CBI calls for stronger links with the EU

A leading Lobbying group of the leading British companies calls for a major resetting of relations with the European Union, urging the two parties to “build bridges” and to go beyond the divisions of Brexit.

In a report published before an EU-UK summit which should take place on May 19 in London, it calls “practical measures” to facilitate travel, reduce administrative formalities and take joint energy, climate and defense measures.

The CBI says that the current configuration is “no longer adapted to the objective” in a world of increasing geopolitical threats and economic uncertainty.

The EU is the largest trading partner in the United Kingdom and the government has expressed its desire to reset relations with the block in the form of a new post-Brexit agreement.

The government said that it would “act in the national interest in obtaining the best results for the United Kingdom” in discussions with the EU, but added “that no final agreement has been concluded”, and that it would not give “a current comment”.

The CBI asks the two parties to allow staff to work more easily through borders, to restore recognition of professional qualifications and to reintroduce young mobility programs so that young people can live and work in both regions.

Government’s objectives include a wider defense agreement and negotiation of the commercial relationship between the United Kingdom and the Bloc.

A security pact could pave the way for greater involvement in the United Kingdom in defense supply projects on the EU level, as well as access to a loan program for British defense companies.

One of the main requests of the EU is that a mobility program for young people, which would allow young people to study and work more easily in the United Kingdom and Vice Versa, for a period limited in time.

The United Kingdom previously said that he had “no plans” for such a program, but his opposition to the idea has softened in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, the Minister of European Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds told Financial Times The United Kingdom would consider “the proposals of the EU supposed in this space”.

The CBI claims that young mobility regimes would open a larger talent pool in companies in the United Kingdom, as well as to offer British citizens the opportunity for a wider market of employers.

The proposals reflect opinions of more than 400 British companies and are aligned with business priorities, the EU business lobby group.

Airbus, which employs thousands of people in the United Kingdom, said the call. “We are counting on a fluid flow of people, pieces and ideas through borders,” said society. “A stronger UE-UK partnership is good for business and good for Europe.”

The Energy UK industry group said that “climate and energy cooperation is the low fruit of our relationship with the EU”.

The report also highlighted the concerns in Northern Ireland, where new commercial rules and carbon taxes, they said, could cost companies up to 200 million pounds sterling per year.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI director general, said: “The world has evolved-just like the British-EU relationship. It is growth, resilience and global competitiveness. Business is ready to play its role.”