European Business Summit Unites Political and Business Leaders to Discuss Europe's Role in the Global Economy

BRUSSELS, May 17, 2011 - The 9th European Business Summit (EBS), a key meeting place and
networking platform for the EU's business and political elite, will meet in
Brussels on 18 and 19 May to address Europe's position as an economic power
on the international stage.

Under the theme, 'Europe in the world, leading or lagging?', this year's
Summit will bring together 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
will draw on the participation of leading speakers from the EU, US, Brazil,
Russia, China and Middle East & Africa.

A keynote speech by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso
will compliment a programme which includes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor
Orban, Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme and European Council President
Herman Van Rompuy. Business leaders participating in the discussions include
Royal Dutch Shell CEO Peter Voser, Microsoft Europe Chairman Jan Muehlfeit,
Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Jaimini Bhagwati,
Hyundai Europe Vice President Allan Rushforth, IBM Europe Chairman Harry van
Dorenmalen and Hitachi Group Chairman for Europe Sir Stephen Gomersall.

Other high-level political speakers will include US Ambassador to the EU
William Kennard, Korean Ambassador to the EU Ho-Young Ahn, WTO's Deputy
Director General Rufus Yerxa, Turkish Ambassador to the EU Selim Kuneralp
and European Commissioners Karel De Gucht (Trade), Guenther Oettinger
(Energy), Antonio Tajani (Industry and Entrepreneurship), Connie Hedegaard
(Climate Action) and Olli Rehn (Economic and Monetary Affairs).

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 will provide a prime opportunity for debate on the
most pressing issues facing Europe today.

The full programme, registration 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.
(https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23ebsummit2011)

For more details, please contact: James Waterson or Susana Braz - ebs at fbcmedia.com Telephone: +44-207-038-0959