News

Trade & Policy

EU Pushes For Tougher Trade Defence And A Stronger ‘Made In Europe’ Market

• By  Textile Excellence
• October 31, 2026

European leaders have called for stronger tools to tackle global trade imbalances and protect the bloc's Single Market, signalling a tougher approach towards imports perceived to be underpriced or unfairly subsidised.

At their October 16 meeting, EU leaders asked the European Commission to make full use of existing trade instruments and urgently strengthen its toolbox with new measures. These could go beyond the current anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard mechanisms. However, no specific new instruments have been proposed or adopted yet.

The move comes amid growing concerns over global overcapacity and low-priced imports, particularly from Asian markets.

Making Europe more competitive

The trade defence push is part of a wider ‘Made in Europe’ agenda. EU leaders also want to strengthen the Single Market by removing internal barriers, simplifying regulations, speeding up industrial permits and reducing administrative burdens, particularly for SMEs.

Key initiatives include the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act and measures to support energy-intensive industries. The objective is to help European manufacturers compete and expand, even as the EU considers tighter conditions for goods entering its market.

The EU also reaffirmed its support for the Emissions Trading System (ETS), while calling for measures to limit carbon-price volatility and a review of ETS2, which covers buildings and road transport. 

Key initiatives include the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act and measures to support energy-intensive industries. The objective is to help European manufacturers compete and expand, even as the EU considers tighter conditions for goods entering its market. The EU also reaffirmed its support for the Emissions Trading System (ETS), while calling for measures to limit carbon-price volatility and a review of ETS2, which covers buildings and road transport.