Ten months ago, associations representing key European and international manufacturers and services industries came together to exchange information, share insights and coordinate positions on Brexit. From a small handful in March 2017, the Informal Brussels Network on Brexit has grown to over 25 organisations- an indication of the interest in and need for strong cooperation between a wide range of industries operating in Europe around this most critical of issues. Since then, the depth and variety of the expertise available in the network has been growing accordingly.
Meeting monthly, the Informal Network has provided a key platform for dialogue with various policymakers and experts involved in shaping the Brexit talks. It has welcomed speakers from various backgrounds and its members are committed to helping find solutions as the Brexit negotiations progress.
We therefore welcome both the decision by the European Council to move to the second phase of the negotiations and the European Commission’s supplementary negotiating directives which were released today. Addressing a transitional arrangement and identifying the framework for the future are critical for our businesses. The Informal Network strongly supports all who are working to achieve a smooth post-Brexit transition and a successful future relationship, and is ready to offer input to the UK and EU negotiating teams over the coming months.
Our doors are open.
Signed by the following members of the Informal Brussels Network on Brexit: European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), AMDEA, British Chamber of Commerce | Belgium & EU, European Committee of Domestic Equipment Manufacturers (CECED), DIGITALEUROPE, European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA), European Small Business Alliance (ESBA), Freight Transport Association (FTA), Japan Business Council in Europe (JBCE), Trans-Atlantic Business Council (TABC), the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UEAPME) and UK Transport in Europe (UKTIE).