The development of multilateral trading relations and a successful conclusion of the Doha Round are a priority for both Germany and the European Union. In light of the bilateral FTAs that are being concluded by some of Europe’s important trading partners, such as the US and Japan, and which could jeopardise the competitiveness of European companies on the global markets, the EU’s position on bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) has evolved since 2007.

The new generation of free trade agreements that the EU aims to conclude with other countries is broad-based and covers a wide range of different aspects. These agreements not only touch upon the issue of tariffs (e.g. customs duties, export subsidies) but also set out rules for services, the elimination of non-tariff barriers to trade and other trade-related aspects such as investment and competition. As the scope of these agreement is wider than the WTO agenda, they are often referred to as ‘WTO+ agreements’.

To find out more about the status of the EU’s ongoing negotiations click here.