G20 must play a leading role on climate and trade

Tomorrow G20 leaders will meet in Hamburg where the discussions will focus on climate and trade. These are two critical areas for the European business community and G20 needs to show strong commitment and leadership.

Regarding climate Emma Marcegaglia, President of BusinessEurope, said: “EU business supports the Paris Agreement as it provides a global framework for investment in low-carbon technologies, progress towards a level playing field and more transparency. Support for and unity of the Paris Agreement must be preserved. Therefore, we call on the G20 to show leadership, to reaffirm and stick to their commitments. This is even more important now the US Administration has decided to leave the agreement."

Concerning trade Emma Marcegaglia, President of BusinessEurope, stated: “We need to see concrete measures to roll back protectionism within G20. At every summit leaders make commitments in favour of free trade and against protectionism but the opposite is happening in reality. We are especially concerned about possible actions that could harm EU exports and at the same time weaken the multilateral trading system. Trade can be inclusive while supporting ambitious and balanced market openings.”