Šefčiović announces a new European economic security doctrine and calls for the acceleration of global trade agreements.
Copenhagen, December 1, 2025 - The European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, stated at the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for European Affairs (COSAC), held in Copenhagen, that the European Union is on the verge of presenting an "economic security doctrine," a concept intended to guide the EU's position in global trade relations, in managing economic risks, and in strengthening strategic resilience. Šefčovič emphasized that Europe can no longer afford to treat trade as an isolated domain, but as a tool at the intersection of internal policy, geopolitics, and economic security.
In short The EU is preparing a new economic security doctrine to face tensions and changes in global trade.
Trade relations with the USA have stabilized again, while with China the EU seeks cooperation but also a reduction in dependencies.
Europe is diversifying its trade agreements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and is using trade defense instruments to protect European industries.
In his speech, the commissioner highlighted the rapid changes in the international environment, especially in relations with the United States and China. Regarding the USA, he mentioned that, following the agreement reached in July and the subsequent joint declaration, transatlantic trade relations have regained stability and predictability. Šefčovič specified that recent discussions with American officials, including Secretary Howard Lutnick, are now focused on implementation and strengthening a robust trade framework capable of supporting jobs and European investments.
In relation to China, the commissioner acknowledged the significant economic interdependence, with trade exchanges of 731 billion EUR in 2024, but insisted on the need to continue diversification and de-risking policies. Beijing's measures regarding the export control of rare earths have demonstrated, according to him, the vulnerabilities of European supply chains and the importance of balanced trade relations based on reciprocity and fair market rules.
Šefčovič also conveyed a strong message regarding the diversification of the EU's trade agenda, emphasizing that only one-third of European trade occurs with the USA and China, while two-thirds depend on less visible but essential global markets for the EU's competitiveness. In the past year, the Union has advanced major trade agreements with Indonesia, Mexico, and Mercosur and is currently negotiating agreements with India, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, East and Southern African countries, as well as the United Arab Emirates. The EU is also exploring alternative forms of cooperation, such as digital trade agreements with Singapore and South Korea, a sustainable investment facilitation agreement with Angola, and the recently concluded partnership with South Africa for clean trade and investments.
The commissioner emphasized that open trade must be accompanied by the protection of the European industry, indicating that there are currently 230 active trade defense measures protecting over 600,000 jobs in the EU. These instruments are intended to counter subsidized imports or unfair trade practices, especially in sensitive sectors such as oil and metal alloys.
Another major message concerned Europe's role in reforming the World Trade Organization. Šefčovič stated that the EU is in the "driver's seat" in modernizing the global trade system, with concrete proposals in the areas of governance, fair competition conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms. He emphasized that multilateral rules can no longer remain anchored in an outdated reality, and the Union must actively shape the future of the global trading order.
Finally, the commissioner called for a more active role of national parliaments in defining and evaluating European trade policy, especially through contributions regarding the Commission's annual work program. According to him, the legitimacy and effectiveness of the EU's trade policy depend on closer cooperation between institutions, in a global context where "there is no turning back to the old times."
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