Free Trade Europa is a think tank delving into the development of short, easily digestible thought pieces on key dossiers and acts as a commentator on European policy developments. The entity also prepares conferences, briefings and seminars relevant concerns. Glen Hodgson, Founder and CEO of Free Trade Europa, with over twenty-five years of experience in communications, public affairs, and lobbying, focuses on promoting free trade, liberalisation, and the rule of law within the European Union and internationally. Glen was previously responsible for the Nordics, Baltics and Central & Eastern Europe within an international communications agency. Prior to this, he worked for European institutions as well as governments, blue-chip international companies, startups and NGOs as a lobbyist, strategist and communications advisor. In this interview, we get a detailed insight into Free Trade Europa's foundation, policies and transitions, and the role of China and Russia in the EU's green transition initiative.

AL Circle: As the founder of Free Trade Europa, what motivated you to establish this think tank, and what are its primary objectives for the aluminium trade in Europe?

Glen Hodgson: I founded this think tank because of increasing protectionism globally and the need to support the social, economic and political benefits of openness, liberalisation and free trade for governments, companies, consumers and citizens. When it comes to aluminium, the goal is to ensure free and open trade and not see this vital resource used as a political weapon.

AL Circle: Leading the Freelance Movement initiative in Northern Europe, what significant trends do you observe in the platform economy, and how do you foresee the future of work evolving in the next decade?

Glen Hodgson: I foresee huge growth for the platform economy, open talent and freelancing as more companies, organisations and individuals demand freedom, flexibility and choice as to when, where and how they work. People will replace the traditional 9 to 5 work arrangement with "portfolio careers" made up of multiple roles and projects to earn money.

AL Circle: With your extensive experience as a lobbyist and strategist for European institutions and governments, please share a specific instance where your efforts led to a notable policy change or development in the European aluminium industry.

Glen Hodgson: I was advocating for an end to EU-US tariffs on steel and aluminium under the previous US administration and was happy to see that a deal was brokered in 2021. It is sad to see this issue once again rearing its ugly head.

AL Circle: Having worked with blue-chip companies, startups, and NGOs, how do you tailor communication strategies to effectively address the diverse needs of these organisations?

Glen Hodgson: The goal is always to understand the needs of the partner and what they want to achieve. We then work backwards in terms of looking at the key stakeholders to engage with, the activities that will be needed, and the communications channels matched with the required content.

AL Circle: During your tenure as Secretary General of a European trade association, what were the key challenges you faced, and how did you address them to promote the association's goals?

Glen Hodgson: The key challenges faced were economic, environmental and social. A key element of success centred on education: there was a huge amount of misunderstanding regarding the sector and its importance for the broader economy.

AL Circle: Can Europe achieve a green energy transition without the support of China and Russia, given the present circumstances? What is your stance on the matter?

Glen Hodgson: Addressing climate goals will require Europe to be working with the US, China, Russia and India. Industry and solutions providers are global, and trying to do things in isolation will be slow, expensive and of poorer quality. The current wave of protectionism is bad for everyone.

AL Circle: As a respected commentator on European affairs, what current developments do you believe are most critical for aluminium businesses and policymakers to focus on?

Glen Hodgson: Energy, environmental and trade policy are crucial. For many years, European institutions have taken an anti-raw materials and anti-business stance. Thankfully, this is changing, but the industry needs to be vocal and call out bad policies where they exist.

AL Circle: Given your advocacy for free trade and experience in European policy, what are the biggest regulatory challenges facing the European aluminium industry today, and how can policymakers support its growth?

Glen Hodgson: Trade and the fondness for tariffs and barriers are key concerns. High energy costs are also a huge threat to the sector, and these need to be addressed. Politicians need to understand the vital importance of aluminium for industry and consumers.

AL Circle: Aluminium plays a crucial role in Europe's green transition. How do you see the industry's efforts in recycling, decarbonisation, and circular economy shaping its future competitiveness on a global scale?

Glen Hodgson: Aluminium is indeed a cornerstone of Europe's green transition, given its role in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and lightweight construction. The industry's focus on recycling, decarbonisation, and the circular economy will be critical in shaping its global competitiveness.

On Recycling Leadership – Europe already boasts some of the highest aluminium recycling rates globally, with nearly 75 per cent of aluminium produced still in use today. Expanding closed-loop recycling systems will reduce reliance on primary aluminium, cut emissions, and enhance cost efficiency.

Regarding a Decarbonisation Drive – European producers are investing in low-carbon aluminium by using renewable energy in smelting (e.g., hydropower in Scandinavia) and developing new technologies like inert anode electrolysis, which can drastically cut CO₂ emissions.

Concerning Circular Economy Advantage – Policies such as the EU Green Deal and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are pushing industries to adopt sustainable sourcing and lifecycle management, reinforcing Europe's position as a leader in sustainable aluminium.

However, global competitiveness remains a challenge. High energy costs, over-regulation, and supply chain dependencies threaten the sector, especially as China and the Middle East ramp up production with cheaper energy. To maintain its edge, Europe must balance sustainability goals with industrial competitiveness—ensuring that decarbonisation doesn't lead to deindustrialisation.

AL Circle: Looking ahead, are there any new projects or areas of research you plan to explore within the realms of aluminium free trade, digitalisation, or the future of work?

Glen Hodgson: I would like to work with industry, governments and consumers to ensure that the vital importance of aluminium is understood as well as the crucial global nature of production. We should not be limiting production since the impact would be drastic for businesses and the global economy.