The EU’s trade policy is undergoing change. External events, including growing protectionism and defensive trade policies, have forced the EU to take a more active role in promoting a positive vision of trade. Within member states, citizens have led calls for greater transparency and public engagement on trade issues, including the content of trade agreements.

The implications of this shift in EU trade policy for third countries has not yet been adequately investigated. The EU’s increased interest in transparency, accountability and a progressive trade policy will have profound effects on third countries, with a flow-on effect for bilateral and multilateral negotiations. Examples of this include the EU’s renewed interest in trade agreement chapters on the Sustainable Development Goals and environmental and labour protections.

Download our Third Country Trade information flyer (PDF)

This project aims to:  

1. broaden and enhance public understanding of the EU and inform national debate about Australian and third country engagement with the EU, specifically regarding the EU’s trade policy agenda, its origins and impacts;  

2. foster a community of scholars (in Australia and elsewhere) with expertise on third-country trade relations with the EU; and

3. engage the policy community and influence policymaking in third countries in relation to EU trade.

Contact: Dr Katarzyna Kwapisz Williams, ANU CES Deputy Director, kasia.williams@anu.edu.au  

Project participants:

Dr Katarzyna Kwapisz Williams, ANU CES, kasia.williams@anu.edu.au  

A/Prof Ottavio Quirico, University of New England and ANU CES, Ottavio.Quirico@anu.edu.au

Dr Ivana Damjanovic, University of Canberra and ANU CES, ivana.damjanovic@anu.edu.au

Dr Maria Garcia, University of Bath

Dr Yeo Lay Hwee, Nanyang Technological University

Prof Hazel Moir, The Australian National University

Dr Wenting Cheng, The Australian National University

Prof Saurabh Jain, Jindal Global University

Dr Maria Eleni Pouliasi, Jindal Global University

Prof Nicolas De Sadeleer, Université Libre de Bruxelles

Dr Pablo Jiménez Lobeira, The Australian National University

Mr Jonathan Li, EU Delegation to Australia

Mr Josh Woodyatt, The Australian National University

Mr David Hening, ECIPE

Dr Elitsa Garnizova, LSE Trade Hub

Dr Ragnar Weilandt, KUL Leuven

Ms Emily Rees, ECIPE

Dr Clair Gammage, University of Bristol

A/Prof Jean-Baptiste Velut, Sorbonne Nouvelle University of Paris

Dr Ken Stiller, University of Oxford