European business calls for UK to remain - BusinessEurope statement

The Presidents of BusinessEurope and its member federations firmly wish to see the UK remain an active and positive member of the EU.

The economic recovery continues to make in-roads across Europe and with significant challenges still ahead, now is not the time for division but rather for concerted action together to deliver peace, security and prosperity for all.

To strengthen growth and create new jobs in Europe, we need to focus on opening new markets with the rest of the world and implement policies that remove unnecessary obstacles to international trade, as well those barriers that remain within our own single market.

The UK has played a crucial role over the past forty years in shaping the development of Europe with trade and the Single Market at its core. 

Full access to the Single Market is a large part of the UK’s attractiveness to foreign investors, yet several federations report that European businesses are postponing their investment decisions in the UK until the political situation becomes clearer. A vote to leave the EU will only heighten the uncertainty around current and future investments as some tough negotiations will then begin.

A strong UK in the EU has been of mutual benefit to all of our economies in recent years, particularly through its contribution to greater trade and investment flows. The UK brings a strong vision and common sense approach to regulation to the EU table that is highly valued and is an influential voice we would not want to see leave. 

The referendum is a decision for the British people. But as representatives of businesses from 34 countries across Europe we very much hope the UK stays part of a reformed European Union that is competitive, outward looking and delivers growth, jobs and prosperity for all.