The future of European industry and trade in the face of challenges: Informal meeting of EU Ministers for the Internal Market, Industry, and Trade in Warsaw

The informal meeting of EU ministers for trade, the internal market, and industry in Warsaw was chaired by the Minister for Development and Technology, Krzysztof Paszyk.

The discussions were also attended by Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, responsible for trade and economic security, and Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, Simon Mordue. Ministers responsible for industry from EFTA countries also participated in the talks.

The inaugural session of the joint meeting featured a special guest, Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD.

As Minister Paszyk said, European policy must respond to the challenges to our competitiveness and lead to greater economic security for Europe. Effective trade policy requires a strong industrial base, while industrial development depends on an ambitious and assertive trade policy.

Coherent actions in industry and trade

The Polish presidency is the first to organise a joint meeting of two Council configurations – the Competitiveness Council and the Foreign Affairs Council in its trade format. The current challenges to Europe's competitiveness require synergy between different policies and breaking down administrative silos.

Ministers agreed that trade policy instruments should be more closely aligned with industrial policy objectives to strengthen the global competitiveness of European businesses.

They also emphasised the need for new initiatives to boost the resilience of the Single Market and ensure a level playing field, particularly in response to unfair practices by third countries.

The discussion highlighted the importance of supporting traditionally strong sectors such as chemicals, steel, and automotive, as their condition directly affects global competitiveness and resilience to external shocks caused by shortages of key resources in the European market.

The discussions on coherence between trade and industrial policy marked the first political debate among economic ministers following the European Commission’s publication of the Competitiveness Compass. This document sets out the strategic direction for European economic policy over the next five years, with planned initiatives aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of European businesses.

A key initiative announced in the Competitiveness Compass is the Clean Industry Pact, scheduled for presentation at the end of February.

Integration of candidate countries into EU value chains

Another key topic of discussion at the informal meeting in Warsaw was the potential integration of candidate countries into EU value chains to enhance both competitiveness and economic security. Ministers discussed which sectors should be prioritised in the integration process between the EU and candidate countries, particularly regarding supply chains. The talks also covered ways to improve the effectiveness of trade agreements and other relevant instruments.

Transatlantic relations

The informal meeting in Warsaw concluded with a discussion among EU ministers on strengthening the resilience of transatlantic relations. Ministers reaffirmed that the partnership between the United States and the European Union remains crucial for upholding the international order based on stable institutions, legal frameworks, and fair competition. They stressed the need to develop a positive agenda for trade, investment, and technological cooperation, while also ensuring the firm and flexible protection of the EU’s economic interests.

Study visits to innovative Polish companies

On Monday, ministers for the internal market and industry visited two innovative Polish companies: Bioton, a biotechnology firm providing safe and comprehensive solutions for diabetes treatment, and Vigo Photonics – a global leader in microelectronics, specialising in infrared photon detectors.

Press conference

You can watch the full press conference here.