EU institutions, social partners, and sister European business organisations. European Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, who joined the celebration as keynote speaker, underlined the importance of trade agreements. Persson highlighted his passion for a strong Europe, and the internal market, which is the gem of the European Union. "We live in the most troubled times in recent years but I'm an optimist and for entrepreneurs, the glass is always half full. Competitive companies are the basis for peace, prosperity, a resilient and sustainable Europe and a strong economy that provides jobs and welfare", he said. By leveraging the knowledge and innovative power that exists within European companies, and engaging in a constructive dialogue with the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council, BusinessEurope helps to build a better Europe where all companies and all citizens can show their talent and bring their contribution to society. Watch President Persson's message