Europe in 2025
Well-embedded and respected in global markets
Policy Recommendations
We are beginning to track our Vision 2025 starting on 15 January 2010.
Pursue trade liberalisation
Pursue trade liberalisation initiatives that reinforce EU competitiveness and sustainability, e.g.:
ERT Comment
The new EU trade policy strategy ('Trade, Growth and World Affairs') proposed in November 2010 points into the right direction. Its implementation remains decisive. (last updated December 2011)
Support conclusion of the WTO Doha Development Agenda (DDA)
ERT Comment
Continued political commitment and engagement by the EU. (last updated December 2011)
Support EU leadership in the development and production of technologies that benefit the environment, including energy-efficient products
Support EU leadership in the development and production of technologies that benefit the environment, including energy-efficient products. Support this by promoting free and open trade in such products and services, specified on a short list of technologies that demonstrably benefit the environment. This list should be established on the basis of product life-cycle analysis with the close involvement of industry and regularly reviewed.
ERT Comment
The necessary political willingness has been demonstrated. However, no practcial progress has so far been made to overcome the obstacles. (last updated December 2011)
Complete negotiations to review the 1997 Information Technology Agreement (ITA) to lower costs of ICT for companies and consumers, and to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions
ERT Comment
The negotiations have not started yet. There are, however, discussions taking place within the industry and with some governments whilst there are still different views about the contents. (last updated December 2011)
Pursue trade and external relations policies that ensure continued reliable supply of resources and raw materials at competitive prices
ERT Comment
A Commission Communication has been published. We welcome its focus on raw materials diplomacy, domestic sourcing and recycling but there are industry concerns about scope for greater intervention in commodities markets. We are relieved that the importance of rare earths sourcing is understood and is that the Commission is integrating this issue in external trade relations. (last updated December 2011)
Address all threats of de-globalisation
Address all threats of de-globalisation and avoid undermining the World Trade Organisation (WTO) with new types of tariffs, non-tariff barriers and other forms of protectionism.
ERT Comment
The threat seems less acute than originally (i.e., in 2008) thought. But the WTO nevetheless signals some creeping protectionism. And the inability/unwillingness to seriously address the debt crisis, but also the fact that the WTO negotiating parties seem unable to reach some meaningful conclusion of the Doha Round is slowly turning into a threat for the credibility and efficiency of the global economic market order. (last updated December 2011)
Conclude free trade and non-tariff barrier agreements
Conclude free trade and non-tariff barrier agreements with the world’s most dynamic economies and regional trading blocs in Asia, North and South America, Africa and Europe. These agreements should promote stronger international regulatory cooperation, making greater use of the principle of mutual recognition with complementing WTO commitments related to technical barriers to trade, competition, investment and public procurement.
ERT Comment
Negotiations are ongoing with Mercosur, some ASEAN countries and India, but without any substantial progress. The negotiations with Canada are expected to be concluded in 2012. (last updated December 2011)
Pursue the creation of a barrier-free transatlantic market
Pursue the creation of a barrier-free transatlantic market, in particular by strengthening regulatory cooperation and mutual recognition, removing restrictions on investments and preventing new restrictions.
ERT Comment
There is engagement on both sides. However, there is too little progress. (last updated December 2011)
Promote the full integration of EU accession candidates into the EU’s Single Market
Promote the full integration of EU accession candidates into the EU’s Single Market. Advance EU membership talks with all candidate countries and conclude them, based on fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria for accession in a spirit of mutual interest.
ERT Comment
Accession negotiations with Croatia have been closed, negotiations with Iceland have begun and first chapters have already been closed. Further progress in negotiations with Turkey would be welcome. (last updated December 2011)
Integrate the countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy into the EU’s Single Market
Integrate the countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy into the EU’s Single Market in a step-by-step process that promotes their integration into the global trading system and builds on ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation with the EU.
ERT Comment
Some negotiations on 'deep and comprehensive free trade agreements' are ongoing with some countries, with encouraging progress in some cases. Recent events in North Africa provide an opportunity to deepen links with the EU. (last updated December 2011)
Confirm the eventual EU perspective of Eastern Partnership countries
Confirm the eventual EU perspective of Eastern Partnership countries in line with the EU Treaties and subject to fulfilment of the established accession criteria and successful conclusion of future negotiations.
ERT Comment
The EU, including the European Commission, stops short of confirming EU membership perspectives of Eastern Partnership countries and has remained silent on this issue. (last updated December 2011)
Build a sustainable and constructive relationship with Russia
Build a sustainable and constructive relationship with Russia founded on closer economic cooperation, based on its full and successful integration into the global economy.
ERT Comment
Relations are adequate but there is little visible progress on new EU/Russia agreement. However, WTO accession appears to be an increasingly realistic prospect. (last updated December 2011)