Publication

The EU is in the process of negotiating nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in 2013 and has another four in the pipeline. Given the trade-boosting potential FTAs have, this commentary sees them as possible cures for the economic stagnation now afflicting Europe. On the other hand, their sheer number could undermine their role as sources of economic stimulus. That is why the EU should ensure that FTAs are ambitious, far-reaching and avoid imposing external barriers, or so the commentary concludes.