EU Trade Agreements

The EU manages trade relations with third countries in the form of trade agreements. They are designed to create better trading opportunities and overcome related barriers.

EU's trade policy is also used as a vehicle for the promotion of European principles and values, from democracy and human rights to environment and social rights.

Trade agreements differ depending on their content: 

• Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) - support development of trade partners from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries
• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) - enable reciprocal market opening with developed countries and emerging economies by granting preferential access to markets
• Association Agreements (AAs) - bolster broader political agreements

The EU also enters into non-preferential trade agreements, as part of broader deals such as Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (PCAs).

Negotiations of trade agreements are conducted in accordance with the rules set out in Article 218 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union.