Introduction. Different Glances at EU Trade Policy

Since the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, European trade policy objectives have in practice remained very much the same, while the strategy of achieving them has varied. Regarding the objectives, economic as well as neighbourhood and development interests should be pursued. Access to third-country markets should be provided so as to foster economic growth and jobs in the European Union (EU). To that end, third-country tariff and non-tariff barriers should be reduced including obstacles to foreign investment, fair competition and public procurement. This trade liberalisation should moreover meet the legitimate concerns of European citizens in the sense that EU regulations as well as labour and environmental norms should be preserved when dealing with third countries.