The benefits of globalisation in the EU
The EU is one of the largest players in international trade, next to the US and China, with EU exports representing more than 15% of global exports.
More than 36 million jobs in the EU depend on exports beyond its borders. On average, every €1 billion exports to non-EU countries supports more than 13,000 EU jobs.
International trade means more competition, which benefits consumers in terms of lower prices and more choice. The benefits to EU consumers amount to about €600 a year per person.
Find out more about the benefits of globalisation in Europe
Managing the negative impact on employment
Globalisation also creates challenges in terms of employment such as job losses and relocation.
In the EU, the most fragile sectors are textiles, clothing, footwear and leather, basic metals and fabricated metal products and manufacturing industries, which mostly offer low-skilled jobs.
To reduce this negative impact of globalisation, the EU created the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in 2006. The purpose of this emergency fund is to help workers who have lost jobs because of globalisation.
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