Lessons from EU member states’ Team National

Summary

The EU's Global Gateway strategy aims to mobilise public and private investment in partner countries while advancing the EU's economic and geostrategic interests. Through the Global Gateway Investment Hub (GGIH), the European Commission, largely DG INTPA, has encouraged member states to establish ‘Team National’ mechanisms to coordinate domestic actors and facilitate companies' participation in Global Gateway investments. Several member states have begun developing these, and their experience offers lessons for others, especially newer ones.

First, while some Team Nationals pre-date Global Gateway, most new ones stem from the Commission's push to ease access to GGIH support. Many member states, however, see them more broadly, as national coordination tools serving wider private-sector internationalisation and economic diplomacy goals.

Second, Team Nationals add most value by improving coordination among public institutions involved in investment promotion, development cooperation and export finance. Effective models typically rely on a small secretariat, strong leadership from foreign affairs and finance ministries, and a structure functioning as an investment committee.

Third, engaging the private sector requires managing expectations and offering a clear value proposition. Interest in Global Gateway is real, but uncertainty over instruments and procedures has bred scepticism. Clear communication and a partnership-based approach can build credibility and improve project quality.

Fourth, a step-wise approach is advisable: starting light, with a small secretariat coordinating a limited set of key stakeholders, minimises transaction costs and avoids unnecessary bureaucracy.

Finally, coordination challenges are rarely solved by changing institutional mandates. The real goal is enabling institutions with different mandates to work together more effectively.