More and new trade keeps Europe in the lead

"When it comes to trade policy, we have to face reality. We can only take and keep the lead in producing technologies that drive the digital and sustainable transition by securing a steady and reliable supply of raw materials. Choking off domestic solutions by over-regulation, and cutting off lifelines abroad by a misguided ideological opposition to international trade solutions will only result in having to import sustainable technologies in future instead of producing and exporting them", said Christophe Hansen MEP, EPP Group Spokesman for International Trade Policy, ahead of today’s plenary debate on the need to complete new trade agreements.

"Expanding the network of trade agreements with international partners is the best way to keep our industry for sustainable technologies ahead of the bunch in future. We have to urgently finalise the outstanding trade agreements this year and accelerate the negotiations with India and Indonesia. The Mercosur deal is a low-hanging fruit when it comes to diversifying our supply chains and tightening bonds with an historically linked continent. We now have a deforestation Regulation as an additional safeguard against imported deforestation. A ratified Mercosur deal would add an extra brick to the EU's international climate effort edifice. Australia plays a key role in the supply of critical raw materials. De-risking supply chains while helping your partners to move up the value chain is a win-win-situation for all of us", said Hansen.

"One in seven jobs in Europe depends on trade with the rest of the world, and Europe is a resource-poor continent. The EPP Group wants Europe to strongly commit to and keep investing in trade partnerships around the globe and come together with like-minded countries for mutually beneficial trade relations, respecting our social and environmental standards", concluded Hansen.