Is this the European Union’s approach to ‘digital partnerships’ in the Indo-Pacific just fluff? At the very least one can say it is much too timid.
Asia
Week in Brussels: anti-coercion, GSP wrangles, forced labour, India
A few notable developments in EU trade policy this week. By Rob Francis an Iana Dreyer.
EU continues to chide Bangladesh labour practices
The European Commission remains concerned about Bangladesh’s commitments to align its labour laws with international standards as required under the conditions of its current trading relationship with the EU, despite the country successfully ratifying relevant International Labour Conventions linked to forced labour and the minimum working age.
Slumbering EU FTA agenda gets small boost from Ukraine war
Much is in flux in the European Union’s geostrategic – hence also trade policy – positioning following the war in Ukraine. A lot will also depend on how China positions itself on this matter in the coming weeks and months. But diversification of trade relationships is now on top of …
EU, China mandate high level dialogue to advance ‘market access’ conversation
Today’s widely anticipated EU-China summit held via videoconference mainly offered a channel of direct communication between the leaders of the Council and the European Commission on the one hand and China’s president and vice-premier on the other, amidst rising political rifts between the two sides that have been building up …
Perspectives: Where now for EU-China relations?
This week’s EU-China summit will be dominated by discussions on Russia and Ukraine. There is also a trade dimension to the conversation, amidst increasing mistrust and fears of full economic decoupling in the future. There is a need to prepare for the possibility of the latter while still setting out …
EU, India prepare to launch trade, investment agreement talks
The European Parliament’s international trade committee has begun work on plans to negotiate a trade, an investment protection and a geographical indications agreement between the European Union. This comes as the European Commission and the Indian government are preparing the ground to start working on concrete legal treaty text proposals …
Perspectives: The EU’s new trade policy gives developing countries the short shrift
As the shape of global trade changes, so does the EU need to update its thinking about its trade relationships with developing countries.
Week in Brussels: Deforestation, Colombia climate, Singapore digital, Philippines GSP+
There isn’t only Africa this week in EU trade news. The latest edition of Week in Brussels brought to you by Rob Francis and Iana Dreyer.
Week in Brussels: Sri Lanka, due diligence, CBAM, TSD
With the new Chips Act being the core EU trade policy news this week, here are some notable developments in Brussels.
