ARTICLE23 September 2020

The single market should be the main focus of the EU 

MEP Charlie Weimers (ECR) answers questions about free trade and the functioning and role of the single market after the Corona crisis.

MEP Charlie Weimers (ECR)

Many believe that the inherent weaknesses of the single market became more apparent during the Coronavirus crisis, for example through the closure of borders and the introduction of export bans. What do you see as the role of the single market in the future? What should be done, and what actions should the EU take to counteract the likelihood of further problems? Is the single market likely to cease to function in the event of future crises?

The single market should be the main focus of EU cooperation. The European Union must refocus on the basics. The EU regulatory burden must be reduced, and the European Commission must live up to its promise to phase out one rule for each new one it introduces. The administrative costs facing companies must also be reduced. Before the EU focuses on the next crisis, it should take action to restore its proper functioning after this most recent one.

What measures at EU level do you see as particularly important for the economy to recover from the Coronavirus crisis? What will be the role of the EU”s single market and free trade in the recovery?

The EU must withstand the pressure from those who want to use the crisis to fundamentally change the Union. More rules, greater integration, the transfer of power in more areas and transfers between countries are not the ideal breeding ground for a recovery. Instead, the EU should signal stability; this should begin with complying with its own regulations. In times of crisis, it is our task as elected conservative representatives to slow down those proposals that are not legally sustainable or effective.

It is now standard to sign free trade agreements that contain clauses on, for example, the environment and labour law issues. Do you think that it is a good or bad thing to use free trade agreements to influence other countries” actions on issues that are not directly related to trade? How should these clauses be formulated in the future, if at all?

Trade agreements should focus on rules for trade. Otherwise, there is a considerable risk that the overall goal of reducing barriers to trade in goods and services across borders will be undermined - or even cut short - by short-term political agendas. Ultimately, there is no end to the good intentions that can be ‘baked in’ to trade agreements.

There is currently an ongoing discussion regarding climate tariffs or the ‘carbon border adjustment mechanism’. What is your position on the EU imposing such duties / charges? How would this affect Sweden and Swedish companies?

For decades, federalists have pushed for additional resources of their own, sent directly to EU coffers. Direct revenue to the EU budget would mean that the central institutions can gradually free themselves from the last remaining controls held by the Member States. In Sweden, the popular opposition to tax law at EU level is strong. Therefore, we are first softened up through fees and duties that would be introduced on supposedly ”good” grounds. Climate tariffs are hardly compatible with the World Trade Organization”s regulations and will undoubtedly have an adverse impact on Sweden”s international trade flows. Swedish export companies will be negatively affected if our largest trading partners take countermeasures such as punitive duties.

The relationship between the EU and China is currently somewhat strained. What do you think the EU”s approach to China should look like?

In order to gain due respect and earn concessions from the great powers, the EU must begin by getting its own house in order. We need to clean up our over-regulated economies. The Augean stable of regulations must be cleaned to allow our companies to regain their global competitiveness. Overall, we require a new realistic approach to the communist regime in China. We must not jeopardise Swedish strategic interests; therefore decisions - for example on the acquisition of companies or infrastructure with a significant impact on national security - must be decided by Swedish authorities. The Swedish Transport Agency scandal shows the importance of Swedish authorities placing greater focus on national security vis-à-vis other interests.

In June, the European Commission presented a White Paper on foreign subsidies in the internal market. Among other things, this contains proposals on how to handle distortive competitive effects from companies that receive subsidies from countries outside the EU. What is your view on this?

China increased its state business support to record levels in 2018. The increase, which is part of the country”s industrial strategy, has led to overproduction and has given Chinese companies a competitive advantage. The starting point for EU policy should be clarity and proportionality.

It is not uncommon for the implementation of trade agreements to be hampered by individual countries - or even regional parliaments – failing to give their approval. Is it a problem that, for example, the parliaments of Wallonia or the Netherlands can block free trade agreements?

It is unfortunate when regional parliaments block free trade agreements. However, the fact that the parliaments in the Swedish-speaking territories of Finland or the German-speaking region of Belgium can, in theory, block international agreements is part of the internal power relationship that has developed in various EU countries. Respect for national constitutional law is both a cornerstone and a prerequisite for the EU if it is to have the opportunity to enjoy general support.

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Contact our EU Office

Address

Rue du Luxembourg 3
BE-1000 Bruxelles
Subscribe to our Swedish newsletter
Contact our EU Office

Address

Rue du Luxembourg 3
BE-1000 Bruxelles
Subscribe to our Swedish newsletter
Publisher and editor-in-chief Anna Dalqvist