Press Releases
Press Release–Focus on migrant rules welcome, but measures should go further
25 March 2013
Pro-European business group, Business for New Europe, welcomed the Prime Minister’s focus on reforming immigration rules, but said the problem of migrants claiming benefits from day one was not addressed by his plans. The Prime Minister proposed to limit Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to six months unless migrants could prove they have a genuine chance …
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Press Release - Britain’s economy could be damaged by In-Out referendum
23 January 2013
The Prime Minister has set out welcome suggestions for reform of the European Union, opening the debate on how it can be made more competitive. But, he has also introduced considerable uncertainty into the UK economy by placing a question mark over Britain’s EU membership. Roland Rudd, Chairman of BNE said, “The overall vision is good …
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Press Release - The UK can work with EU banking proposals
12 September 2012
The UK can work with today’s proposals from the European Commission for banking regulation. They include a widely trailed move to put the regulation of the Eurozone’s 6,000 banks under one roof at the European Central Bank and bolster the European Banking Authority’s mandate to safeguard the Single Market. Phillip Souta, Director of BNE, said, …
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Press Release - Europe and America should ditch Doha, focus on transatlantic trade deal
21 June 2012
Europe and America should call for an end to the failed Doha negotiations and focus, amongst other things, on an EU/US trade deal, according to a report released by Business for New Europe, a UK coalition of pro-European business leaders. The report calls for an ambitious transatlantic free trade agreement in addition to reform of …
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Press Release - MPs call to push EU-USA trade deal and strengthen WTO
24 May 2012
The EU should pursue an ambitious EU-US trade agreement whilst seeking to strengthen the World Trade Organization. That’s the call from the newly elected co-chairs of the cross party parliamentary group on the European Union, Emma Reynolds MP (Labour), Robert Buckland MP (Conservative) and Stephen Gilbert MP (Liberal Democrat). A deal with the US would …
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Press Release - Merkel and Hollande need to form left-right grand coalition to save eurozone
15 May 2012
With the prospect of a Greek exit from the euro being openly discussed, Europe needs Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande to show political leadership, by agreeing a left-right settlement on austerity and growth. Phillip Souta, Director of BNE said, “Europe is approaching a crucial phase of the eurozone crisis. Politicians are openly discussing a Greek …
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Press Release - Austerity without reform is pushing Europe to the limits
2 May 2012
The current focus on austerity is causing a severe political backlash across Europe. Without structural reforms to the eurozone and plans to stimulate the private sector, Europe’s attempts to move beyond the crisis will come to nothing, says Business for New Europe, a coalition of UK business leaders. Phillip Souta, Director of BNE said, “Nobody …
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Scottish Membership of the EU would NOT be automatic
9 March 2012
A newly independent Scotland would not be guaranteed automatic entry into the EU following a vote for independence according to a report released this morning by Business for New Europe, a UK coalition of pro-European business leaders. The report highlights the fact that accession to the European Union requires changes to its founding treaties and …
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Press Release – EU must give Greece light at the end of the tunnel
21 February 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE This morning’s agreement was essential but more needs to be done. Phillip Souta, Director of BNE, states “This morning’s deal has eliminated the prospect of an immediate Greek default and the very dangerous and unpredictable consequences that would have followed.” With estimates that Greece will not return to growth for a decade, …
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Press Release – Captains of Industry say leaving the EU would damage British business
9 February 2012
A recent Business for New Europe poll by Ipsos MORI shows that there is widespread agreement that UK withdrawal from the EU would damage British business. In the IPSOS Mori ‘Captains of Industry’ poll, 73% of board level directors from FTSE 350, top 500 industrials by turnover and top 100 financial companies by capital employed …
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Press Release – The UK should get back in the room and push reform
30 January 2012
The European Council meeting in Brussels today should see an agreement on the draft fiscal pact. The UK should get back in the room and push a reform agenda. Roland Rudd, Chairman of BNE said, “Europe needs growth and structural reform. The appointment of Mario Monti in Italy, Mariano Rajoy in Spain and Mario Draghi …
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Press Release – It is in UK’s interest for fiscal pact to be part of EU Treaty
11 January 2012
The euro+ treaty should be incorporated into the EU treaties as soon as possible. Following Monday’s meeting of European Liberal leaders in London, BNE fully supports the aim for the new euro+ treaty to eventually be incorporated into the European Union treaties. Phillip Souta, Director of BNE said, “We still need to see the final …
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Press Release - The Way Forward
14 December 2011
Business for New Europe held a meeting this morning with the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, the Business Secretary, Dr. Vince Cable, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne and senior backbench MP David Laws. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the Government was “absolutely determined” …
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EU Summit Outcome - Britain isolated, eurozone under threat
9 December 2011
It is a matter of enormous regret that we find ourselves in a minority of one following the EU summit this week. The biggest question for British strategy is, why did we need this opt out and what were we trying to protect? Common rules for the Single Market have been adopted by Qualified Majority …
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Press Release – The eurozone needs automatic sanctions
6 December 2011
The UK should support Germany in its push for automatic eurozone sanctions. At the beginning of the latest make-or-break week for the eurozone, the biggest political fault line is between France and Germany on how to enforce greater fiscal discipline in the eurozone. President Sarkozy wants ‘political control’; Chancellor Merkel wants automatic enforcement by the …
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Press Release – European Commission is right to back eurobonds
23 November 2011
BNE calls on eurozone creditor states to accept eurobonds as part of the solution to the euro crisis. The Commission today is throwing its weight behind the idea of eurobonds as part of the solution to the sovereign debt crisis in Europe. Germany opposes such measures on the grounds that they would introduce unacceptable moral …
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Press Release – EU referendum vote is a distraction
24 October 2011
The motion being debated today in the House of Commons on whether to have a referendum on UK membership of the European Union should fail for a whole host of reasons but two stand out. Phillip Souta, Director of BNE, said "a referendum on our membership of the EU would be a huge distraction at a …
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Press Release - Cut the EU budget to boost the EU’s credibility
10 October 2011
BNE calls for radical shift in EU spending to promote growth; 10% EU budget cut. As EU Ministers meet today to discuss the shape of the EU’s budget from 2014 – 2020, the argument is between those who want to increase spending or freeze it. No one has made a credible case for reductions yet, …
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Press Release – ‘Big Bang’ Solution Needed to Allow Greece to Default Within Euro
29 September 2011
BNE calls for the UK government to get behind the “big bang” solution to the eurozone crisis. Mrs. Merkel’s success today in gaining the Bundestag’s support for the recently agreed extension to the EFSF, without having to rely on opposition votes, is a sign that the eurozone might be getting ahead of the markets. …
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BNE Chairman Roland Rudd opens Westminster conference on UK’s relationship with EU
5 September 2011
This morning, Roland Rudd, chairman of Business for New Europe opened a conference organised by Bill Cash MP at Westminster on the importance of the UK taking a positive and leading role in the European Union. In order to bring about stability within the eurozone, there are growing calls that a new treaty effecting euro …
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Press Release – EU Financial Transaction Tax is a red herring
18 August 2011
BNE opposes calls for the establishment of an EU Financial Transaction Tax. On Tuesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy met in Paris to reassure global markets that steps are being taken within the eurozone following the market volatility seen in recent weeks. Business for New Europe (BNE) supports Chancellor …
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Business leaders support Brits in Brussels
3 February 2011
Business for New Europe (BNE), the coalition of pro-European business leaders, endows €14,000 BNE Scholarship for UK national to go to College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium or Natolin, Poland. BNE strongly supports the need for British representation in the institutions of the European Union. Currently, the UK makes up 12% of the EU’s population …
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74% of business Leaders Show Support for the UK’s membership of the EU
19 December 2010
Press Release Business for New Europe commissioned an Ipsos MORI poll on business leaders’ views about the possible side effects of the UK withdrawing from the EU. The results of our poll received this week showed that 74% of business leaders believe the UK’s withdrawal from the EU would be damaging compared to 22% …
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74% of business Leaders Show Support for the UK’s membership of the EU
19 December 2010
Press Release Business for New Europe commissioned an Ipsos MORI poll on business leaders’ views about the possible side effects of the UK withdrawing from the EU. The results of our poll received this week showed that 74% of business leaders believe the UK’s withdrawal from the EU would be damaging compared to 22% …
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BNE launches business manifesto on the UK and the EU
22 April 2010
Press Release Business for New Europe (BNE) has launched its business manifesto on the UK and the EU today. Fifteen business leaders, including Sir Richard Branson (Chairman, Virgin Group), Roger Carr (Chairman, Centrica), Sir Mike Rake (Chairman, BT) and Lord Kerr (Deputy Chairman, Royal Dutch Shell, and former head of the Diplomatic Service) have expressed …
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Senior business leaders to meet with Michel Barnier
26 February 2010
Business for New Europe (BNE) is holding a private meeting with Michel Barnier, European Union Commissioner for Internal Markets and Services on 2 March in London. A select group of about 20 high level business people including chairman and CEOs will meet the commissioner over lunch and hear his views on the commission's programme for …
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81% of UK business leaders want Europe to take a greater role in tackling climate change
9 December 2009
On 10 and 11 December 2009, the European Council will meet in the backdrop of the UN Climate Change summit in Copenhagen. While it is understandable that attention has been focused on the short-term economic situation, we cannot afford to ignore the longer-term and more serious challenges posed by climate change. The European Union had …
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Leaders from 20 Businesses say Yes to 20-20-20
8 July 2009
With climate change at the centre of G8 and MEF discussions in Italy from 8-10 July, business leaders have emphasised EU leadership and the opportunity offered by efforts to combat climate change. In a major new publication, “A Climate Mission for Europe”, senior business leaders from 20 companies highlight the EU’s achievements on environmental policy, …
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British Business Positive about Enlargement
1 May 2009
On the fifth anniversary of the European Union’s major accession encompassing central and eastern Europe, and at a time of great economic uncertainty, British business leaders have expressed their support for enlargement. Eight new member states, formerly Communist, from central and eastern Europe (known as the A8) joined the EU on 1st May 2004, and …
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BNE Position Statement on the G20 London Summit
30 March 2009
Supported by (in a personal capacity)Roland Rudd (Chairman, Business for New Europe)Lord Brittan of SpennithorneRoger Carr (Chairman, Centrica)Guy Dawson (Founding Partner, Tricorn Partners)Lady Judge (Deputy Chair, Friends Provident)Sir John Parker (Chairman, National Grid)Vijay Patel (CEO, Waymade Healthcare)Stuart Popham (Senior Partner, Clifford Chance)Sir Michael Rake (Chairman, BT Group)Anthony Salz (Executive Vice Chairman, Rothschild)Bryan Sanderson Peter Shore …
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BNE’s Reaction to PM Gordon Brown’s Speech to the European Parliament
24 March 2009
Following Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, BNE issued the following statement: “The EU is right slap bang in the middle of the response to the credit crunch and economic downturn. By working together as a European bloc, the EU can provide leadership at the G20. Britain must continue to work with …
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BNE unveils new research into the UK’s economic relationship with the rest of Europe
6 February 2009
As the UK’s labour links with the rest of Europe come into the spotlight as a result of the Lindsey Oil Refinery dispute, a fresh research report shows that as many as 1.6 million British people live and work in other member states of the EU. This finding is included in an extensive research report …
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Poll shows British business impressed with euro
30 December 2008
As the euro reaches its tenth anniversary and Slovakia becomes the 16th country to adopt the currency on 1st January 2009, a Yougov poll of British small business leaders shows that they are upbeat about its performance. 61% of think it is a sustainable currency in the long-term (as opposed to 19% who think it is …
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BNE responds to European Parliament vote on Working Time Directive
17 December 2008
Following the vote in the European Parliament to end the UK’s opt-out from the maximum 48-hour working week, a spokesman for Business for New Europe said: "In a global financial crisis, it is misguided for the European Parliament to vote for an arbitrary ceiling on the working week. It would make us less competitiveness just …
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British Public supports European Cooperation on Credit Crunch
14 November 2008
On the eve of the international financial summit in Washington, the British public has expressed its support for cooperation between EU member states. In total an impressive 79% of British people agreed with cooperation between EU member states on the credit crunch, with only 8% disagreeing. As result of the financial collapse within the banking …
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BNE responds to Ireland No Vote on Lisbon Treaty
13 June 2008
Following the Irish no vote on the Lisbon Treaty, Business for New Europe has issued the following statement: "Following the Irish no vote, it must now be for the governments of the EU to consider the next steps. We continue to believe that the Lisbon Treaty would be good for Britain and for British business. …
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British Business supports past and future enlargement
24 May 2008
On the day when Europe shows its lighter side through the Eurovision final, the serious side of Europe’s successful enlargement is again highlighted. New research from Business for Europe shows strong support amongst the business community for EU enlargement. Eurovision this year takes place in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, which is a potential candidate …
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Business applauds EU Migration
30 April 2008
Business for New Europe welcomes the publication of IPPR’s report “Floodgates or Turnstiles?”, examining post-EU enlargement migration to and from the UK. BNE is committed to EU enlargement, and recognises the benefits of the recent enlargement of the Union. The UK in particular has benefited from the migration following the enlargement of 2004. As well …
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The EU Budget requires reform, say business leaders
15 April 2008
Business leaders are urging the EU to seize the opportunity to reform its budget. In a report entitled “A Budget for Business: The corporate community’s recipe for a new EU funding regime”, business argues that the budget should be capped at its current level and that expenditure should be increasingly diverted to areas such as …
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Business Leaders call for pro-Europe, pro-reform approach
21 January 2008
As the Second Reading of the Reform Treaty Bill starts in Parliament, 35 business leaders have emphasised the importance of the UK’s relationship with the EU. In the open letter, the business leaders stress the importance of the UK’s economic ties with the rest of Europe, and the ongoing imperative for economic reform and strengthening …
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Court verdict highlights need for European Budget Reform
13 November 2007
Following the European Court of Auditors’ rejection of the EU’s accounts, a spokesman for Business for New Europe said: “The rejection of the EU’s accounts is again disappointing news. But amidst the obvious temptation to admonish the EU, we should bear in mind that most of the Budget is administered by Member States. Furthermore the …
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EU Reforming Treaty is a Success for Business and Britain
24 June 2007
Following the outcome of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Business for New Europe has issued the following statement: “The agreement reached is an important landmark and will enable the EU to work more effectively. Reform of the EU’s institutions, such as ending the rotating Presidency and a fairer voting system in the European Council, …
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British Business supports EU Amending Treaty
18 June 2007
A poll released today shows that British business leaders would support an amending Treaty for the EU. The results of the poll show that of 52% of large and medium business leaders support a new Treaty, with just 31% opposed. The poll (by Continental Research of more than 200 business people) shows that the top …
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UK’s contribution to the EU budget
8 June 2007
In response to Global Vision’s report suggesting that the UK’s net contribution to the EU budget is set to double, Roland Rudd, Chairman of Business for New Europe said: “The UK’s increased contribution to the budget is largely due to enlargement of the EU to 27 member states. Enlargement has been good for Britain, the …
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European Union Jack Report Published
9 May 2007
Business for New Europe has published a report on Europe Day examining the UK’s influence on the EU. It argues that many of the forces and policies which shape the modern day European Union have actually been championed by the UK. Lord Jay of Ewelme, BNE Vice-Chair said: “This report emphasises the consistently positive role …
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UK Business Leaders Celebrate EU Anniversary
25 March 2007
On the 50th anniversary of the EU, fifty major business figures have set out their visions for the future of the Union, and the UK’s relationship with it. Their views are contained in a new pamphlet, “A Europe we can do business with”, which also features a Foreword from the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon …
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EU: A necessity for the People of Europe
24 March 2007
Sir, The key to the European Union's future is not that its citizens love it but that they come to appreciate its usefulness. As your editorial "L'Europe tragique et magnifique - at 50" (March 19) states, Europe has achieved more in its 50 years than any other comparable organisation, but its publics remain sceptical about …
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Berlin Declaration for Business
23 March 2007
In advance of the Berlin Summit, Business for New Europe has published its suggested “Berlin Declaration for Business.” The BNE Declaration pays tribute to the European Union’s achievements over 50 years: “It has brought great rewards to the people of Europe. From six nations in the West it has spread a wave of freedom and …
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BNE Praises “Historic” Deal on Climate Change
9 March 2007
Following the meeting of the European Council in Brussels, BNE has welcomed the agreement on climate change. Chairman of BNE Roland Rudd said: “This deal is a crucial and historic step. It illustrates what Europe can achieve with a positive and constructive attitude. It shows the EU taking leadership on what is probably the Number …
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Single Market: Multiple Achievements
21 February 2007
Following the publication of the European Commission’s report on the single market in the 21st century, Business for New Europe has issued the following response: The single market has eliminated tariff barriers, abolished border controls and introduced mutual recognition for product standards. By doing this, it has boosted living standards, productivity and economic growth. Estimates …
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In praise of the Single Market: MORI Captains of Industry Poll
21 December 2006
On the twentieth anniversary of the Single European Act receiving royal assent in 1986, new evidence suggests that business leaders in the UK recognise the benefits of the single market. Research for the renowned MORI Captains of Industry survey shows that 78% of business leaders say that the single market has been helpful to UK …
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Business leaders say “Yes” to Europe
6 December 2006
In a major new pamphlet, business leaders from a range of different sectors claim that constructive engagement with Europe is important for a variety of reasons. Business for New Europe’s latest publication called “A Europe we can do business with” includes articles from business leaders in sectors ranging from banking, airlines and telecoms to manufacturing, …
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Services directive will make real difference to business
7 November 2006
Commenting on the passage of the services directive by the European Parliament, a spokesman for Business for New Europe said: “The directive is a significant step for economic dynamism in Europe. This historic measure will make a real difference to business. The gains from unleashing free market forces in the services sector will be immense. …
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Accession of Bulgaria and Romania
26 September 2006
In advance of reports that Bulgaria and Romania will enter the European Union on 1st January 2007, Business for New Europe has issued the following statement: "We welcome this news. The EU's enlargement since 2004 to take in the countries of eastern Europe has been an undoubted success. It has benefited not only the incoming …
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Open Letter: Letter from Romanians and Bulgarians living and working in the UK
25 September 2006
As Bulgarians and Romanians who live and work in the UK we are excited by the prospect of our countries joining the European Union in the near future. We appreciate the benefits and economic opportunities that this will bring, especially being part of the world’s largest single market. We anticipate that there will be a …
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UK’s Influence in Brussels is sprouting
18 September 2006
There has been a marked shift towards a more “Anglo-Saxon” approach in Brussels, according to a report published by Business for New Europe (BNE) today. BNE’s report “The changing character of Brussels: Charting the UK’s Influence” highlights the changes in the EU’s personnel and working culture which have served to increase the UK’s influence in …
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Open Letter: Business leaders call for open market approach towards Romania and Bulgaria
29 August 2006
If Bulgaria and Romania join the EU at the beginning of next year, the UK should continue with its open door policy. A so called pause in migration from these countries would be tantamount to a reversal of policy and could work against Britain's interest. Migration to the UK from Europe, both historically and following …
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Eastern European workers benefit the UK
22 August 2006
Referring to the issues of whether workers from Bulgaria and Romania should be permitted to work in the UK when those countries are admitted to the European Union, Business for New Europe issued the following statement: “Immigration has been a great source of wealth and creativity for the UK economy, both in the course of …
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EU must stick to Enlargement course
16 June 2006
Following the European Council meeting in Brussels, a spokesman for Business for New Europe said: “The process of enlargement has brought huge benefits to both the new and established member states. The UK economy and the business community have reaped great value from this. Despite many voices of doom at the time, the accession of the …
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BNE calls for delivery ahead of institutional reform
26 May 2006
One year since the defeat of the Constitution in France and the Netherlands, Business for New Europe issued the following statement: “A year ago the referendum on the Constitution in France was defeated. This was a significant milestone in the history of the EU, as was the defeat in the referendum in the Netherlands. Of …
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Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU
16 May 2006
Following the announcement by the European Commission about the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the EU, Business for New Europe has issued the following statement: ”We welcome the expansion of the EU to encompass Bulgaria and Romania. Just two decades ago, these countries were part of the Soviet bloc during the Cold War. Now …
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Appointment of new Europe Minister
5 May 2006
Responding to the appointment of Geoff Hoon as the new Minister for Europe, Business for New Europe issued the following statement: “The appointment of a Minister for Europe who can attend Cabinet is an important reflection of the significance of Europe to the UK. Over half the UK’s trade is with Europe, and millions of …
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Business for New Europe Launches: Poll shows strong support for economic reform
27 March 2006
Twenty years to the day since the first reading of the Single European Act in the House of Commons (on 27th March 1986), a poll of FTSE100 and FTSE250 business leaders on attitudes towards the EU shows that an overwhelming majority think that the European single market has been good for UK business. The poll …
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