Today the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force. This is a milestone for EU-Japan relations and the business community, workers and consumers on both sides. Trade in goods and services between Japan and the European Union amounts to over 150 billion euros a year, and exports between the two regions are projected to increase by 34% for the EU and 29% for Japan when all tariffs are phased out and the agreement is fully implemented. This agreement, BusinessEurope President Pierre Gattaz said, is the perfect example that building bridges is better than raising walls. At a time when protectionism is on the rise, the EU and Japan show the world that they remain open to modern and rules-based trade. Read more or watch message by Director General Markus J. Beyrer (31 January 2019)

- Business Ambition 2030 – A Europe with opportunities for all -

Today in Rome, Europe’s umbrella organisation for employers and industry, BusinessEurope and its Italian member federation Confindustria presented the European business community’s “Ambition for 2030 – A Europe with opportunities for all”. This is the first of a series of activities that BusinessEurope is taking ahead of the European elections in May 2019. The Ambition recalls the great achievements of the EU, looks at the serious challenges we currently face and explains how European business is committed to transforming them into opportunities for European citizens. Business stands ready to play its role in defending our European way of life. At the press conference in Rome BusinessEurope President Pierre Gattaz said: “The European project brought us 70 years of peace and prosperity. This is a great achievement but it isn’t sufficient anymore for today’s challenges”. Read more

European business is extremely disturbed by yesterday’s developments in the UK. The withdrawal agreement that includes a transition period is the only available option to avoid major disruption for citizens and businesses. It provides a stable framework to allow time for citizens and companies to properly prepare for the UK exit and the future relation. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said: “Yesterday’s vote has unfortunately significantly increased the risk of no-deal. No-deal is absolutely unacceptable for the European business community. It will create chaos and disarray and must be avoided. Therefore, we urge the UK to come up with a credible plan of action. Both sides need to do their utmost to find the best solutions and timeline that give the necessary assurances to citizens and companies.” Read more