EU trade governance : assessing Prometheus?

Abstract

This e-book draws its origin from a High-Level Policy dialogue that took place on January 10-11, 2024, in Turin and reproduces some of its contributions. The goal is to provide concepts and perspectives to better understand the current evolution of EU trade policy and the governance role the EU plays and could play in international trade affairs. The authors speculate on the EU’s action in an increasingly geopolitical world, its relation with multilateralism and the World Trade Organisation (“WTO”), the evolution of Preferential Trade Agreements (“PTAs”), in particular with respect to sustainability issues, the increasing use of unilateral or “autonomous” instruments. Far than offering a final assessment, which is both difficult and premature, the e-book offers a rich food for thought. What emerges is the ambivalent nature of current EU trade policy, both innovative and controversial, which makes it alike to the mythological figure of Prometheus and what it represents.