Clifford Chance

The EU Trade Process Explained

5 August 2020

The EU is the world's largest trading bloc, and its second largest economy (after the USA). By acting as one in the international trade arena, EU Member States hold an enormous voice in this part of the world stage. For businesses seeking to understand or influence international trade law and policy, an understanding of the EU trade policy process is critical.

This briefing paper provides an overview of the European Union’s role in trade policy on behalf of its Member States, the process by which it undertakes different aspects of that policy, and the roles of the various EU institutions.

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