Position Papers

All undersigned business associations believe that an ambitious and open trade policy is essential to supporting the EU’s competitiveness. Trade openness drives economic growth and job creation, with 1 in 5 EU jobs relying on exports. It benefits consumers by increasing choices, with 60% of Europeans acknowledging these advantages, and attracts foreign investments, fostering growth and innovation in the EU. Additionally, diversification in sourcing and exports enhances resilience and our ability to weather and overcome crises.

ITI and Orgalim represent technology companies and industries operating on both sides of the Atlantic. Looking at the upcoming Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting on 4-5 April 2024, we call on both sides to conclude an agreement on conformity assessment as soon as possible.

Orgalim takes note of the increasing focus of the European Commission on economic security and of the publication of the European Economic Security Strategy (EESS) in June 2023. While acknowledging the importance of economic security, we firmly believe that the process of de-risking industrial value chains should remain primarily market driven.

Securing stable and resilient supply chains for raw materials is a key priority for Europe’s technology industries. We believe that the European Critical Raw Materials Act (ECRMA) is a step in the right direction and will support our industries in delivering the high-tech solutions that are needed to support the EU’s twin digital and green transitions.

At the meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) on 5 December 2022, the EU and the US agreed to “continue exploring opportunities to improve cooperation in conformity assessment, including in machinery and other sectors.” Orgalim views EU-US cooperation on conformity assessment as a very welcome step forward in the context of the TTC and wishes to put forward recommendations as to how to achieve concrete results in this area, to the advantage of businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.