European business calls for a pragmatic restart in EU-U.S. trade relations

A BusinessEurope delegation led by President Fredrik Persson and Director General Markus J. Beyrer was in Washington D.C. this week to engage with the U.S. Administration, Congress, business organisations, companies, and other key stakeholders.

They are using the 90-day pause on “reciprocal tariffs” to call for de-escalation and renewed momentum in EU-U.S. trade relations. “Escalating trade disputes in recent months threaten to undermine this vital relationship. The immediate priority must be taking steps to ensure that the transatlantic relationship succeeds and fulfils its potential as driver for growth on both sides”, Persson stressed. In our new position paper, we urge both sides of the Atlantic to advance a positive, forward-looking transatlantic trade agenda.

This means avoiding tariff escalation, which hurts businesses, raises costs, and disrupts supply chains. It also requires reducing trade barriers (both tariffs and non-tariff obstacles) to facilitate smoother transatlantic trade. Moreover, we emphasise the importance of resolving disputes permanently and preventing new conflicts through constructive engagement. Finally, we call for the establishment of a permanent dialogue platform to address trade irritants, coordinate on global challenges, and shape a stronger commercial agenda.

Read our position paper

B7 Ottawa: Advancing economic security and resilience

“The G7 should pull its forces to defend a rules-based trade order and open markets. It should agree on principles and avoid unilateral actions that may undermine each other’s competitiveness", stated our President Fredrik Persson at the B7 Summit, held from 14 to 16 May in Ottawa, Canada. A BusinessEurope delegation is participating alongside other business organisations from G7 countries.

The B7 plays a key role in representing and aligning the views of the business community across G7 countries, delivering concrete and actionable recommendations for G7 leaders.

Photo: Our President Fredrik Persson with Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce