Reaction to the EU Trade Strategy

The review of the EU’s Trade Strategy was an opportunity for the EU to use its leadership in the multilateral trade system to accelerate worldwide progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.

Overall, the new strategy does not suggest any major changes to the EU’s approach to trade. The EU continues to promote a model in which trade liberalisation and measures to protect European companies and domestic markets are the main goals, without enough consideration for realising sustainable development across the globe. CONCORD deeply regrets that the European Commission missed this opportunity to truly align EU trade policy with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

This analysis identifies 12 key improvements to the reviewed EU Trade Strategy to move towards an economy that ensures well-being for the people and planet.