EU Trade Chief Advocates for Free and Fair Trade at Brussels Forum
Maros Sefcovic emphasizes the economic imperative of trade and the EU's commitment to diplomacy amidst global geopolitical challenges.
BRUSSELS – During the inaugural Economic Security Forum held in Brussels, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic asserted that the European Union stands firmly in support of free and fair trade, emphasizing its critical role in fostering economic growth and stability.
"Trade is progress and peace in motion," Sefcovic declared on Thursday, indicating that trade is not merely a political concept but a vital economic necessity.
The forum, hosted by the European Policy Centre and taking place on June 5-6, 2025, aims to explore the intersection of economic security and geopolitics.
Sefcovic reaffirmed the EU's historical commitment to economic integration, quoting Robert Schuman's vision of cooperative economic relationships as the foundation of Europe.
"We negotiate, we do not isolate, and we do not leave the table," Sefcovic stated.
He highlighted the EU's extensive network of Free Trade Agreements (FTA), the largest of any global trading participant.
The Commissioner noted ongoing efforts to expedite bilateral trade negotiations, which include several newly initiated talks.
Jonathan Reynolds, the UK’s Minister of State for Business and Trade, echoed these sentiments, stating that the UK aims to foster economic security through open collaboration with partners.
"The UK and the EU are friends, not simply neighbours," Reynolds remarked.
As trade relations evolve, tensions between the EU and the United States have resurfaced.
Recent developments included a pause in previously scheduled trade discussions after US President Donald Trump described talks as "going nowhere" and threatened to enforce a steep tariff of 50% on EU imports.
Following this statement, discussions were rescheduled for July 9, after conversations between Trump and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission.
The trade representative from the United States and Sefcovic convened in Paris on Wednesday, marking a renewed commitment to ongoing trade negotiations.
In a related development, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron clashed over the EU-Mercosur trade agreement during a press conference in Paris.
Lula called for a resolution of the deal within six months, emphasizing the agreement's completion before Brazil takes over the presidency of the South American trade bloc.
Macron, however, expressed strong reservations about the current agreement, stating it is unacceptable as it threatens French agriculture due to potential increases in agricultural imports from member states such as Argentina and Brazil.
Despite these tensions, Macron acknowledged the economic advantages of the deal, which would lower tariffs on exports and provide access to a market of 270 million consumers.
He insisted that the agreement must include provisions to ensure that Brazilian products meet EU standards.
Conciliate, Lula responded by stressing the complementary nature of the agricultural systems and reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to environmental standards.
The European Commission is anticipated to release a proposal regarding the EU-Mercosur agreement prior to the summer recess, slated to begin in late July.
"Trade is progress and peace in motion," Sefcovic declared on Thursday, indicating that trade is not merely a political concept but a vital economic necessity.
The forum, hosted by the European Policy Centre and taking place on June 5-6, 2025, aims to explore the intersection of economic security and geopolitics.
Sefcovic reaffirmed the EU's historical commitment to economic integration, quoting Robert Schuman's vision of cooperative economic relationships as the foundation of Europe.
"We negotiate, we do not isolate, and we do not leave the table," Sefcovic stated.
He highlighted the EU's extensive network of Free Trade Agreements (FTA), the largest of any global trading participant.
The Commissioner noted ongoing efforts to expedite bilateral trade negotiations, which include several newly initiated talks.
Jonathan Reynolds, the UK’s Minister of State for Business and Trade, echoed these sentiments, stating that the UK aims to foster economic security through open collaboration with partners.
"The UK and the EU are friends, not simply neighbours," Reynolds remarked.
As trade relations evolve, tensions between the EU and the United States have resurfaced.
Recent developments included a pause in previously scheduled trade discussions after US President Donald Trump described talks as "going nowhere" and threatened to enforce a steep tariff of 50% on EU imports.
Following this statement, discussions were rescheduled for July 9, after conversations between Trump and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission.
The trade representative from the United States and Sefcovic convened in Paris on Wednesday, marking a renewed commitment to ongoing trade negotiations.
In a related development, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron clashed over the EU-Mercosur trade agreement during a press conference in Paris.
Lula called for a resolution of the deal within six months, emphasizing the agreement's completion before Brazil takes over the presidency of the South American trade bloc.
Macron, however, expressed strong reservations about the current agreement, stating it is unacceptable as it threatens French agriculture due to potential increases in agricultural imports from member states such as Argentina and Brazil.
Despite these tensions, Macron acknowledged the economic advantages of the deal, which would lower tariffs on exports and provide access to a market of 270 million consumers.
He insisted that the agreement must include provisions to ensure that Brazilian products meet EU standards.
Conciliate, Lula responded by stressing the complementary nature of the agricultural systems and reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to environmental standards.
The European Commission is anticipated to release a proposal regarding the EU-Mercosur agreement prior to the summer recess, slated to begin in late July.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
