International handel

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International trade is governed by a complex mixture of global rules agreed under World Trade Organization and bilateral and multilateral agreements. The free trade agreements are having a growing impact on citizens' rights. Under the Lisbon Treaty, EU trade policy must be conducted within the framework of the principles and objectives of the Union’s external action, including promotion of the rule of law, human rights and sustainable development.

We believe that this trend should be a guiding principle in EU trade negotiations and in trade relations. The fact that we at the EESC reconcile the positions and views of business, workers, professionals, farmers, consumers and other important stakeholders contributes real added value. We are in a position to efficiently relay the opinions of civil society and interest groups to international policy-makers both during negotiations and in the implementation of trade agreements. We have set up a Follow-up Committee on International trade to ensure that civil society has a say in the shaping of EU trade policy. We are also managing the Domestic Advisory groups set up under the trade and sustainable development chapters of the EU "new generation" trade agreements. These groups, composed of civil society representatives (from inside and outside the EESC) are responsible for identifying trade and sustainable development-related problems in the implementation of a trade agreement.

Displaying 61 - 70 of 177

  • The EESC calls for an ambitious European Action Plan to ensure respect of human rights and decent work in sustainable supply chains

    The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has shown the fragility of global supply chains. It has also exposed the vulnerability of workers and the adverse social, health and safety impacts of business operations in today’s supply chains. ...

  • Joint Meeting of the EU-Central America Joint Domestic Advisory Groups and Civil Society Dialogue Forum - June 2026

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    Location

    Brussels
    Belgium

    Joint events of the Domestic Advisory Groups of the EU and six Central American countries were hosted by the European Unionin Brussels, on 15-16 June 2026.

  • Meeting of the EU - New Zealand Domestic Advisory Group

    Third meeting of the EU - New Zealand DAG

    Location

    Brussels
    Belgium

    The EU-New Zealand Domestic Adivsory Group met for the 3rd time on 11 May to discuss priorities for the EU DAG, and future joint meetings. 

  • 25th meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group created under the EU-Colombia, Peru and Ecuador FTA

    Location

    Brussels
    Belgium

    The 25th meeting of the EU-Colombia/Peru/Ecuador Domestic Advisory Group held on 20 April 2026 focused on the political, social and labour situation in the Andean region alongside the implementation of the EU trade agreement. Participants highlighted a deteriorating context marked by political instability, security concerns and persistent human rights and labour rights violations, as well as broader issues such as environmental degradation and the impact of drug trafficking.

  • International Trade follow-up Committee mission to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon

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    Location

    Yaoundé
    Cameroon

    Between 26 and 29 March 2026, EESC members joined the EU delegation at the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Yaoundé.

    The delegation attended the daily debriefings for civil society hosted by DG Trade, and had informal meetings with the African Union ECOSOCC, the WTO, the French business association AFEP and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). A short impromptu meeting was also organized with MEP Warborn (INTA).

  • 11th Joint Events of the EU DAG and representatives from the domestic mechanisms of Colombia, Peru and Ecuador and Civil Society Dialogue Forum

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    Location

    Lima
    Peru

    Domestic Advisory Groups of the EU and three Andean countries – Colombia, Peru and Ecuador – held their 11th Joint Meeting and Workshop on 2-3 December 2025 in Lima. The discussions focused on future priorities for cooperation, the role of civil society in monitoring and advancing Trade and Sustainable Development commitments, and key thematic areas such as labour rights, environmental challenges, and EU supply-chain sustainability regulations.

  • EU-Central America joint meeting of civil society Advisory Groups and Civil Society Dialogue Forum - June 2025

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    Location

    San José
    Costa Rica

    Joint events of the Domestic Advisory Groups of the EU and six Central American countries were hosted by Costa Rica in San José, on 24-26 June 2025.

  • Trade and sustainability: Reciprocity in agri-food systems for a fair green transition

    Location

    Online
    Brussels
    Belgium

    On 21 May 2025 the EESC will hold an online event on the link between trade policy and sustainability, with a particular focus on agri-food systems. Through panel discussions, EESC members, representatives of the European Commission and of civil society will exchange views on the role of reciprocity in achieving a fair green transition. 

  • 12th meeting of the EU-Japan Domestic Advisory Group under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

    Location

    Brussels
    Belgium

    The 12th meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) took place on 10 April, 2025 at the EESC.

  • 10th Joint Events of the EU DAG and representatives from the domestic mechanisms of Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, and Civil Society Public Session

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    Location

    Brussels Virtual
    Belgium

    10th Joint Events of the EU DAG and representatives from the domestic mechanisms of Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, and Civil Society Public Session

    Domestic Advisory Groups of the EU and three Andean countries – Colombia, Peru and Ecuador – held their virtual Joint Meeting on 4-5 November 2024.

Displaying 61 - 70 of 177