Executives advocate for instituting a collective leadership body at the CEO level in Europe.
European Business Leaders Advocate for Active Economic Policy in Response to US Trade Threats
In the aftermath of trade threats from the US President, European business leaders are voicing their backing for a proactive European economic policy. A survey by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) revealed that around 70% of the respondents are hopeful about Europe's future economic prospects. Among German business leaders surveyed, an impressive 91% expressed their support for a CEO Council and their readiness to engage.
Taking a firm stance, top European managers are urging politics to take decisive action in facing the challenges posed by the trade war instigated by US President Donald Trump. According to the BCG survey of 850 business leaders, 90% of the participants support the idea of a European CEO Council and advocate for a more assertive economic policy that safeguards the interests of European companies.
Michael Brigl, CEO of BCG Europe, noted that the trade-related actions by Trump have sparked "solidarity and self-confidence" among these leaders. Thesurvey's finding that 71% of the respondents are optimistic about Europe's economic future, a significant increase from the 39% prior to April 2, indicates a psychological turning point.
Recent high-level meetings, such as the 2025 Steering Committee Meeting, have seen business leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives collaborating to bolster private-sector leadership in long-term value creation, economic growth, and inclusive prosperity[5]. While there is currently no publicly available evidence of a formal push for a "European CEO Council" specifically in response to US trade threats, these meetings serve as a platform for European leaders to discuss and coordinate their strategies in the face of global economic uncertainties.
The emphasis remains on fostering a sustainable economic system and promoting growth, rather than on the establishment of a new council dedicated solely to countering US policy.
- In light of trade threats from the US, European leaders in finance, business, and politics are advocating for an assertive economic policy that safeguards the interests of European companies.
- The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) survey revealed that 90% of business leaders in various European industries support the idea of a European CEO Council, which could help shape a more proactive economic policy.
- Despite the US trade threats, general news suggests a shift in the mindset of European leaders towards optimism, as 71% of respondents in the BCG survey are now optimistic about Europe's economic future.
