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The call follows the launch of a new report, commissioned by the forum for accountancy bodies in the UK and Ireland (CCAB), 'Business in Europe: Research Reforms for Sustainable Growth', based on in-depth research with senior influencers in the accountancy profession. The report stresses the importance of clarity and access to accurate, evidence-based information to ensure that the debate on EU reform is well-informed on all sides.
The views shared in the report show that many business leaders in the UK feel that reform could create a more efficient and productive relationship between the UK and EU. That said, one of the key trends observed was a level of disconnect with the EU, evidenced by a variance in depth of understanding as to the precise role of the EU, and clarity on the reforms being proposed.
Among the areas being examined are greater accountability and transparency at EU level; closer harmonisation of reporting regimes including the area of taxation; measures to facilitate greater movement of labour; a harmonisation of EU economic structures; and a clearer statement of national and EU responsibilities.
Communication also emerged as a key theme; specifically the challenge of communicating an operating model for the EU with clearly outlined principles and responsibilities ahead of the upcoming referendum on membership.
The perception of the EU as both distant and opaque was common amongst the cohort, however, the research also found consensus among the business leaders that EU regulation affecting the UK, either directly through EU membership or through trading with EU partners was beneficial, essential and valuable. Many of the business leaders interviewed believe that the UK is better placed in the EU where it can push for a more effective, competitive and sustainable model from within.
Tony Nicholl, CCAB Chairman, called the Business in Europe report an important contribution to the debate on the future of the relationship between the EU and UK: 'We believe that this report, and the discussion that it has provoked, can be an important contribution to the debate. It includes some clear recommendations on how reform could be used to transform the EU relationship and set a new foundation for collaboration on areas of mutual interest. It provides a valuable insight into the views of UK business leaders, which I hope our political leaders will take on board.'
Introducing the report, Anand Menon, Director of The UK in a Changing Europe, said: 'This report is a very useful contribution to the European debate and provides great insight into how business leaders are thinking. The EU is currently a partial union, giving the European Commission power to recommend but not enforce its proposals. In the longer term, the Union must either integrate fully or risk disintegration. Currently, the EU can only dabble in, and not deal with serious problems it faces. Further integration, however, will pose serious questions for states like Britain that want no part of moves towards political union.'
Bernie Coyne of Coyne Research, co-author of the report with Brían Merriman said: 'Business leaders are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the EU along with a commitment to address the democratic deficit whereby decisions affecting member states are often taken by unelected officials in Brussels. The research suggests that there is a need for greater consultation between the business sector and EU legislators to provide a more effective and sustainable model.'