Vigilance is not protectionism. Inside the EU, protectionism is absurd and freedom of trade is not at risk (see this column in yesterday's edition). The global situation is, however, different; not because a return to protectionism would be justified, but insofar as the rules of fair trade must absolutely be spelled out and have to be applied. In principle, there are already rules and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) monitors how they are applied. On the ground, however, things are not...