Together for a competitive, prosperous and resilient Europe

First launched in July, the Coalition has grown into a group of 43 business associations, all of them united by the shared idea that trade openness is a key driver to keep the EU competitive, prosperous, and resilient in the face of global challenges. According to the Coalition, trade openness must therefore become a top priority and veritable leitmotiv for the EU over the next five years. With 1 in every 5 jobs in the EU relying on exports, trade openness is a key driver of economic growth and job creation. Trade helps to attract foreign investments, fosters growth and innovation in the EU, and benefits consumers by increasing product choice. Importantly, trade diversification in sourcing and exports also enhances resilience, thus helping the EU to weather and overcome future crises.

Last October, during the confirmation hearings of the new EU Commissioners, the Open Trade Coalition reiterated its call for a bold and open trade policy. The coalition’s renewed Declaration features a number of specific policy recommendations, including the speedy adoption and implementation of all concluded trade agreements, the swift completion of ongoing trade negotiations, a proactive market access agenda to lower trade barriers, a fair and predictable trade environment supported by multilateralism, and a more robust trade diplomacy.