OSLO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Top executives from 28 of Europe's largest companies on Wednesday pledged to boost their investments in Europe by an average of 50 percent by 2030, provided European Union (EU) policymakers deliver reforms to strengthen the bloc's competitiveness and security.
The commitment was presented at the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) in Copenhagen to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
In a joint declaration titled "The Copenhagen Pledge," the companies said they stand ready to invest more in Europe if the regulatory and financial environment is enhanced, calling for simpler rules and reporting, stronger innovation and investment frameworks, improved infrastructure, a "fair" green transition and measures to bolster security.
The declaration states that the 28 firms together represent roughly 700 billion euros (821 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue and that the full 50 percent increase would depend on policy changes.
DI Chief Executive Lars Sandahl Sorensen said it was "historic" for Europe's business leaders to sit down with top politicians to agree on steps to "get Europe back on a winning streak," adding that business leaders "are ready" and urging political leaders to show determination.
Companies indicating support include Novo Nordisk, Siemens, Airbus, Thales, Saab, Danfoss, Kongsberg, ThyssenKrupp, SAP, Carlsberg and Maersk, according to DI.
The announcement came as EU leaders met in Copenhagen for the informal meeting of EU heads of state and government on Wednesday, as well as the European Political Community (EPC) summit on Thursday. (1 euro = 1.17 U.S. dollars) ■
