The role of open trade in an increasingly uncertain world

European civil society will have the opportunity to discuss with Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela the EU’s overall trade policy priorities. While 'Open strategic autonomy' as adopted in 2021 remains the overall framework for EU trade policy going forward, the geopolitical context and economic outlook have in the meantime become increasingly uncertain.

The Executive-Vice President and Minister Síkela will share their views on how an open rules-based trade agenda remains as important as ever, to manage interdependence in line with the EU’s interests and values. Civil society will have the opportunity to share their views and ask questions.

Interpretation into/ from EN, CZ, DE and FR will be offered.

This meeting will be held in Prague. Registered participants can attend in person or online.

Participants from organisations based outside Prague who wish to participate in person can ask for their return travel expenses to be covered. Please contact TRADE-CIVIL-SOCIETY-TRAVELec [dot] europa [dot] eu (TRADE-CIVIL-SOCIETY-TRAVEL[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu) for more information.

You can watch the recording of the meeting in the following languages: English, Czech, French and German.

Speakers

Lead speakers

• Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis
• Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela

Moderator

• Ondřej Houska, Journalist for the Czech newspaper Hospodářské noviny

Agenda

14:45-15:00 Welcome coffee

15:00-15:40 Introduction and opening remarks

15:40-16:40 Moderated discussion with the participants

16:40-16:45 Closing remarks