In these times of geopolitical turmoil on tariffs on goods, it is reassuring that the world of trade in services is still striving. In 2024, the European Union exported €1.5 trillion of services (+8.9% growth compared to 2023) and imported €1.3 trillion (+6.9% growth compared to 2023), making a surplus of + €190 billion. Trade in services represents now an impressive 37.7% of the total EU exports (goods and services) in 2024. This half-day morning event will serve as a platform to highlight the growing importance and relevance of services to the EU trade policy agenda and to businesses across all economic sectors.

The event will provide deep insight into the broader cross sector impact and multi-trillion euro value of trade in services to the manufacturing and primary industries with a focus on the importance of cross-border digital trade to ensure the development of global value chains.

Along with leading policymakers and experts in EU and international trade, this event will aim to raise awareness that, beyond the immediate focus on tariffs on goods, the real beating heart of world trade is in services.

Plus other speakers from DG Trade, OECD, WTO and Business. Look up the full programme and list of speakers soon.

This event is organised by the European Services Forum, the voice of the EU services industry for trade and investment. The event is hosted by the Employers’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). It will take place in the EESC Premises on 99/101, rue Belliard, 1040, Brussels, Belgium.