BusinessEurope: Finland to Advance Single Market and Trade Relations during EU Presidency
Leaders of BusinessEurope and its member organizations assembled in Helsinki this week. The agenda included EU priorities for the next 5 years, Finland’s EU Presidency, economic outlook, Brexit and China.
At the summit hosted by the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), BusinessEurope outlined its expectations for the Finnish EU Presidency.
The timing of Finland’s EU presidency is historic. Starting July 1st, Finland is in the key position to help lay the groundwork to bring the European Union forward, BusinessEurope reminded.
BusinessEurope suggests that Finland work for a stronger EU:
- Defend rules-based international trade
- Put the Single Market back at the centre of the EU agenda
- Support strategic industrial policy
- Promote innovation
- Embrace digital transition
- Invest in skills
The European business community discussed the preliminary information on Finland’s priorities of the upcoming Presidency: promoting sustainable growth, education and climate actions will benefit the entire union. Finns are known for their pragmatic and constructive working mode, which will be a valuable asset during the EU Presidency.
The European business community shares a common economic analysis. The outlook is deteriorating. EU fragmentation is undermining Europe’s global position. The EU needs to find a smart strategy on how to respond to the competition with the United States and China. Their trade tensions affect the European business on a daily basis.
European companies have strong confidence in the EU. The business community in all member states is working for the EU to continue to be one of the best places in the world to live, work and do business, and to promote European values worldwide.
During their Helsinki conference the BusinessEurope delegation met with President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö, Prime Minister Antti Rinne and Minister for Development and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari.
Photos: Aleksi Mustonen
