The Commissioner underlined that «there will be a compromise with the UK at the end of the day» on leaving the bloc – «but we can not compromise on the rule of law.”

The Finnish Commissioner, responsible for employment, growth and investment, called on the public in his speech at an economic meeting to work more energetically for «European values».

Polish government officials expressed their disappointment after the conference that the Commission’s support for the private sector was not more robust.

But added that they were confident that the situation would improve this year.

Mr Katainen also expressed his concerns about the freedom of the press and the protection of journalists.

A few days earlier, a Slovak reporter, who was looking into his government’s relationship with the Italian mafia had been murdered.

A Maltese investigative journalist was murdered four months earlier after exposing numerous corruption cases involving the political class on the island.

Mr Katainen called «preserving our core values» one of the challenges that the public and private sectors should tackle together.

He added that the defence of «open, fair and rule-based trade» in «incorporating technological change while circularising our economy» was also important.

Ann Mettler, director of the European Political Strategy Centre (ESPC), also called on members of the bloc to jump start business creation throughout Europe.

Adding that Europe was «very attractive» because of its stringent regulation.

(Additional reporting by Monika Pallenberg.)