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[EBOWN] Concluded Its Annual General Meeting in Brussels, June 2–6
The European Business Worldwide Organisation Network(EBOWN) is holding its annual general meeting (AGM) in Brussels, June 2 to June 6th. Over 50 European Business Organisation (EBOs), representing European businesses in third markets are present to discuss the key and common issues affecting their European companies abroad.
Through a mixture of both internal and external meetings with European institutions, EBO members are discussing topics including the EU’s competitive compass, Global Gateway, EU Business Forums, critical raw materials, the EU’s multilateral financial framework, the carbon border adjustment mechanism, trade tariffs and other trade and investment policies. After the first two days of meetings, EBO members developed a much stronger appreciation for the current Commission’s pro-business mandate. EBOWN Vice Chair Nele Cornelis noted that the message of ”competitive, competitive, and competitive” has been heard and well received. The black swan events of Covid, trade wars, and war in Ukraine has really forced the EU to look at its own economic resilience and EBOs have been told they are able to help support this end.
The EBOWN has been calling out for a more practical and accessible business environment in Europe and abroad. Last year, it released its Position Paper on the Corporate Due Diligence Directive in which expressed strong concern that the initiative would undermine European business competitiveness abroad. “One year later, it comes as a major relief that Omnibus Package has set out to simplify many of the unclear and impractical aspects of the original directive”, said EBOWN Vice-Chair and Secretary General of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, Adam Dunnett. The EBOWN sees itself as a key member of Team Europe. The EU has made significant progress in signing free trade agreements with many countries around the world, and the EBOs in third markets have provided crucial on the ground information to bring the most value to these agreements thus strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. The EU-Australia FTA is one of the next FTAs that is close to being finalised, said EBOWN Chair Jason Collins, and CEO of EBO Australia, and who has been personally involved in supporting the negotiations.
Global Gateway is also a welcomed initiative by EBO members. Several EBOs have played an important role in several flagship initiatives and have shared their experiences with other EBOs. However, the vast majority of EBOs still have little to no understanding of Global Gateway. The opportunity to be in Brussel this week has helped them to make connections, ask questions, provide recommendations, and demonstrate their support. The EBOWN is currently working a new Position Paper that examines Global Gateway and the usage of EU Business Forums in Africa. The initial results shared during the week show that EBOs welcome the EU’s initiative to organise EU Forums in third markets. They are seen as a good opportunity to promote European companies, strengthen and create business opportunities. However, EBOs are also sharing with European Commission officials how these events can be better leveraged and organised by engaging earlier with the local business community and ensuring adequate financial support.
Last month, the EBOs also responded to the EU’s call for comments on the multiannual financial framework. Over 30 EBOs submitted comments, representing over 3 % of the total comments. The number one recommendation was a request that that all EU tenders for work carried out in third markets include criteria for working with in-market European Business Organisations thus ensuring that EU economic interests are captured.
We are also pleased to share the 2025 EBOWN Annual Report, which highlights the network’s key achievements and growing role as a trusted partner to the European Commission, EU Delegations, and the wider international business community. The report showcases EBOWN’s expanding global footprint, strengthened coordination among members, and active contribution to trade and investment dialogues. As we look ahead, the report also outlines priorities for 2025 and reaffirms the importance of close collaboration across the network.
[EBOWN] Concluded Its Annual General Meeting in Brussels, June 2–6
The European Business Worldwide Organisation Network(EBOWN) is holding its annual general meeting (AGM) in Brussels, June 2 to June 6th. Over 50 European Business Organisation (EBOs), representing European businesses in third markets are present to discuss the key and common issues affecting their European companies abroad.
Through a mixture of both internal and external meetings with European institutions, EBO members are discussing topics including the EU’s competitive compass, Global Gateway, EU Business Forums, critical raw materials, the EU’s multilateral financial framework, the carbon border adjustment mechanism, trade tariffs and other trade and investment policies. After the first two days of meetings, EBO members developed a much stronger appreciation for the current Commission’s pro-business mandate. EBOWN Vice Chair Nele Cornelis noted that the message of ”competitive, competitive, and competitive” has been heard and well received. The black swan events of Covid, trade wars, and war in Ukraine has really forced the EU to look at its own economic resilience and EBOs have been told they are able to help support this end.
The EBOWN has been calling out for a more practical and accessible business environment in Europe and abroad. Last year, it released its Position Paper on the Corporate Due Diligence Directive in which expressed strong concern that the initiative would undermine European business competitiveness abroad. “One year later, it comes as a major relief that Omnibus Package has set out to simplify many of the unclear and impractical aspects of the original directive”, said EBOWN Vice-Chair and Secretary General of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, Adam Dunnett. The EBOWN sees itself as a key member of Team Europe. The EU has made significant progress in signing free trade agreements with many countries around the world, and the EBOs in third markets have provided crucial on the ground information to bring the most value to these agreements thus strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. The EU-Australia FTA is one of the next FTAs that is close to being finalised, said EBOWN Chair Jason Collins, and CEO of EBO Australia, and who has been personally involved in supporting the negotiations.
Global Gateway is also a welcomed initiative by EBO members. Several EBOs have played an important role in several flagship initiatives and have shared their experiences with other EBOs. However, the vast majority of EBOs still have little to no understanding of Global Gateway. The opportunity to be in Brussel this week has helped them to make connections, ask questions, provide recommendations, and demonstrate their support. The EBOWN is currently working a new Position Paper that examines Global Gateway and the usage of EU Business Forums in Africa. The initial results shared during the week show that EBOs welcome the EU’s initiative to organise EU Forums in third markets. They are seen as a good opportunity to promote European companies, strengthen and create business opportunities. However, EBOs are also sharing with European Commission officials how these events can be better leveraged and organised by engaging earlier with the local business community and ensuring adequate financial support.
Last month, the EBOs also responded to the EU’s call for comments on the multiannual financial framework. Over 30 EBOs submitted comments, representing over 3 % of the total comments. The number one recommendation was a request that that all EU tenders for work carried out in third markets include criteria for working with in-market European Business Organisations thus ensuring that EU economic interests are captured.
We are also pleased to share the 2025 EBOWN Annual Report, which highlights the network’s key achievements and growing role as a trusted partner to the European Commission, EU Delegations, and the wider international business community. The report showcases EBOWN’s expanding global footprint, strengthened coordination among members, and active contribution to trade and investment dialogues. As we look ahead, the report also outlines priorities for 2025 and reaffirms the importance of close collaboration across the network.
Please find more details in full version of 2025 EBOWN Annual Report as of 5 JUN 2025