EU manufacturers press leaders to break Brexit deadlock

CEEMET, the employers’ organisation representing the interests of EU metal, engineering and technology-based industries, has called on the EU Council of ministers and UK negotiators to focus on agreeing an early, time limited, transitional arrangement for business in the on-going negotiations between the EU and the UK.

Companies across the continent want decision-makers to ensure a clear and meaningful transition agreement is achieved before the end of 2017, to avoid damaging complex and integrated supply chains and export activity. The integrity of the single market, single market membership and the commitment to agreed freedoms should be considered as an optimal model for that time limited period.

CEEMET believes that it must ensure that negotiations on UK exit deliver a “reasonable deal in reasonable time” for all European manufacturers. CEEMET urges for a minimal disruption for business, employers and employees in Europe.

The organisation says a smooth Brexit transition can be ensured by:

• A time limited transitional period, reducing the risk of economic shocks


• Maintain free and frictionless trade, avoiding tariff and non-tariff barriers to the movement of goods and ensuring the integrity of the single market


• Enable people to move freely across borders to support complex supply chains and address the sectors skills gap


• A single regulatory environment, supported by mutual recognition and regulatory cooperation;


• Consultation of industry is essential in ensuring negotiation deliver a deal which works for manufacturers across Europe and in the UK

CEEMET www.ceemet.org