The High Level Group on Trade Policy Innovation was launched in 2017.

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Next to completion of the single market, trade policy is the other key instrument that acts as a catalyst for economic growth, security and social progress, both in the EU and abroad.  It is a cornerstone, together with research, of Europe´s strategic autonomy and its ambition for greater resilience and further geopolitical/global engagement in favour of an international, rules-based order, which is itself essential for Europe’s security and prosperity. The competitiveness of European economic operators is not hindered by free trade, but by poor and excessive regulation and continuing nationally and regionally created obstacles in the single market, which particularly affect SMEs. 

 

In the current geopolitical context, trade should be a horizontal policy framework that informs, shapes and coordinates the vertical clusters of all EU policies, supported by foresight, strategic awareness and comprehensive impact assessments. It must pay particular attention to fairness in order to avoid structural losses in other economic systems which, in an interdependent world, will inevitably cascade. At the same time, it should support the development of diversified and resilient supply chains through truly equal and fair partnerships with other countries or regional groups of countries and avoid Eurocentrism. Daring to be different from other economic powers, practising what one preaches, helping other countries find their own pathways to welfare for their people: all this will build soft power and geopolitical strength.   

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This HLG is chaired by Peter Altmaier, former Minister for Economy and Trade, Germany.