European Business Abroad: A Stronger Voice for EU Competitiveness
As the European Union advances its competitiveness agenda and seeks to strengthen its position in an increasingly complex global economy, the contribution of European businesses operating internationally has become increasingly important. European Business Organisations play a unique role in this ecosystem, serving as trusted partners of EU institutions, supporting European companies abroad, and providing valuable market intelligence from key partner markets around the world.Against this backdrop, the EBO Worldwide Network convened its Annual Meeting 2026 in Brussels from 1 to 5 June, bringing together representatives of European Business Organisations from more than 50 countries across Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, ASEAN, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eastern Partnership, and South Asia and the Middle East.
Held under the theme “How Can EBOs Help Drive European Competitiveness?”, the meeting provided an important platform for dialogue between European business communities worldwide and key European stakeholders. It also served as an opportunity for members to align priorities, exchange experiences, and strengthen the network’s collective contribution to the European Union’s trade, investment, industrial, and economic objectives.
Throughout the week, EBOs engaged with representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, BusinessEurope, and Eurochambres, reflecting the growing recognition of EBOs as strategic partners in advancing the EU’s external economic agenda. The programme included exchanges with senior officials from DG GROW, DG TRADE, DG INTPA and DG ENER, alongside discussions with Members of the European Parliament and leading European business associations.
Key discussions focused on European competitiveness, trade and investment policy, industrial strategy, regulatory simplification, supply chain resilience, energy security, sustainability, and the implementation of flagship EU initiatives such as the Global Gateway strategy. These exchanges enabled EBO representatives to share practical perspectives from international markets and contribute business-driven insights to ongoing policy discussions in Brussels.
A central message emerging from the meeting was the increasingly important role of EBOs as a bridge between European institutions and European businesses operating globally. Through their daily engagement with companies on the ground, EBOs provide real-time market intelligence, identify emerging challenges and opportunities, facilitate structured public-private dialogue, and support the effective implementation of EU policies in partner markets.
The Annual Meeting also highlighted the growing reach and relevance of the EBO Worldwide Network. Today, EBOWN connects a diverse community of European Business Organisations across six global regions, collectively representing thousands of European companies operating outside the European Union. Through this global footprint, the network provides a unique platform for cooperation, knowledge-sharing, advocacy and engagement with EU institutions.
Regional meetings held throughout the week further reinforced the value of cooperation across markets. Members exchanged updates on economic developments, regulatory trends, advocacy priorities, and emerging business opportunities, while identifying areas for greater collaboration and collective action.
The meeting concluded with the EBOWN General Assembly, during which members reviewed the organisation’s progress, adopted key governance decisions, and elected the Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term. The Assembly reaffirmed the network’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, accountability, and member-driven leadership.
Looking ahead, EBOWN will continue to deepen its engagement with EU institutions, strengthen collaboration among its members, and champion the collective voice of European business worldwide in support of a more competitive, resilient and outward-looking Europe.
