BRUSSELS, May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 http://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)

SOURCE European Business Summit (EBS)