The European Commission’s "Reflection Paper on Harnessing Globalisation"

The new EC reflection paper on globalisation sets new accents, but contains no major departure from current policy orientations. It takes a clear stand for free trade, while attacking "unfair competition" and arguing for a "balanced, rules-based and progressive trade and investment agenda". Despite its insistence on a managed globalisation and a fair redistribution of its benefits, its proposals are unlikely to allay domestic anxieties and external criticism.