Research presented in this article highlights the place and significance of the Common trade policy in determining the role of the EU as an actor of the international scene. According to the existing forecasts, by the year 2015 up to 90% of growth in global economy will be generated outside Europe – in Asian markets first of all. In order to keep up with their competitors and to successfully use the new global opportunities, European firms need an access to these markets where they can, however, meet substantial obstacles.