Ex-post Assessment of the Global European Strategy

The changing situation in the world economy is connected with growing competition on global markets. This new situation creates growing possibilities for some, for others loss of gains. The goal of the European Union is to be more competitive on the world market and to keep the leading position in world trade. The article focuses on an assessment of the EU trade strategy "Global Europe: Competing in the world", that was carried out in the period 2006 - 2010. The analysis is provided in three steps. First of all, changes in the world economy as a factor influencing trade policy are shown. Secondly, the main priority areas of trade strategy are described. Finally, the progress achieved in the Global Europe strategy is analysed. Conclusions are based on method of deduction and calculation of changes in the EU's market share, trade integration and trade balance in 2006 - 2010. The results of trade analysis showed that preferential trade agreement is not a sufficient instrument for increasing trade and that more trade opportunities do not always have to mean lower unemployment.