File no.
Department
2019-19685
Trade Policy
6 December 2019
Dear Commissioner Phil Hogan,
Please accept our congratulations on your appointment as Commissioner
for Trade. We are looking forward to cooperating closely with you on
priorities for a modern EU trade policy.
As global trade tensions are on the rise, defending rules-based
international trade and open markets is more important than ever. The
EU should use its leverage as a major trading block to counter the trend
of growing protectionism in both its bilateral and multilateral trade
negotiations while promoting an ambitious and fair trade policy with high
sustainability standards including on labour, climate, environment, and
ensuring the external competitiveness of the EU.
It is encouraging that the top priority of the incoming Commission is to
lead the reform of the multilateral trading system. The WTO is our best
defense against unilateralism and protectionism, our best guarantor of
stability in trade relations and our most efficient framework to help less
developed countries integrating into the world economy. The first priority
must be to solve the crisis in the Appellate Body and ensure an effective,
two-tier dispute resolution mechanism. The negotiating function of the
WTO also needs attention - with the goal being modern, effective and
enforceable rules capable of dealing with current challenges - including
unfair trade practices and climate change. We render you our full support
in the endeavors for a comprehensive reform agreement in WTO by 2022.
Our bilateral trade and investment agreements also remain crucial in
shaping globalization. The Commission has negotiated an impressive
number of modern and ambitious agreements in recent years. The latest
Eurobarometer survey showed an increasing and significant support for
these efforts, but also concerns for globalization, environment and health
standards. We must take these concerns seriously and ensure that
international trade and investment benefits all. A strong focus must
remain on delivering jobs, prosperity and opportunities for European
citizens, companies and consumers, while addressing issues that matter for
people such as sustainability, fairness and decent work.
The Commission and Denmark share a common agenda, when it comes
to climate action and environmental challenges. The Danish Government
has set an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by