FEM, together with 43 other European organisations, have sent a statement to EU Ambassadors, President Ursula von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, calling for a more ambitious and effective EU Trade Defence framework to ensure fair, rules-based competition and strengthen Europe’s industrial base.
Unfair trade practices, state-driven distortions and high energy and other costs are putting growing pressure on European competitiveness. In 2025 alone, the EU’s goods trade deficit with China reached €359.8 billion, almost €1 billion every day.
If Europe wants to preserve its industrial base, attract investment and support quality jobs, it needs to EU trade defence toolbox to respond faster, more effectively and strategically.
Together, we are calling on EU Member States to support three priorities:
- Immediately allocate sufficient additional human resources to DG Trade
- Make more effective use of Trade Defence Instruments
- Propose a new policy toolkit to address state-driven distortions