Blog: #Trade4All - Hoofdinhoud

This week, I presented something that I have been working on for quite some time - our strategy for a more responsible trade and investment policy. The strategy responds to the need for trade to deliver results and economic benefits for Europe, in the wake of the economic crisis.

But the strategy, entitled ‘Trade for All: Towards a more responsible trade and investment policy’, also addresses the need for responsible policies, in line with European values such as human rights, sustainable development, the fight against corruption and maintaining high environmental and safety standards.

It also reaffirms my commitment to transparency, with a pledge to make negotiating texts available online for all trade and investment negotiations, so that the public can engage with us.

So the strategy will guide the EU's approach to trade and investment policy in the coming years, with a focus on effectiveness, transparency and values. The strategy is, in part, a response to the increasing public debate on trade policy, not least TTIP, and was developed in consultation with civil society, with the European Parliament and EU Member States.

What we have found is that Europeans know that trade can deliver jobs, growth and investment for consumers, workers and small companies. And they want more of those results. But they don't want to compromise on core principles such as sustainable development around the world, or high quality regulation and public services at home. And they want to know more about the negotiations we carry out in their name.

So trade policy must become more effective, more transparent and more in tune with our values. In short, it must become more responsible, and we have outlined how to achieve that. If you want to know more, you can find the strategy, factsheets and more information at ec.europa.eu/trade/strategy. You can also watch the press conference here.