- Negotiations
In May 2007, the European Union and South Korea started negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement. It took effect on 1 July 2011.
This deal is part of the EU’s post-2006 "Global Europe" strategy to boost the competitiveness of EU corporations in the world by securing deeper commitments to neoliberal policies from trading partners, including expanded rights for European transnationals. In Korea, the European Union is trying to win equal, if not better, footing against US firms after the conclusion of the US-Korea FTA. (The EU makes stronger demands than the US on Korea in the areas of intellectual property, services, competition policy and environmental standards.)
Social movements from both sides mobilised against the deal’s potential impacts. One flashpoint of concern is for Korea’s agricultural sector, where pig farmers in particular are expected to suffer from an influx of subsidised EU pork as a result of this deal.
last update: May 2012
photo: European External Action Service - EEAS/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
3-Feb-2026
BEUC
While this deal aims to strengthen trust in digital trade, attention needs to be paid to ensure strong and consistent consumer protection on both sides.
14-Nov-2025
The Korea Times
Korea has urged the European Union to protect Korean businesses during the 13th Committee on Trade in Goods meeting in Seoul, advocating for a fair solution amid the EU’s proposed stricter steel safeguards.
10-Mar-2025
Chosun Biz
South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced the successful conclusion of negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) with the European Union (EU). Key discussions included market access for Korean beef, French electric vehicle subsidies, and regulations on batteries and steel.
13-Dec-2023
Yonhap
South Korea’s trade ministry launched the first round of talks on digital trade with the European Union in line with efforts to seek broader partnerships in online and data industries.
31-Oct-2023
Yonhap
South Korea’s trade ministry agreed with the European Union to launch negotiations for a digital trade agreement in line with efforts to seek broader partnerships in online commerce and data industries.
30-Aug-2023
The Korea Times
Korea is expressing strong concerns over France’s proposed revision of electric vehicle subsidies as it could violate the Korea-European Union Free Trade Agreement, according to industry officials and trade experts.
13-Jun-2023
The Korea Times
Korea will push to clinch a bilateral pact on digital trade with the European Union to facilitate trade in the digital realm and to enhance industry cooperation, the industry ministry said.
12-Jun-2023
Yonhap News Agency
South Korea called on the European Union to ensure its new acts on batteries, critical minerals and net-zero goals are not discriminatory against foreign companies, as the two sides seek to enhance trade and industry ties, Seoul’s industry ministry said.
6-Apr-2023
The Korea Times
The CEO of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also called for Seoul and Brussels to launch the renegotiation process for the Korea-EU free trade agreement to reflect changes in green regulations.
14-Oct-2021
Euractiv
Eleven years after the EU and South Korea signed a free trade agreement, South Korean Trade Minister is seeking to modernise it by including investment protection and new technologies.
