EU should prioritise free trade, say shippers

The European Shippers’ Council has called on the European Union to prioritise free trade in the future.

In a position paper to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade, the ESC said it wants to see a stronger focus on facilitation in free trade agreements (FTAs) and a better harmonisation of FTAs to enable their application; a stronger role for the EU in deescalating tension between partners in world trade; and as seamless Brexit as possible.

The ESC said the European Commission should use its position as the biggest trading block to de-escalate the present tense climate which results in trade wars such as the one between the US and the EU.

“ To settle global trade disputes and create stability in world trade, a well-functioning global trade organisation is indispensable. Therefore, ESC asks the European Commission to take a firm stance regarding the US blockage of the reappointment of judges in the World Trade Organisation’s Appellate Body.”