The new trade strategy launched by the Commission brings principles of engagement to the table that will support the EU in achieving its domestic and external policy objectives. Alongside this, the modernisation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) will be the key to delivering for future generations.

"We need to have a clear approach, to be open and assertive, to improve stakeholders' engagement with trade policy because the narrative of international trade is changing," said Timo Vuori, rapporteur for the EESC opinion on the trade policy review.

It is time for Europe to put naivety aside and adopt a more assertive profile when defending EU values and trade commitments unilaterally. Where the WTO cannot act or fully deliver, the EU should be able to count on a wide range of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that reflect European principles and the international standards shared with leading and emerging economies in international trade.

As Christophe Quarez, co-rapporteur for the opinion, put it: "All of the work needs to be put in the context of multilateralism and reforming the WTO".

The EESC agrees that modernising the WTO is a top priority. The EU must therefore take the lead on ambitious WTO reforms by breaking taboos on social and climate aspects of trade.

Trade policy that delivers for people

The EESC welcomes the trade agenda, which responds to some of the stakeholder concerns. However, it lacks due consideration of how to improve the involvement of civil society.

The Committee underlines the need for continued cooperation with civil society at national and EU level, to ensure that trade policy adds value to our daily lives.

Civil society has to become an active partner in trade policy, from shaping to monitoring trade tools and agreements.

The EESC strongly supports the EU taking an active role in shaping global rules for more sustainable and fairer trade that would bring prosperity and security not only to business partners but also to countries and their people. (at)