Brussels, 3 June 2025
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.
Background
Founded in 2011 with only 13 members, the EBO Worldwide Network stands as the only organisation that represents European business interests in markets outside the European Union. Today, it has 59 markets outside the EU located across the globe in over 53 countries serving European multinationals, as well as micro, small, medium and large companies.
European chambers of commerce and European business associations within the EBO Worldwide Network work daily with European Union delegations around the world with the shared interest of supporting European companies.
Mission: To provide a platform for European Business Organisations at global and regional levels to share best practices; and to advocate for European Business in third markets.
Vision: To provide a platform for European Business Organisations at global and regional levels to share best practices.
For more information, please contact: Gigi De Leon gigi.deleon@eccp.com.
