On 7 July, a policy talk entitled ‘Beyond Free Trade: European Trade Policy in the New Global Disorder’ was held, focusing on new perspectives for European trade policy in the changed global landscape.

The meeting formed part of the debate on the transformation of European trade policy, which is called upon to respond to growing geopolitical tensions, the resurgence of tariff policies and the need to strengthen the Union’s economic security and strategic autonomy.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the relationship between trade policy and the single market, the role of new trade agreements, the diversification of international partnerships and the reduction of strategic dependencies. Particular attention was paid to relations with the United States and China, and to the need to balance market openness, competitiveness, sustainability and the protection of European interests.

The debate began with an introduction by Enrico Letta (AREL). Darta Tentere (European Commission) then spoke. This was followed by contributions from Arancha González Laya (Sciences Po), Carlo Altomonte (Bocconi University) and Paolo Guerrieri (AREL).