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Policy
EU trade policy sets the direction for trade and investment in and out of the EU.
The Directorate-General for Trade in the European Commission develops and puts into practice EU trade and investment policy along with the EU's Trade Commissioner.
Areas of EU trade policy:
Global trade
EU trade policy makes sure that Europe's trade adapts to a fast-changing world.
We also work with the World Trade Organization to keep the global economy open and based on fair rules.
Opening foreign markets
The EU opens markets by making trade deals with partner countries or regions.
We also try to solve trade barriers that prevent European businesses from properly accessing a partner's market.
Trade disputes and defence
The European Union isn't naïve about free trade. We preserve our standards with our trade partners and make sure European businesses and workers thrive in the world economy.
Morals, values, ethics
The EU includes rules about the environment, labour rights, and sustainable development in its trade deals. Europe has also opened its markets to trade from the world's poorest countries, and helps developing countries take advantage of world trade.
