spiritsEUROPE Trade Event 2026 - Trade, Geopolitics and Resilience in a Changing World
As the global trading environment becomes increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic security considerations and shifting international partnerships, maintaining open and predictable markets remains critical for Europe's export-driven industries, such as spirits.
The launch of spiritsEUROPE's annual trade report will provide the backdrop for a high-level discussion on the future of EU trade policy and its implications for European exporters.
The event will examine how the EU can balance openness and strategic autonomy while strengthening competitiveness in an increasingly fragmented global economy.
The conversation will also explore the role of trade diversification, free trade agreements and regulatory cooperation in expanding opportunities for European businesses, as well as the importance of maintaining stable and constructive trade relations with key partners around the world. Particular attention will be given to how EU trade policy can continue to support growth, resilience and global competitiveness for outward-looking sectors such as spirits.
The event will conclude with a networking reception from 18.45 to 20.30, providing an opportunity for further exchange among policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders.
Programme:
• Welcome Remarks – Mark Titterington, Director-General, spiritsEUROPE
Keynote address by H.E. Pranay Verma, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union
• Launch of the spiritsEUROPE Annual Trade Report - Presentation of the latest trade results and key trends shaping international markets for European spirits – Pauline Bastidon, Director Trade & Economic Affairs, spiritsEUROPE
• Conversation with Denis Redonnet, Deputy Director General at DG TRADE on the role of open and rules-based trade in Europe's resilience strategy and balancing openness and strategic autonomy in a changing global economy.
The launch of spiritsEUROPE's annual trade report will provide the backdrop for a high-level discussion on the future of EU trade policy and its implications for European exporters.