In a speech given in the Czech Republic on February 7, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson defended a policy of economic openness in the European Union, calling for a commitment to facing the commercial challenges of globalisation.

Speaking to the ‘Retail Summit’ in Prague, Mr Mandelson issued a clear warning that Europe faces a swing against openness, and a drift to populism”.

He stated that he would be robust” in defending Europe’s interests from unfair trade but that we must be careful not to allow a legitimate need to provide safeguards and to create balance and time to adjust to become a concession to protectionist populism that will simply do Europe economic damage in the long term.”