- 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
10-Dec-2008
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea proudly presented the Korea -EU Industrial Cooperation Day on December 10, and the third edition of the EU-Korea Awards, which honor not just European companies, but government authorities who have made a significant contribution to strengthening the relationship between the EU and Korea.
7-Nov-2008
European carmakers have attacked a proposed trade agreement with South Korea, claiming that it is lopsided and sacrifices their interests for the benefit of Europe’s services industries.
26-Oct-2008
Trade ministers from South Korea and the European Union (EU) are expected to meet in Brussels early next month to iron out divisive issues related to their free trade negotiations, officials said Sunday.
10-Oct-2008
Asia Pulse
South Korea and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed that they will strike a free trade deal by the end of the year, a top Seoul trade official said Friday.
12-Sep-2008
Turkish Daily News
A soon-to-be-finalized free trade agreement between the European Union and South Korea is causing concern for Turkey, as its market will be indirectly opened to South Korean products due to its customs union agreement with the EU.
1-Sep-2008
Asia Pulse
Chief negotiators from South Korea and the European Union have agreed to seek a package solution on controversial issues such as auto trade after failing to narrow their gap in three-day free trade talks, officials said Friday.
30-Aug-2008
Xinhua
South Korea and the European Union failed to narrow their gap in their free trade agreement (FTA) talks, South Korean Trade Ministry said on Friday.
22-Aug-2008
Xinhua
Top negotiators of South Korea and the European Union (EU) will meet in Seoul next week to seek progress in their free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations by tackling sensitive issues, the Korea herald reported Thursday.
29-Jun-2008
Xinhua
Trade ministers from South Korea and the European Union will meet next week to resolve contentious issues such as auto trade and rules of origin in their free trade negotiations
16-Jun-2008
Korea Times
Europe wants to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea by the year’s end to further boost bilateral economic ties
