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The European Union is currently engaged in a series of commercial negotiations with strategic partners such asIndia, there Thailand and theAustralia. These discussions aim to establish free trade agreements that could strengthen economic and political exchanges, while meeting the challenges of a complex global environment. While the file of Mercosur captures attention, these negotiations demonstrate the EU’s ambition to broaden its trade relations and to become more anchored in international economic flows. Each country presents specific interests and varied issues, making the negotiation process all the more crucial.
For several years, the European Union (EU) has engaged in major trade negotiations with various international partners. If the agreement with Mercosur is often in the spotlight, other discussions also deserve to be highlighted. Thus, trade relations between the EU and countries such as India, Thailand and Australia are at the center of European concerns. This article examines the current state of these negotiations and the issues that arise from them.
Booming trade deals
The European Union, with its bilateral agreements, has already signed nearly forty trade agreements, affecting more than 70 countries around the world. These agreements aim to promote free trade, reduce tariff barriers and develop strong economic relations. The agreements currently under negotiation with India, Thailand and Australia are part of this strategy of strengthening trade relations, but they face various challenges.
India: a path strewn with pitfalls
Trade relations between India and the EU have seen ups and downs. Negotiations for a free trade agreement were launched in 2007, but were suspended in 2013 due to differences on various issues, including agricultural products and the intellectual property. In 2021, the two parties decided to relaunch these discussions, adding agreements on investment protection and geographical indications to the negotiating agenda. However, India remains a country with a strong tendency protectionist, complicating the realization of agreements. Disagreements persist on key issues, making rapid progress in negotiations difficult.
Thailand: a promising recovery
Concerning Thailand, negotiations with the EU were suspended in 2014 following internal political events. However, the European Commission recently announced the relaunch of these discussions, marked by a third round of negotiations considered constructive. The desire of both parties to converge towards a favorable agreement could pave the way for a free trade agreement focused on sustainable development. However, challenges remain to reach consensus. For more information on this relaunch, see the details on the relaunch of commercial negotiations.
Australia: difficult times
Negotiations with Australia were launched in 2018, with the aim of establishing a trade agreement similar to that concluded with New Zealand. While the deal with New Zealand has progressed successfully, discussions with Australia have encountered major obstacles. Indeed, the two parties failed to agree on several points, and tensions concerning the agricultural production led Canberra to withdraw from negotiations in October 2023. Currently, no resumption of talks is planned, leaving relations between the EU and Australia at an impasse, despite European interest in the country’s strategic natural resources . The issues are complex, but the EU continues to explore trade opportunities in Australia.
Other issues on the table
Beyond the free trade agreements currently being negotiated, the EU must take into account concerns related to human rights and environmental sustainability during these discussions. New generations of trade agreements increasingly include clauses on these subjects, in particular to meet the growing expectations of European citizens. This underlines the importance for the EU to adopt a pragmatic and balanced approach in its international trade relations.
In the current political context, where each party expresses reluctance and national interests, the path towards solid trade agreements with India, Thailand and Australia remains strewn with pitfalls. The EU will need to navigate carefully to reach mutually beneficial agreements while preserving its core values.
The EU at the heart of trade negotiations
- India : Negotiations since 2007, pause in 2013, relaunch in 2021. Points of tension: agriculture, industrial products, intellectual property.
- Thailand: Discussions resumed in 2023 after a suspension in 2014. Latest cycle: June 2023. Objective : sustainable development.
- Australia: Negotiations started in 2018. Agreement with New Zealand signed, but failure discussions with Canberra. Problems: agriculture And mineral resources.
FAQs on EU trade negotiations with India, Thailand and Australia
- What trade agreements are currently being negotiated by the EU? The European Union is negotiating several trade agreements, notably with India, Thailand and Australia.
- When did negotiations between the EU and India start? Negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the EU began in 2007, but were suspended in 2013.
- What led to the resumption of negotiations with India? In 2021, at a summit in Porto, the EU and India decided to restart discussions on a free trade agreement as well as agreements on investment protection and geographical indications.
- Why are negotiations with India complicated? Discussions are struggling to find common ground, due to disagreements over agricultural commodities, industrial products and intellectual property, especially since India has a strong protectionist policy.
- What about the negotiations with Thailand? Negotiations with Thailand have been restarted after being suspended in 2014, and constructive discussions have taken place recently.
- Which ASEAN countries are involved in negotiations with the EU? The EU has negotiated bilateral agreements with several ASEAN countries, notably with Vietnam, and discussions are also continuing with the Philippines and Indonesia.
- What is happening with the negotiations between the EU and Australia? While negotiations with New Zealand advance, those with Australia are encountering difficulties, with Canberra having suspended discussions in October 2023.
- What issues accompany trade negotiations with Australia? Tensions are linked to Australian agricultural production which is causing concern in Europe, as well as the EU’s interest in Australia’s strategic mineral resources.