For the United Kingdom, the year 2021 is ‘terra nova’ – its first year as an autonomous trading entity outside of the EU’s single market and customs union. The challenges ahead by Chris Horseman.
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In 2021, the EU will need to focus on positive engagement with its trading partners
The brand-new EU-UK trade agreement in many ways epitomises a defensive turn in EU trade policy in a world where its geostrategic certainties – not least the comfort of the US security umbrella – have been shaken and the global pandemic exposed its vulnerabilities. But turning defensive is not enough. …
Comment: The EU is entitled to its own investment deal with China
This opinion piece reacts to and debates four key criticisms expressed in various media outlets in recent days of the EU-China investment agreement currently seen as in the final stages of negotiations.
How the EU and US could become partners in addressing the China challenge
The European Union can contribute a lot in addressing the ‘China challenge’, argues Peter Chase. The United States should seize the opportunity to work more closely with Europe – and here’s how.
How to effectively improve enforcement of labour standards in EU trade agreements
There is a discrepancy between the enforcement of labour standards and the other obligations concerning trade, investment and intellectual property in the European Union’s free trade agreements. Here’s how we think that gap can be overcome, write Giovanni Gruni and Marco Bronckers.
What do you need to know: What comes next in the WTO director-general race
Dmitry Grozoubinksi on what comes next in the nomination process for the World Trade Organization’s top job. We are now off to the races, but the finishing line is still far away…
Environmental provisions in USMCA: regression or progression?
The flagship USMCA trade agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico is coming into force on 1 July 2020 How does this agreement deal with environmental issues? Bashar Malkawi and Shakeel Kazmi walk us to the key provisions in USMCA on environment – contrasting them with other trade agreements, …
Comment: Post Covid-19 European economy will be international or it will not be
If we want a green and digital economic recovery post COVID-19 we need international trading partners such as Mexico and rules-based trade with a reformed World Trade Organization at its heart, argues Kevin Verbelen.
The AfCFTA and the European Union : ‘sister continents’ in the decade ahead?
The European Union is investing political capital the African Continental Free Trade Area. What’s the state of play in getting the world’s largest free trade area off the ground? And why does the project matter so much for Europe? By Françoise Guei.
What you need to know: A potential US exit from the Government Procurement Agreement
The WTO’s General Council meets this week. It will hear US gripes about the world trade body and receive proposals to improve it. One of the ‘solutions’ Washington has envisaged for itself is to withdraw from the institution’s Government Procurement Agreement. What would this mean in practice?
