Willy Borsus (MR, Belgium), Vice-President of Wallonia and Minister for the Economy and External Trade, has been appointed rapporteur for the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on the crucial EU Trade Policy Review launched last week by the European Commission. 

The Commission's objective is to reach a consensus on the new direction of European trade policy in the medium term to respond to various new global challenges and taking into account the lessons learned from the coronavirus crisis. The consultation covers all topics related to EU trade policy, with a focus on the following points:

• Building a resilient and sustainable European economy after coronavirus
• Reforming the World Trade Organization
• Creating global business opportunities for companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises
• Optimising the contribution and adapting trade policy to major global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development or digital transition
• Strengthen trade and investment relations with key trading partners
• Improving the conditions of competition and protecting EU businesses and citizens

The Committee of the Regions, as the official voice of Europe's regions, will play an important role in dialogue with the European Commission. Borsus, who sits on the CoR for Wallonia in the Renew Europe Group, said he was ready to speak out for Wallonia and the regions of Europe on an issue that has become a priority for the regions in recent years:

"Wallonia wants to make its voice and analysis heard in this debate which is essential for our citizens, our economic prosperity and our future. This opinion is also a particularly interesting opportunity, in this crucial period, to confront the points of view of regions, local authorities, and European institutions."

.@wborsus (@MR_officiel), Vice-President of the Government of #Wallonia and Minister for Economy and Trade was appointed @EU_CoR rapporteur for the Trade Policy Review at today's meeting of the ECON commission.#EUtrade #EUTradeReview pic.twitter.com/V5IDFU01XS

— Renew Europe CoR (@RenewEuropeCoR) June 23, 2020