Amidst ever rising global uncertainty, Europe must work more closely together
In an increasingly volatile global environment, resilience has become a top priority for businesses and governments. Until recently, the term was primarily associated with supply chains. However, the recent “yo-yo” developments around US tariffs serve as an example that resilience is not only a supply-side issue - it is often increasingly a demand-side concern as well. Diversification of markets must therefore become an even stronger strategic priority.
Admittedly, diversification is not always easy to achieve. Yet if all of Europe works more closely together, leveraging a market of well over 500 million consumers, we can create significant stability and opportunity. Greater European cooperation offers both economic strength and geopolitical resilience.
On the supply side, the “Made in Europe” agenda has gained political momentum. As a Chamber, we strongly advocate for the UK to be part of this strategy. Such an agenda should focus primarily on areas of genuine strategic importance - particularly defence and critical inputs, such as certain minerals, electronics and computer chips - ensuring that trade is restricted only for clear and vital national security reasons. Protectionism for its own sake would undermine the very resilience we seek to build.
On the demand side, European governments could also embrace a focused “Sell in Europe” approach. Strengthening intra-European trade, not only by deepening the single market but also through closer alignment across the whole continent, would reduce dependencies on more challenging partners and reinforce economic stability. At its core, this reflects a simple business principle: do not put all your eggs in one basket. In recent decades, short-term gains have at times overshadowed long-term strategic thinking.
As we recognise that not all global partners consistently adhere to free and fair trade practices, a strategic rethink is necessary. In the debate around “Made or Sell in Europe,” we should view Europe as one interconnected continent. The UK should not stand apart but rather play an active role in shaping and participating in a shared European resilience strategy.
At this critical juncture, closer European cooperation is not just desirable — it is imperative.
These are some of the key issues we will be discussing at the forthcoming UK-Germany Business-Government Forum on 27 April in Berlin, to which all our members are warmly invited. We very much hope to see many of you there.
Dr Ulrich Hoppe
Hauptgeschäftsführer
Deutsch-Britische Industrie- und Handelskammer
