Trade and sustainability

Balance sustainability objectives with the competitiveness agenda.

EU trade and sustainability policies are becoming ever more interconnected as the EU strives to balance sustainability objectives with the competitiveness agenda.

EU trade agreements now include binding and comprehensive sustainability commitments, while different EU legislative initiatives – aimed at promoting decarbonisation or upholding high sustainability standards – have an impact on trade, for example measures addressing deforestation. The aim is to ensure trading partners around the world see the value of increasing sustainability standards, thereby creating a more level playing field for European companies.