Mediaroom

CLEPA recognises that today’s communication confirms the EU’s growing attention for sustainability and level playing field. CLEPA will continue to play a constructive role ensuring that trade policy initiatives that aim to address legitimate concerns regarding level playing field, supply chains, human rights and sustainability are shaped effectively and do not result in counterproductive outcomes. It will be crucial to ensure that trade policy instruments do not circumvent or undermine the WTO. Instruments that could be perceived as protectionist should be carefully considered and trade partners should be consulted to avoid trade tensions and a spiral of retaliation measures. Trade in innovative and sustainable technologies will play a key role realising the objective of a sustainable and circular economy, highlighting the importance of a trade strategy that facilitates a global flow of goods and access to markets.

CLEPA Secretary General Sigrid de Vries said: “CLEPA welcomes the European Commission’s new trade strategy and the clarity the communication provides on the core objectives of the EU’s trade policy. Europe’s automotive suppliers agree that an open trade regime is at the centre of Europe’s economic prosperity and competitiveness. Continued access to global markets and a stable, global trade environment will be crucial for our sector to recover from the current crisis and continue to invest to maintain our leading role as innovators in sustainable and safe mobility.”   

The openness of the Single Market and Free Trade Agreements create opportunities for businesses across the world and help attract investments, creating jobs and strengthening Europe’s economic fabric. CLEPA will continue to support the Commission in its efforts to negotiate trade agreements with third countries and endorses ratification of concluded agreements, including the FTA with Mercosur. The Commission rightly pursues reform of the World Trade Organisation, as it will play a crucial role providing a secure and stable framework for international trade and investment.  This is particularly true for automotive suppliers who rely on an open and stable trade environment to fulfill a leading role in the global supply chain. The scale of the global market allows our industry to provide 1.7 million direct jobs in the EU alone and invest €30 billion a year in innovation.