Renew Europe reminds Valdis Dombrovskis that European values and interests must be at the heart of EU trade policy

Today, the International Trade Committee is holding a hearing with Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner-designate for the trade portfolio.

Renew Europe expects profound commitments from Valdis Dombrovskis to defend European values and commercial interests in EU trade policy, in which environmental and labour standards, have an important role. Renew Europe is also strongly committed to the respect of human rights within the framework of trade agreements.

In this global context, which is uncertain, the European Union must tirelessly put multilateralism at the heart of its actions. Even if the WTO needs to be reformed, the European Union has to defend a rules-based international trade system.

The Commission must furthermore ensure a level playing field for European companies, including SMEs and agricultural exports. Trade is an opportunity for the European economy and the Commission must act for more prosperity and jobs. We also call for progress on digital trade.

Renew Europe MEPs are requesting robust guarantees from Valdis Dombrovskis on all these matters.

Karin Karlsbro, Renew Europe coordinator in the INTA Committee said:

“Free trade is at the very foundation of the European Union so we need a trade commissioner who firmly believes in free, fair and rules-based trade and who understands the value of sustainable trade agreements. We must make sure that trade and the green transition go hand in hand. Faced with the WTO-crisis and the ever-looming threat of trade wars, the EU truly needs a strong advocate for rules based trade now more than ever. I am looking forward to cooperating with Mr Dombrovskis on these issues pending his appointment”.

ENDS