The Expanding Role of Commercial Diplomacy in EU–US Trade Relations
By Emilia Badstue Valbum Global trade between the European Union and the United States represents one of the most significant economic partnerships in the world. Yet the nature of that relationship has evolved considerably over the past decade. Trade policy is no longer centered primarily on tariffs and market access; instead, it increasingly revolves around regulatory alignment, industrial strategy, and geopolitical resilience. Commercial diplomacy now plays a central role in navigating this environment. From Tariffs to Regulatory Frameworks Historically, transatlantic trade discussions focused on reducing barriers to goods and services. Today, the conversation is broader and more complex. Regulatory standards, environmental frameworks, data governance, and industrial policy shape the operating landscape for multinational companies on both sides of the Atlantic. The European Union and the United States approach regulation through distinct philosophies. The EU often applies ...