Former European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström visits IE University as Distinguished Fellow of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs
Ms. Malmström joins the Distinguished Fellowship Program alongside José Manuel Durão Barroso, Paolo Gentiloni and Iván Duque.
Cecilia Malmström, former European Commissioner for Trade and Home Affairs, recently visited IE University as the new Distinguished Fellow of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, an initiative designed to connect students with prominent global leaders.
Ms. Malmström participated in the conversation "Competitiveness in Action: Future Strategies on International Trade" alongside Enrico Letta, Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs. They discussed current challenges for trade cooperation and the European approach to trade policy. "Nobody has more trade agreements than the EU," Ms. Malmström noted, highlighting the benefits of trade partnerships: "If you link people in trade, you link them in other areas as well, such as research or climate." When addressing resistance to cooperation from some countries, she emphasized the need for nations to join forces and form coalitions willing to advance in specific areas.
When asked about the skills required to negotiate a trade deal, she remarked: "You need to know the red lines for you and your opponent, take risks, be reliable and find a way to reach compromises where nobody is humiliated." Reflecting on her time as European Commissioner, she added: "When we entered negotiations, we tried to make a fair agreement, ensure that we did not lower any standards, and maintain transparency throughout the process."
Ms. Malmström also shared insights from her experience as European Commissioner for Trade in a session titled "Leading Europe in a Changing World: Inside the Path of an EU Commissioner", moderated by Borja Santos, Associate Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs. "It was quite tough to address topics such as terrorism and migration," she told students. When asked why she entered politics, Ms. Malmström explained that she wanted to change the world.
Ms. Malmström also took part in a session with students attending the CIVICA Winter Honour Seminar 2026. This seminar, dedicated to exploring gender, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, brought together master’s students from leading European higher education and research institutions in the social sciences, humanities, business management and public policy, including the London School of Economics, Sciences Po and Bocconi University.
Ms. Malmström served as Commissioner for Trade from 2014 to 2019 and as Commissioner for Home Affairs from 2010 to 2014. Previously, she was Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs from 2006 to 2010.
"The Distinguished Fellowship Program embodies our vision of public leadership: leaders who are not only technically skilled, but also guided by principles, values and a sense of shared responsibility. Through dialogue with distinguished fellows, our students, faculty and partners engage in a collective effort to rethink policies and advance inclusive and sustainable progress", underlined Borja Santos, Associate Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs.
Ms. Malmström is the latest figure to join a prominent group of Fellows, which includes José Manuel Durão Barroso, former President of the European Commission; Paolo Gentiloni, former Prime Minister of Italy and European Commissioner for Economy from 2019 to 2024; and Iván Duque, former President of Colombia.