EBO Worldwide Network Meeting 2025

From 2 to 6 June 2025, Brussels became the global hub of European business diplomacy as the European Business Organisation Worldwide Network (EBOWN) held its 2025 Annual Conference. Bringing together over 50 delegates across the globe, the conference served as a powerful platform for dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration among European Business Organisations (EBOs), EU institutions, and international stakeholders.

Established in 2011 by 13 founding members, the EBOWN now comprises 59 EBOs representing European businesses in non-EU markets across the globe. With a shared mission to strengthen cooperation among EBOs and to advocate for European business interests abroad, the network works closely with EU Delegations and institutions, delivering vital insight and on-the-ground expertise to shape EU external trade and competitiveness strategies. The 2025 conference welcomed new EBO members from India, Bangladesh, Belarus, Saudi Arabia, Liberia, Kenya, Venezuela, and Guyana—reflecting the network’s continuing geographic expansion and growing inclusivity.

The programme, hosted primarily by the European Commission’s DG GROW, featured strategic engagements with senior officials from DG TRADE, DG INTPA, DG ENER, DG ENEST, and the Secretariat-General. Delegates held in-depth discussions on key EU initiatives including the Competitive Compass, the Global Gateway strategy, clean trade, critical raw materials, EU Business Forums, and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D). High-level meetings with representatives from the Cabinets of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Jozef Síkela underscored the European Commission’s openness to deeper dialogue and coordination with the EBOWN.Further strengthening this institutional engagement, EBOWN held dedicated exchanges with key external partners including BusinessEurope, Eurochambres, Trade Promotion Europe, and the International Trade Centre. These meetings focused on trade facilitation, SME support, market access, and building stronger linkages between Brussels-based policy development and third-market realities.
In parallel, peer-led workshops offered a space to share operational knowledge on engaging with EU institutions, implementing Global Gateway initiatives, and leveraging tools such as the IP SME Helpdesk. Regional coordination meetings allowed EBOs to consolidate joint feedback for the European Commission and build consensus on common priorities.The conference culminated with the Annual General Assembly, during which members approved the 2024–2025 Annual Report and Financial Statements, adopted constitutional updates, and elected the new EBOWN Board for 2025–2026. In the closing session, DG GROW Director Outi Slotboom reaffirmed the EU’s support for EBOWN as a strategic partner in boosting the global competitiveness of European business.As global trade dynamics evolve, EBOWN remains committed to amplifying the voice of European business across regions. The 2025 Annual Conference reaffirmed the network’s growing recognition by EU institutions and strengthened its mandate to serve as a collaborative, informed, and trusted platform in advancing European trade, investment, and sustainable development worldwide.