Written question – Trade agreements and respect of social and environmental standards – E-001653/2025

Question for written answer  E-001653/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Benoit Cassart (Renew)

The European Union is the most important trading power in the world. It accounts for 16.5 % of world trade and 48 % of global gross domestic product, thanks to its vast network of trade agreements.

While the free trade agreement with New Zealand makes free trade conditional on the respect of social and environmental standards, this new approach is not reflected in the EU’s trade agreements with Chile and Kenya, which do not include a sanction mechanism in the sustainable development chapter.

• 1.This tailored approach risks creating legal uncertainty. Would it not be more consistent for the Commission to adopt a systematic approach to imposing such standards, including a sanction mechanism?
• 2.Rather than serving the Sustainable Development Goals, are agreements that do not incorporate this new approach not a barrier to development?

Submitted: 24.4.2025