Thai civil society organizations submitted an open letter on 23 January 2026, provides critical feedback on the Draft Inception Report of the Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) for the proposed EU–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The letter highlights key concerns regarding the adequacy and balance of the SIA’s current scope and methodology.
ECVC warmly welcomes today’s vote in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, in which MEPs voted in favour of requesting an opinion from the Court of Justice of the European Union on the compatibility of the proposed EU–Mercosur agreement.
Trump is using tariffs and trade threats to bully other countries in order to maintain US global power. Even though existing trade rules were shaped by US corporations, recently this hasn’t been enough to guarantee US dominance, so Trump is turning to brute force.
In 2026, the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program is no longer just a trade-policy headline. It is becoming a practical instrument the UAE is using to reshape its economic relationships with Africa, deepen supply chains, and lock in long-term investment pathways.
In 2026, the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program is no longer just a trade-policy headline. It is becoming a practical instrument the UAE is using to reshape its economic relationships with Africa, deepen supply chains, and lock in long-term investment pathways.
In the area of investment, the two governments intend to negotiate a Bilateral Investment Treaty, signalling readiness to begin formal discussions toward a treaty aimed at promoting and protecting cross-border investment.
Australia’s trade minister, Don Farrell, is expected in Brussels next week for talks with EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič, Commission spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed. A previous visit was postponed earlier this month.
The UAE and the Democratic Republic of Congo have formalised economic ties through signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Monday that aims to reduce tariffs and eliminate trade barriers.