Northern European Coastal Chambers Alliance calls on British and EU negotiators for clarity in Brexit Trade Talks

An alliance of northern European Coastal Chambers accounting for 70% of EU-UK trade urge British and EU negotiators to create clarity on a future trade friendly relationship as soon as possible, following Friday’s announcement that sufficient progress has been made in the first phase of talks.

The Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce represented by Voka – Flanders Chamber of Commerce and BECI – Brussels Chamber of Commerce, the British Chambers of Commerce, Chambers Ireland, the Danish Chamber of Commerce, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Netherlands-British Chamber of Commerce have today handed over a joint statement to the British and EU Brexit negotiators. They urge British and EU negotiators to make rapid progress in agreeing a trade-friendly future relationship in the New Year.

Countries from the northern European coastal area have always maintained exceptionally good trade ties. Trade between the United Kingdom and the other 6 European Union countries in this area amounted to 344bn EUR in 2016, accounting for 70% of the total EU-UK trade. The English Channel, located in the middle of the North Sea area, is for example the world’s busiest shipping lane, with more than 500 vessels passing through the strait on a daily basis, as well as being a key transport link between the EU and Ireland.

A sudden and chaotic disruption of trade in this region would have a substantial economic impact that should not be underestimated.

Speaking this morning, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said, “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with our counterparts, all of whom represent businesses facing similar challenges in trade and supply chains as the Irish business community. The Northern European Coastal Chambers were pleased to learn last Friday that sufficient progress has been made in the first phase of the Brexit negotiations and now call on the United Kingdom and the European Union to urgently move on to discussing the outlines of a future trade-friendly EU-UK relationship that fully respects all aspects of the integrity of the Single Market.

“The Northern European Coastal Chambers also believe that a realistic transition period is needed to provide time for companies to adapt to the new EU-UK trading relationship. A status-quo like transition period – announced with sufficient notice – ensuring the UK remains in the Customs Union and the Single Market for the duration of the transition period, with all the appropriate rights and obligations, would be the best way of providing business with the highest possible degree of certainty and predictability.”

For the official joint-statement from the northern European Coastal Chambers Alliance, click here.

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For further information contact Gabriel Doran on 01 400 4331, 086 6081605 or email gabriel.doran@www.chambers.ie