Chamber delegation in Brussels
MEMBERS of Wexford Chamber were among a delegation from the Irish Chamber of Commerce Network who met with key officials from across the European Commission to discuss matters of importance to the Irish business community.
The objective of the trip was to highlight the need for the European Commission to proactively engage with the business community, particularly SMEs, on issues like trade, innovation, skills and regulation.
‘Following on from the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, it is now more important than ever for the voice of Irish business to be heard in Brussels. While we are steadfast in our belief that Ireland’s economic future can only be secured if it remains at the heart of a strong Europe, we also believe that the EU must evolve and adapt in these changing times. The voice of business must be listened to,’said Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot during the meeting.
‘ The Chamber Network briefed various European decision makers on the key concerns of Irish business. Even with the highest rates of growth in the EU, we are a small open economy and we are considerably exposed to external forces and the uncertainty stemming from Brexit. We must ensure that the European Commission continues to support growth, job creation and innovation.’
The visit to Brussels comes in advance of the ‘European Parliament of Enterprises’, organised by Eurochambres in cooperation with the European Parliament. This will see more than 800 entrepreneurs from 45 European countries and from all business sizes and sectors gather in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels to act as MEPs for one day. As part of the experience, they will examin, debate and vote on crucial business related policy issues.