Common trade policy

Trade policy is the exclusive responsibility of the European Union. The European Commission, under the supervision of the Member States, plays a key role in trade negotiations. The Commission is the European Union’s sole representative and negotiator.

Over the years, the EU has established itself as a major international trade player, and the range of topics covered by its common commercial policy has continued to grow. Therefore, while focusing on concluding the WTO’s Doha Round which started in 2001, the EU also signed other free trade agreements (FTAs). The main aim is to promote and maintain the competitiveness of the EU on foreign markets.