Ahead of the European Commission publishing its report on the implementation of the EU free-trade deals, BusinessEurope today published its analysis and positions on the implementation of free-trade agreements (FTAs) by the EU, with concrete recommendations on how to maximise the benefits of these agreements. The EU has the largest network of trade agreements in the world covering over 70 countries and regions. More than 36 million EU jobs depend on exports outside the EU, an increase of 66% since 2000.  But as the number of trade agreements keeps growing, it is important they deliver new market opportunities and companies of all sizes can use them more and better. Our paper includes positions on simplifying administrative procedures; making companies, especially SMEs, more aware of the new market opportunities at an early stage; improving coordination and outreach activities with relevant stakeholders; and making sure the trade agreements are fully respected and implemented. - Read our paper here

How can the EU strengthen its foreign economic diplomacy and counter the extraterritorial impact of third-country sanctions? In a new position paper released today, the business community proposes measures in 5 key areas. The paper discusses a series of targeted, workable measures to help EU companies impacted by foreign sanctions regimes. Specifically, the EU Blocking Statute Regulation, the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), as well as efforts to reinforce the international role of the euro in international payments. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said:  "Sanctions should remain a foreign policy tool to be used in exceptional cases. Unfortunately, sanctions are increasingly being used to pursue economic objectives. With this position paper BusinessEurope aims to launch a discussion on the tools the EU can use to effectively protect its interests and those of its companies in cases where sanctions by third countries undermine our economic interests."