Focus AreasTrade & Economic Security

In a world where multi-lateralism and open trade have been replaced by volatile geopolitics, strategic moves on critical raw materials and the threat of tarifs, this ERT group benefits from insights from European industrial and technology companies with operations worldwide. Through the work of this group, ERT aims to build consensus on some of the key challenges in maintaining trade links on a mutually beneficial level playing field.

ERT's Committee on Trade & Economic Security:

Co-Chairs

Dr Ilham Kadri

Syensqo

Jacob Wallenberg

Investor AB

Featured Documents

27 January 2026

ERT welcomes the Conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement

Brussels, 27 January 2026: The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) welcomes the conclusion of the EU India Free Trade Agreement. This milestone sends a positive signal that the EU...

View Document

22 January 2026

ERT calls for provisional application of EU-Mercosur

Brussels, 22 January 2026: Yesterday, the Plenary of the European Parliament voted to refer the EU–Mercosur agreement to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). 1 Geopolitical pressures on Europe continue...

View Document

19 January 2026

ERT Statement on EU-US relations

ERT expresses very serious concern about recent threats to derail the EU-US trade agreement reached last summer at Turnberry. The agreement satisfied key US concerns and provided much needed predictability...

View Document

11 December 2025

JOINT STATEMENT ON EU-MERCOSUR

We are the leading cross-sectoral business organisations in Europe representing millions of companies, both big and small. In the current geopolitical landscape, it is more important than ever that the...

View Document

24 November 2025

ERT delegation in high-level EU-US meeting to advance transatlantic trade cooperation

Brussels, 24 November 2025: A delegation of business leaders from the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) participated in high-level discussions today between the European Commission, the European Parliament and the...

View Document

13 October 2025

European business leaders urge EU-27 governments to ratify the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement

13 October 2025: Ahead of the informal meeting of EU trade ministers taking place in Copenhagen today and tomorrow, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) expresses its strong support...

View Document

Trade & Economic Security

Document Category

All Focus Areas

Security, Defence & Dual Use

Security, defence, and dual-use technologies are vital to Europe's industrial resilience, technological sovereignty, and global competitiveness in an increasingly complex and interconnected geopolitical landscape.

Single Market Completion

The EU Single Market enables free movement and economic integration. ERT champions its completion, backing Enrico Letta’s report and urging broader scope and faster implementation.

CFO Platform

The CFO Platform aims to build consensus on how the EU can restore the business case for investing in Europe.

Industrial & Competition Policy

Aligning EU industrial and competition policy supports innovation and strategic sectors while preserving fair markets, enabling Europe to compete globally without undermining the Single Market.

Trade & Economic Security

In a fragmented global trade landscape, ERT unites European industry insights to promote fair, stable, and mutually beneficial trade amid rising geopolitical and protectionist pressures.

Tech, AI & Data

Digital transformation is vital for Europe’s competitiveness. The Tech, AI and Data Group promotes cross-sector strategies to harness innovation while protecting consumers and addressing societal challenges.

Energy Transition & Clean Industry

European industry backs decarbonisation and clean energy while protecting competitiveness. It seeks policies enabling a green transition without triggering deindustrialisation or weakening Europe’s industrial base.

R&D, Innovation & Skills

Driving EU policy on R&D, innovation, and skills, fostering investment, talent development, and education-industry alignment to boost Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.