The European Union enforces trade rules both within the EU itself and in the EU's export markets. The European Commission's Chief Trade Enforcement Officer strengthens the implementation and enforcement of EU trade policy.
The European Union uses various tools to enforce the commitments it negotiates to benefit companies, workers and citizens under international trade agreements.
The EU’s network of 44 preferential trade agreements with 76 partners worldwide provides opportunities for EU companies in foreign markets, while also promoting EU values and international commitments on trade and sustainable development.
The EU framework for investment screening is part of the European Commission's commitment to a Europe that protects its companies, workers and citizens.
A Multilateral Investment Court, like the approach in the FTAs, would bring the key features of domestic and international courts to investment adjudication.
Protection and enforcement of intellectual property are crucial for the EU's ability to stimulate innovation and to compete in the global economy.
The Anti-Coercion Instrument for protecting the EU and its Member States from third countries’ economic coercion entered into force on 27 December 2023.
All reports of investigations under the Trade Barriers Regulation are working documents of the Commission services and are only provided for information purposes.
Trade defence instruments, such as anti-dumping or anti-subsidy duties, are ways of protecting European production against international trade distortions.
- Trade topics
- Enforcement and protection