Aligning development financing and external trade promotion better, easing access to the Global Gateway for medium-sized businesses, enhancing the visibility of European activities in third countries, and more: The DIHK presents proposals in five areas of focus.
Global Gateway aims to support partner countries in sustainably developing grids, transport links, internet connections, schools and clinics, whilst offering an alternative to China's 'New Silk Road.' Four years after its launch, however, the EU’s flagship project continues to fall short of its potential: Many businesses that could both benefit and contribute lack access to the initiative.
If Global Gateway is to be an international counterbalance, it must finally be usable by SMEs in a practical, quick, and straightforward manner
Dr. Volker Treier
-- Chief of Foreign Trade | Member of the Executive Board
Greater practicality and speed, reduced complexity
With its latest concept paper on Global Gateway, the DIHK advocates lowering obstacles and improving conditions, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At present, many businesses encounter difficulties due to complicated funding requirements, lack of support in establishing partnerships, and insufficient risk safeguards.
The concept paper lists specific proposals for improvement: simpler tenders, guarantees against investment defaults, a centralised one-stop-shop for guidance, and SME access to funding with lower volume thresholds. In addition, the DIHK proposes to make new trade and investment partnerships of the EU (Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships, CTIPs) more impactful.
The DIHK also advocates for strengthening the visibility of the Global Gateway. Furthermore, profitability and planning security should play a significantly greater role, including engaging the private sector in the initiative’s decision-making structures from the outset. In summary: Four years after its launch, a holistic approach is required that considers the needs of businesses more comprehensively.
Five fields of action with recommendations
Download
The complete DIHK concept paper on Global Gateway is available here:
"From Vision to Investment" (only available in German) (PDF, 143 KB)
DIHK Idea Paper from 2023
Back in September 2023, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) presented an idea paper on Global Gateway.
Find out more here (only available in German).
- Relevant in topic:
- Internationaler Handel
- Key areas:
-
- Außenwirtschaft
Released 10.09.2025
Modified 17.03.2026
Contact
Katharina Wittke
Director for South and Southeast Asia, Pacific | Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK)
Sandra Zwick
Director European Policy and EU Foreign Trade Promotion
Julia Fellinger
Spokesperson