For example, the free trade deals agreed with Canada, and soon to be agreed with Japan, contain guarantees that uphold the European values of respect for social standards, public services and the environment. Protectionism should not be confused with protection. Is that enough to protect those who lose out as a result of globalisation?
While maintaining policy consistency, we should at the same time improve our methods and tools of communication so as to better convey to the market the substance and background of our policy decisions. Nor should we neglect efforts to prepare for the day when unification comes.