EBS Organisers Invite Greenpeace for Dialogue on Activist Action

BRUSSELS, May 18, 2011 - As international business representatives arrived at the European
Business Summit (EBS) in Brussels today to address Europe's position as an
economic power on the international stage, a group of Greenpeace activists
blocked the entrance to the conference. The protest centred around the need
to challenge European companies to support more ambitious action on climate
change. At the same time, Greenpeace welcomes businesses that have spoken out
in support of a 30 percent cut in Europe's climate damaging emissions.

Under the theme, 'Europe in the world, leading or lagging?', this year's
Summit plays a crucial role in uniting prominent personalities from the EU
and its main trading partners to address the internal and external challenges
that lie ahead for Europe to maintain its position in the global economy. The
Summit is drawing on the participation of leading speakers from the EU, US,
Brazil, Russia, China and Middle East & Africa.

FEB and BusinessEurope, key partners of the conference, took the
initiative to invite Daniel Mitler, Political Director of Greenpeace
International, to speak at an EBS press conference. This provided the
non-governmental organisation with an opportunity to explain the intentions
behind this morning's activist action. Mr Mitler explained that "business is
deeply split" in Europe and that there are both "leaders and laggards"
involved in the EU climate debate. Mitler explained that the "laggards"
should not stand in the way of those companies leading the EU climate
initiative and that Greenpeace fully supports businesses that are in favour
of the target emission cuts.

Rudi Thomas, CEO of the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB),
opened a constructive dialogue with the Greenpeace spokesman as the
conference kicked into full swing. Mr Mitler assured conference organisers
that his organisation was not trying to halt the conference in any way.

With the worst of the financial crisis now behind us, the Summit comes at
a time when the corporate and government sectors regain confidence on
Europe's future. Regional coordination and cooperation will be central to
picking up the pieces after the crisis, as well as seeking new markets and
opportunities. The EBS provides a prime opportunity for debate on the most
pressing issues facing Europe today.

The full programme and venue details are available at
www.ebsummit.eu. Alternatively, follow the summit's progress online at
twitter.com/ebsummit2011 and by using the hash tag #ebsummit2011.

Contact: James Waterson or Susana Braz, ebs at fbcmedia.com , Telephone: +44-207-038-0959