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EU Trade Commissioner Calls for Deep Reform of WTO from Nicosia

Published February 20, 2026, 12:16
EU Trade Commissioner Calls for Deep Reform of WTO from Nicosia

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is calling for a deep reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) from Nicosia, ahead of the MC14 ministerial conference in Cameroon. Šefčovič stressed that the balance of rights and obligations within the WTO does not reflect today's realities and that modernization is needed to restore confidence in the multilateral system. The EU's approach is based on three pillars: predictability, fairness, and flexibility. The informal meeting of EU Trade Ministers (FAC) also discussed relations with China, with a focus on structural imbalances and concerns about overcapacity and state subsidies. Ministers emphasized the need to utilize trade defense instruments, without advocating for complete decoupling from China. Šefčovič urged member states to accelerate the ratification of trade agreements, pointing out that delays have an economic cost. He specifically mentioned the EU-India and EU-Mercosur agreements, expressing optimism for a mutually beneficial outcome and highlighting the cost of delays. The discussion in Nicosia highlighted the EU's intention to modernize multilateral rules, while maintaining open trade relations and accelerating the conclusion of agreements in an environment of increased geopolitical tensions. Ministers from various member states supported the reform of the WTO and the strengthening of the EU's strategic autonomy, with different approaches regarding risk management in relation to China.

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