PRESS RELEASE
Business Coalition Urges Ambitious, Open Trade Policy to Boost EU Competitiveness and Prosperity
Brussels, 15 July 2024 – Today, a coalition of 31 leading European business associations has come together to call for an ambitious and open trade policy to support the EU’s competitiveness and economic prosperity. In a Joint Declaration, they highlight the importance of trade openness in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing resilience in the face of global challenges.
Trade remains a cornerstone of the EU’s economic strength, directly supporting one in five EU jobs through exports. It significantly benefits consumers by expanding choices—a sentiment shared by 60% of Europeans—and attracts foreign investments that drive growth and innovation. Furthermore, diversified sourcing and export strategies strengthen the EU’s ability to navigate and overcome crises.
These facts reinforce the necessity of maintaining openness and growth as fundamental components of the EU’s trade policy. Achieving this requires deliberate prioritisation of policies that open new and diversified markets through trade agreements and reduce technical barriers to trade.
