For a streamlined application process that aids the successful execution of the Global Gateway initiative, SMEs and reputable structures must be prioritized. Utilising support from IHKs is crucial.

As the European initiative is not the only one of its kind, it is essential to highlight and leverage synergies with already existing strategies such as the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investments or the Masterplan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, which are founded on comparable values. Instead of creating duplicate structures, projects within the connectivity initiatives should build upon each other, sharing and utilizing lessons learned, for example in specific infrastructure projects.

External economic cooperation and coordination between European countries and companies should also be improved so that the EU strengthens its role as a global player.

Additionally, it is crucial that Global Gateway is increasingly seen as a success story for fair competition on a global level. Enhancing cooperation in local Global Gateway projects can foster the establishment of long-term business relationships, securing supply chains, and optimizing processes through trust and reliability. This could achieve more efficient trade flows, ultimately reducing transaction costs for companies. In the long run, mutual market access could be safeguarded this way.

For Germany's strong industrial and export-oriented economy, it is crucial to establish long-term and reliable partnerships to meet its raw material demands. Global Gateway should explicitly contribute to strengthening supply chains with resource-rich countries, while not losing sight of establishing its own economically attractive capacities.

Through these collaborations, innovative value creation along the entire raw material chain should be promoted, ensuring equal access to essential resources. The focus should be placed on enhancing supply security through strategic raw material projects with EU-critical partner countries, particularly concerning the objectives of the European Critical Raw Materials Act. This Act seeks to diversify critical raw material supply to reduce overdependency on individual nations. Accordingly, Global Gateway projects should aim to support European companies in building new procurement and sales markets, as well as fostering investments in industries with high dependencies.

Furthermore, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) proposes strategic alignment with partner countries for critical raw material projects as part of Europe’s broader diversification efforts.

Innovations and standards paving the global way with EU projects and funding.

Promoting vocational and educational training is vital to ensuring Global Gateway partnerships succeed over the long term.

The success of Global Gateway fundamentally depends on an effective marketing strategy that makes the initiative known worldwide. In this context, a Global Gateway Certificate could be conceivable, which certifies that participant companies comply with European norms and standards. Besides providing a positive image for the company, this would promote understanding of Global Gateway as a standardized, high-quality label and strengthen newly accessed procurement markets.

Additionally, the stronger involvement of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (AHKs) in offering consultation opportunities regarding participation and promoting the initiative in partner countries would be beneficial.

To enable active participation by all economically relevant stakeholders, including SMEs, a continuous, structured, and comprehensible information flow from the EU is essential. Ongoing feedback mechanisms such as the planned Business Advisory Group are therefore indispensable for ensuring that Global Gateway continues to be appropriately tailored to its specific audience needs.