EU27 businesses ready to bite Brexit bullet

EUROCHAMBRES has highlighted the damaging effect on thousands of businesses of continuing uncertainty around the terms and timing of Brexit. In the run-up to the 28-29 June Summit, the European association of Chambers of Commerce & Industry calls on EU27 leaders to reinforce the Commission’s firm but open position, and on the UK Government to provide much-needed clarity without further delay.

London calling?

Six months on from the provisional settlement on the ‘divorce bill’ and three months after the deal on many parts of the withdrawal agreement, Chambers from the EU27 are concerned by the ongoing lack of clarity. The end of June EU Summit risks being the next in a long list of Brexit milestones to pass without any major progress. Consequently, concerns are again growing among businesses about the possibility of a ‘no deal’ scenario in March 2019.

EUROCHAMBRES President Christoph Leitl, who met the EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier last week, explained: “We fully support the Commission’s firm stance on the integrity of the four freedoms of the single market. It’s critical that the UK comes forward with workable solutions on remaining aspects of the withdrawal agreement so that the transition phase can be confirmed. An orderly Brexit would be harmful for businesses in both the UK and the EU27, a disorderly Brexit would be much worse.”

Bite the Brexit bullet

Chambers across the EU27 are helping businesses to prepare for Brexit, but they need to know precisely what it is that they are preparing for in order to plan and adapt. While they still hold hope that the outcome may be less damaging than feared, they are at a point when they just want clarity regarding the implications of Brexit and are ready to bite the bullet.

President Leitl commented: “While the Irish border solution is unquestionably important, so is ensuring healthy and predictable business conditions across Europe. The trade-oriented Brexit that we have consistently called for requires clear rules and procedures. We would welcome any shift in the UK Government’s red lines towards a softer Brexit, but we cannot afford to leave our businesses in limbo any longer.”