Roundtable: Trade Policy Review

DIGITALEUROPE is bringing together policymakers, industry representatives and think tanks from the EU and beyond for a roundtable discussion on how the EU can design a trade policy that plays its part in a digital and sustainable for recovery and the world.

On 18 February 2021, the European Commission published its Communication on the Trade Policy Review, a process to reassess the EU’s trade policy priorities under the umbrella of “Open Strategic Autonomy”. This concept is a clear reflection – and implementation – of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s overarching commitment to a “Geopolitical Commission”. However, what it will mean in practice remains to be seen – and the context of 2021 will both test the approach to its limits, while providing ample opportunity to put it into practice.

A new US Administration holds the promise of a return to practical and meaningful initiatives bilaterally and at the multilateral level, not least in the reform of the World Trade Organization, which has just welcomed a new Director-General. Meanwhile, the EU has just concluded two crucial Agreements with the UK and China, and remains in the process of updating its enforcement “toolbox”. And of course, Covid-19 continues to highlight both the key role the digital economy has to play in our lives, and its potential to drive growth for recovery.

Please note that this event is on invitation only. If you’d like to attend, please request your invitation by contacting Barry McKeon at barry.mckeon@digitaleurope.org.