The EU food and drink industry is not only Europe’s largest manufacturer, but it is also the largest food and drink exporter in the world and a major importer. For us, continued free and fair trade is paramount.
EU trade policy should improve market access conditions in both traditional and emerging markets, maintain fair terms of competition, strengthen the implementation and enforcement of trade agreements, and contribute to sustainable development.
International trade is a key component to the competitiveness of the European food and drink industry, securing jobs and growth at home and abroad. We need a stable and predictable rules-based international trade environment to allow food and drink companies to grow and diversify. Including trade partners and stakeholders in dialogue can help foster long-term partnerships and create new market opportunities.
Trading partners should agree on shared sustainability principles including protection of biodiversity and climate change mitigation. As trade plays a critical role in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we believe the EU should work to develop robust a Trade and Sustainable Development framework supporting multilateral efforts on sustainability.
All EU trade agreements need to ensure three conditions:
- improve access to third country markets
- facilitate security of supply
- promote investment
Open trade must go hand-in-hand with fair competition and a level playing field for domestic EU producers is essential.