How open can trade be?

In today’s Trade-Off the Podium, Olof Gill breaks down the EU–Canada Summit: a new Alliance for the Future and a landmark Digital Trade Agreement concluded in record time, bringing clear rules for businesses, simpler digital trade and stronger online consumer protection.

What do a neodymium magnet, a Leuven microchip and a "dream big" pen have in common? On the fringes of Trade Policy Day, Chad Bown, former chief economist at the US State Department, and Tomas Baert from President von der Leyen's cabinet unpack choke points, the second China shock, Europe's record run of trade deals and why protectionism doesn't protect.Plus: the magnets that kept getting Tomas stopped at customs.

In today's Trade-Off the Podium, Olof Gill breaks down the EU's FDI screening report — notifications up 40% in 2025, reflecting growing economic security concerns, with a new regulation adopted in June set to strengthen the system from January 2028.

In today's Trade-Off the Podium, Olof Gill breaks down the EU's decision to remove tariffs on up to 80% of Armenian exports — a temporary two-year measure to support Armenia as Russia targets its economy and bring a trusted partner closer to the EU.

In today's Trade-Off the Podium, Olof Gill breaks down the EU-Philippines FTA — a historic deal deepening trade and investment ties with a key Indo-Pacific partner of 113 million people, days after von der Leyen's SOTEU call to expand EU partnerships.

In today's Trade-Off the Podium discussion Olof Gill breaks down von der Leyen's SOTEU speech — Canada as first-ever EU Associate Member, diversification away from dangerous dependencies, and 80+ trade deals in place, including Mercosur and a new Middle Corridor project.

Today’s Trade-off the Podium discussion on the EU–India trade deal – the largest ever concluded by either side.The Commission takes the deal one step closer to the finish line, asking the Council to approve its signature: (1) cutting over 90% of tariffs on EU goods exports and saving businesses up to €4 billion a year in duties, (2) opening new opportunities across goods, services, investment and public procurement in a market of two billion people, and (3) deepening the EU–India partnership on economic security, clean tech and resilient supply chains.

After seven years steering Europe through an energy crisis, Ditte Juul Jørgensen is back at DG Trade — this time as its Director-General, twelve years after she first left. In this special episode of Trade-Off, she talks diversification, free trade agreements, the EU-US framework, China, and why she keeps every clock in her life five minutes fast.

Trade isn't just about tariffs — it's about trust. On this episode of Trade Off, we ask: can Europe stay open without becoming exposed? From critical minerals to 5G networks, our guests explain why "economic security" isn't protectionism in disguise — it's about knowing where you're vulnerable before someone else does.

Today’s Trade-off the Podium discussion with Olof Gill on the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.The EU presents WTO reform proposals in Geneva: (1) rebalancing member rights/obligations, including flexibility for economic security concerns, (2) restoring a fair global level playing field via stronger rules and transparency, and (3) reforming WTO governance to speed up decision-making.