Commissioner Šefčovič visits the WTO to reaffirm EU commitment to rules-based trade

Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič (pictured) has travelled to Geneva to meet with key stakeholders of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and reaffirm the European Union's support for the multilateral trading system and the organisation's essential role in global trade. During his visit, Commissioner Šefčovič will meet WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonio-Iweala to convey European support for his efforts to adapt the WTO to the evolving challenges of today's political and economic landscape. This high-level engagement reinforces the EU's vision of a reformed WTO that remains the cornerstone of global trade governance and delivers tangible benefits to economies around the world. This visit comes at a crucial time for global trade, with the WTO facing several challenges, including in the area of ​​dispute settlement, tackling overcapacity and implementing other key reforms.

Commissioner Šefčovič said: “The EU remains the global champion of rules-based international cooperation. This is why we are committed to a well-functioning and revitalised World Trade Organization. For the WTO to remain the most relevant forum for the global trading system, it must address all the issues we face in the current trading system, for the benefit of all.”

Moreover, like business, trade thrives on predictability and fair rules. The Commission remains committed to fostering international cooperation and addressing the pressing challenges of global trade. Trade accounts for almost a quarter of EU GDP and ensuring a predictable and open trading environment is fundamental to the EU's competitiveness.

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