Trading partners: Rethinking Europe’s global partnerships

Watch the recording of this webinar.

With Donald Trump’s introduction of large-scale tariffs against the world, the European Union is aiming to forge new alliances. In context of tariff disputes, shifting global power dynamics, trade disruptions, and increasing competition over critical raw materials, the EU is seeking to position itself as a reliable, attractive partner on the global stage. 

From high-level summits such as the EU-South Africa Summit to bilateral leaders’ visits to strategic partners like India, European leaders –most notably Commission President Ursula von der Leyen– have repeatedly pledged to build mutually beneficial partnerships. With new ‘Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships’ and the further implementation of free trade agreements, the European Commission is developing new instruments for international partnerships.

However, potential partners remain hesitant as power imbalances persist. Trade relationships are often seen as extractivist and insufficient investments in partner countries have undermined trust. As global competition intensifies, it is clear that Europe needs to rethink its approach to build sustainable supply chains. 

Together with experts from our international network, we invite you to a discussion on the future of Europe’s global partnerships and to address the following questions:

• How is the European Union’s trade policy agenda shifting, and how are these shifts perceived in partner countries?
• Which technological fields offer the greatest potential for transnational partnerships? How can industrial cooperation in the field of green tech contribute to sustainable development?
• How does the EU aim to include sustainability provisions in recent initiatives to build and deepen partnerships? 

Speakers: 

• Cristina Miranda, Head of Unit - African, Caribbean and Pacific, Overseas Countries and Territories, Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, European Commission
• Rishabh Jain, Senior Programme Lead, Council on Energy, Environment and Water, India
• Marcelo Mena, CEO, Global Methane Hub & former Minister of the Environment, Chile
• Cláudia Azevedo, Senior Policy Analyst, Europe Jacques Delors 

Join us as we bring together voices from different regions to unpack the complexities of global partnerships and explore strategies for fostering sustainable and equitable global partnerships. We look forward to your participation!

Contact: Anton Möller, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union
Email: Anton.Moeller [at] eu.boell.org

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