Joint Declaration – CEC has come together with other industry associations to call for an open trade policy agenda and a better level playing field

All undersigned business associations believe that an ambitious and open trade policy is essential to supporting the EU’s competitiveness. Trade openness drives economic growth and job creation, with 1 in 5 EU jobs relying on exports. It benefits consumers by increasing choices, with 60% of Europeans acknowledging these advantages, and attracts foreign investments, fostering growth and innovation in the EU. Additionally, diversification in sourcing and exports enhances resilience and our ability to weather and overcome crises.

These figures underscore the importance of maintaining openness and growth as the core elements of the EU’s trade policy. This requires a very conscious and deliberate prioritisation of policies aimed at opening new and diversified markets through trade agreements and reduced technical barriers to trade.

Our thoughts for a successful EU trade policy for the next institutional cycle are detailed in the attached joint statement that we collectively endorse.

In short, it will need to focus on a number of critical areas, including:

• Strengthening the openness pillar of EU trade policy by pursuing new and renewed trade agreements and improving market access.
• Having a dedicated trade commissioner for this exclusive EU competence.
• Continuing to support the WTO and the international rules-based system to ensure a fair and predictable trade environment.
• Increasing cooperation with third country partners and deploying trade diplomacy to support an ambitious open trade policy.

Find here the Joint declaration open trade coalition