Implementation of EU Trade Agreements Under an Assertive, Open, and Sustainable Trade Policy

Abstract

Since the 2010s the EU has expanded its preferential trade agreements, responding to challenges at the World Trade Organization and preferential trade agreements of key geoeconomic competitors. However, preferential trade agreements are only as good as their implementation. The EU 2021 Trade Policy Review for a more assertive trade policy includes a greater focus on preferential trade agreement implementation. An analysis of preferential trade agreement implementation reports identifies challenges in operationalising these. It shows that since 2019 there has been an increase in EU recourse to formal dispute settlement mechanisms under preferential trade agreements demonstrating the shift to greater assertiveness. Interestingly, most of the cases are of limited economic significance to the EU but serve to reinforce the message of enforcement of trade rules.

Economic Security and the Politics of Trade and Investment Policy in Europe

“…If such policies really favour the largest players, they may reduce rather than enhance countries' resilience to shocks. García (2023) turns the attention to EU PTAs. EU PTAs are a key part of EU trade policy and represent an important component of the new Economic Security Strategy's partnership pillar.…”

“…It finds that the key issues the EU focuses on relate to market access for agricultural goods, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, geographic indications, (to a lesser extent) government procurement, services, labour, and environment. García's (2023) initial analysis shows that joint Committees created in PTAs are able to resolve matters, especially when these relate to proposals for new regulations and laws, as opposed to changing those already in existence, and tend to be more successful in newer agreements. Coinciding with the shift to a more assertive policy, since 2019 there has also been an increase in opening actual dispute proceedings within PTAs.…”