On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome, Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström has reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to open trade and stressed the leadership shown by Europe in the multilateral trade system governed by the World Trade organisation (WTO).
“In 1957, six countries vowed to abolish trade barriers between themselves. The EU evolved from this to be 28 member states, soon 27. Since then, the EU has assumed leadership in multilateral fora such as the WTO, which in the wake of recent protectionism needs to be defended more than ever”, Malmström stated in a speech to the German delegation to the Committee of the Regions on Wednesday 22 March. “The EU also intends to propose new themes such as e-commerce, for new multilateral rules to be developed”, she said.
“Many of our partners share our concerns about the threat of protectionism. They are willing to work with us because the EU’s approach to trade agreements is a win-win situation. We should take them up on their offer. As other doors are closing, we should be clear to them that ours will remain open”, the commissioner went on to say, adding: “I believe the EU needs to remain a strong defender of a strong, open and rules-based trade policy”. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)