Publicat pe 01/02/2019

EUROCHAMBRES President Christoph Leitl today signed a memorandum of understanding with European Parliament President, Antonio Tajani. The partnership will help to generate momentum and citizen involvement in the run-up to the European elections via the network of over 800 Chambers of Commerce & Industry across the EU.

In his statement at the launch, President Leitl explained why EUROCHAMBRES was entering into such an agreement with the European Parliament for the first time: “We live in politically unpredictable times and we’ve taken this historical decision for our association because the 2019 elections will be historically important. Chambers are economic, not political actors, but our network wants to do everything it can to ensure that citizens go to vote in May with a clear understanding of the importance of the EU and of electing engaged, informed and committed MEPs for the next 5 years.”

EUROCHAMBRES and the Chamber network will also work with the European Parliament and candidates in the elections to highlight and discuss some of the key issues for businesses. “The next European Parliament must be committed to an ambitious competitiveness agenda. Politicians don’t create jobs and growth, entrepreneurs do, but they require favourable conditions. Big issues like skills shortages, climate change, the circular economy, completion of the single market and the global trade agenda must be addressed effectively at EU level.”

EUROCHAMBRES considers that Europe needs to move forward together, not go backward separately. President Leitl explained: “Brexit has hung over the EU like a dark cloud for too long. We cannot allow it to distract us from building a positive future for the EU. The 2019-24 MEPs certainly won’t always agree on the best way forward, but they must agree that the way for the EU is forward, not backward!”