Europe’s efforts towards sustainable trade is a paradox. While it successfully works with sticks and carrots for sustainable fisheries, the EU imposes rules on biofuels that cannot be complied with, writes Hosuk Lee-Makiyama.
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EU-US trade relations: The way forward
Although they haven’t even started yet, United States-European Union trade talks already face major obstacles. Moving forward is critical to end the ‘tug of war’ between the US and EU. The best way to get there is to take a multifaceted approach aimed at both the transatlantic market and the …
Cambodia: Is the EU serious about human rights or is it just fending off a new competitor?
The EU is threatening to suspend imports from Cambodia due to human and labour right violations. But the products under discussion for suspension are precisely those where the EU has a track record of entrenched protectionism. This looks like a clear case of double standards, opines Iana Dreyer.
In the shadow of America First – three EU trade conflicts flying under the radar
The EU is posing as the new champion of trade openness and guardian of the international rules-based order. But three recent trade initiatives show that Europeans are all-too eager to do the opposite of what they preach, writes Hosuk Lee-Makiyama.
Commentary: Transatlantic trade policy stasis won’t end any time soon
The transatlantic negotiation process will continue because it is the prerequisite to maintain the truce between the EU and the US. But it will be characterised by further foot-dragging and lack of interest on both sides, argues Gabriel Felbermayr.
Commentary: Trade can be a driver of climate action
CETA, the landmark trade agreement between the EU and Canada, holds established best practices for trade-accelerated climate action, Bernice Lee and Scott Vaughan argue as the business, civil society and policy communities gather in Brussels to consider how to merge trade and climate action.
Commentary: Regional trade agreements do deliver on their promises
The strong effects of regional trade agreements on commerce between members show that economic integration works, writes Per Altenberg. Negotiating RTAs that liberalise trade is an effective strategy for countries that seek economic improvement through trade, he argues.
Comment: Expect more on ‘competitive neutrality’ in WTO reform talks
Progressive adoption of rules ensuring competitive neutrality in a manner that is compatible with China’s economic model will be an important part of the EU’s attempt to revive the World Trade Organization, writes Renato Antonini. ***
Commentary: Italian populists are falling into line with EU on trade
Early fears that Italy’s populist government would block the EU’s trade agreement with Canada have proven unwarranted. Despite Trump-style rhetoric and ‘Italy first’ approaches, the populist government in Rome seems to have fallen in line with other EU governments on trade since taking power six months ago. The government is split …
Comment: Can the WTO be reformed?
The prospects for reform at the World Trade Organization, particularly to ensure that its dispute settlement system avoids paralysis, are “uncertain, to say the least”, says Stuart Harbinson. But the risk is worth it and not pressing on would be a dereliction of duty, he argues. Global trade is …
