Expert case study on two free trade agreements strengthens the knowledge of the Dutch House of Representatives
Fact sheet image: Brend Dittrich via Unsplash
At the request of the Dutch Parliament, Professor of European Law, Freya Baetens, wrote an expert case study on the EU-Canada Free Trade Agreement (CETA) and the EU-Indonesia Free Trade Agreement (CEPA-Indonesia). This factsheet offers parliamentarians clear, research-based insights into complex policy issues and helps guide future decision-making.
CETA demonstrates that EU free trade agreements can be technically sound, but remain politically contentious and are therefore managed through clarification and judicial review. CEPA demonstrates how the EU combines free trade with climate and sustainability goals, organises regulations, and resolves complex issues through political deals. Both agreements, after signing, remain dependent on good governance and interpretative tools to manage controversies and guide implementation.
This case study examines the three phases of a trade agreement: negotiations, the adoption of the final treaty text, and the practical implementation of the agreement. A key focus is the institutional structure underlying trade agreements (such as technical committees, dispute settlement, etc.). At the request of the preparatory group, this case study also pays special attention to the (unintended) side effects of trade agreements.
More information?
Consult the fact sheet (under agenda item 14) (in Dutch)