Chambers for Europe – Election an Opportunity for Ireland to Ensure its place at heart of EU

20 Feb 2019 – Brussels, Belgium – © Bernal Revert/ BR&U

Ahead of the European Parliament elections taking place this May, Chambers Ireland and a delegation of representatives from around the Irish Chamber Network today (20 Feb 2019) launches its “Chambers for Europe” manifesto in Brussels.

Speaking at the European Parliament this morning, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot calls on businesses and their employees to proactively engage with election candidates and highlight their priority concerns ahead of the upcoming election.

“Despite collective acknowledgement of the positive role that EU membership continues to play for Ireland, in terms of both peace and economic prosperity, the European elections are often overlooked by voters. With the impending exit of the UK from the EU, Ireland needs to take its relationship with the European Union even more seriously.

“Within our Manifesto, we are calling on candidates for the Parliament elections to prioritise the following issues: investment in our cities and regions, an ambitious international trade agenda, a competitive and global approach to tax reform, a fully-connected digital Europe that supports innovation and a business-friendly framework for a sustainable circular economy.”

Chambers across Europe, and across Ireland, are working to ensure all candidates have a clear understanding of the business community’s priorities. The economic relationship we share with the EU, both in terms of the Single Market and our relationship with its institutions, has become even more valuable in light of the ongoing Brexit negotiations.

The launch of our manifesto this morning follows the announcement of a Pre-Election Partnership between our partner Eurochambres and the European Parliament to drive momentum and citizen engagement ahead of May.

Although Chambers are economic rather than political actors, our Network wants to do everything it can to ensure that citizens go to vote in May with a clear understanding of the importance of the EU and of the need to elect engaged, informed and committed MEPs for the next 5 years.

We call on businesses and citizens to seize this opportunity to make their voices heard and shape the future of Europe and the degree to which Ireland will benefit.”

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For further information contact Gabriel Doran, Communications & Public Affairs Executive on 01 400 4331, 086 608 1605 or email gabriel.doran@www.chambers.ie

Further notes:

  • To access the Chambers Manifesto for the European Elections 2019, click here.
  • Representatives from the following Chambers attended today’s Manifesto launch in Brussels: Carlow Chamber, Cork Chamber, Dublin Chamber, Fingal Chamber, Galway Chamber, County Kildare Chamber, Limerick Chamber, County Meath Chamber, Shannon Chamber, Sligo Chamber & Waterford Chamber
  • Chambers Ireland is a member of EUROCHAMBRES, the European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. EUROCHAMBRES represents over 20 million businesses in Europe through 46 members. For more information on EUROCHAMBRES, click here.
  • The Memorandum of Understanding Partnership between EUROCHAMBRES and the European Parliament aims to generate greater citizen involvement in the run up to the European Elections in May 2019 via the network of over 800 Chambers of Commerce & Industry across the EU – to access the EUROCHAMBRES press release on the Memorandum of Understanding Partnership, click here.
  • To access the Memorandum of Understanding Partnership official document, click here.
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