European Commission is undertaking major EU trade policy review

The European Commission’s major review of the European Union’s trade policy will include a public consultation seeking input from the European Parliament, Member States, stakeholders, and civil society. The Commission’s objective is to build a consensus around a fresh medium-term direction for EU trade policy, responding to a variety of new global challenges and taking into account the lessons learned from the coronavirus crisis.

The results of this consultation will feed into a communication to be published towards the end of the year. The final review will be the result of a transparent and inclusive process including the online public consultation, discussions with the European Parliament and Member States, as well as engagement with relevant stakeholders and civil society representatives.

The consultation covers all relevant topics to the EU trade policy, with a special focus on the following:

• Building a resilient and sustainable EU economy after the coronavirus
• Reforming the World Trade Organization
• Creating global trade opportunities for businesses and in particular small and medium sized enterprises
• Maximising the contribution of trade policy to addressing key global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development or the digital transition
• Strengthening of trade and investment relationships with key trading partners
• Improving the level playing field and protecting EU business and citizens.

For more information, please see here.