Franco-German Dialogue on Economic Security

« Trade and Economic Security » programme

Global trade is increasingly influenced by economic security considerations. It is also increasingly shaped by the growing use of coercive measures taken by major powers. Tariff surges, export restrictions and investment controls are disrupting value chains and raising the risk of sudden supply shocks. In this context, Europe faces mounting pressures to manage and mitigate the possible spillovers from incoming strategic rivalries, all while preserving an open, rules-based approach to trade.

Reducing excessive dependencies has become a strategic priority. It requires closer coordination between public authorities and private actors, and a more deliberate use of economic statecraft combining trade, investment, industrial, and security tools to reduce vulnerabilities without sliding into protectionism.

Our work is anchored in the EU’s economic security agenda, strengthening resilience while remaining open, across the risk areas of supply-chain resilience, technology leakage, critical infrastructure security and exposure to economic coercion.

Our priorities

The « Trade and Economic Security » programme of the Jacques Delors Institute is dedicated to:

• Analyse trends in global trade and EU trade relations with key partners and competitors;

• Assess economic security risks (dependencies, coercion exposure, critical technology and infrastructure vulnerabilities) and monitor the implementation of economic security strategies worldwide;

• Develop policy options and recommendations for European decision-makers;

• Convene public–private–expert dialogues to enable coordination and shared problem definition (Track 1.5 format);

• Support pathways towards an open, rules-based trade order (including cooperation with like-minded partners). 

Strategic dialogues on trade and economic security 

As the international system transforms rapidly, Europe must build the governance and funding capacity needed to operationalise an economic security strategy that protects citizens, strengthens business resilience, and supports cooperation with third countries to uphold common rules.

In December 2025, the European Commission presented additional initiatives to operationalise the 2023 Economic Security Strategy, including a more proactive use of the EU toolbox and measures to reduce dependencies.

To contribute to the necessary acceleration in coordination across institutions and stakeholders, the Jacques Delors Institute has launched three Track 1.5 dialogues bringing together officials, businesses, and experts.

Franco-German Dialogue on Economic Security

The Franco-German Dialogue on Economic Security provides a structured forum to align Paris and Berlin approaches across the many dimensions of economic security. Launched in Berlin in November 2025, it runs a series of closed-door workshops with officials, business leaders, and experts.

Outputs: briefing notes; a closed-door workshop series with read-outs; and reports with policy recommendations.

Supported by: the French Treasury, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MEDEF, BDI, BMW, Renault, and Bayer.