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Jürgen Matthes / Ilaria Maselli IW-Report No. 18 27. June 2017 Ensuring accountability in modern trade policy

Attempts to foster trade liberalisation with a new generation of trade agreements aimed at lowering non-tariff barriers face opposition among the general public. Many fear that trade liberalisation risks lowering the level of protection embedded in regulations that are aimed at safeguarding social rights, health and the environment.

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Ensuring accountability in modern trade policy
Jürgen Matthes / Ilaria Maselli IW-Report No. 18 27. June 2017

Ensuring accountability in modern trade policy

IW-Report

German Economic Institute (IW) German Economic Institute (IW)

Attempts to foster trade liberalisation with a new generation of trade agreements aimed at lowering non-tariff barriers face opposition among the general public. Many fear that trade liberalisation risks lowering the level of protection embedded in regulations that are aimed at safeguarding social rights, health and the environment.

Such criticism cannot be ignored. As we argue in this paper, by clarifying its view on this issue, the EU can further strengthen the position in fora like the G7 and the G20 where the topic of trade is currently under discussion. But along which lines? Regulatory cooperation, in the context of the new generation of trade agreements, is promising, reasonable and controllable. If done correctly, regulatory cooperation will benefit consumers and not threaten consumer protection. However, a regulatory cooperation body needs transparency and a set of rules to be fully accountable to EU citizens.

Looking at the way the same issue was dealt with in the context of monetary policy and independent central banks, we propose a mix of provisions that aim at defining a clear mandate, enforcing transparency of operations and establishing a reputation.

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Ensuring accountability in modern trade policy
Jürgen Matthes / Ilaria Maselli IW-Report No. 18 27. June 2017

Jürgen Matthes / Ilaria Maselli: Ensuring accountability in modern trade policy

IW-Report

German Economic Institute (IW) German Economic Institute (IW)

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Der ehemalige Präsident Trump hält eine Wahlkampfveranstaltung in Greensboro, North Carolina
Thomas Obst / Jürgen Matthes / Samina Sultan IW-Report No. 14 4. March 2024

What if Trump is re-elected?

A possible re-election of Donald Trump as US president in November 2024 could entail a significant upheaval for the world trading order, if he fulfills his announcements to raise tariffs, mainly in order to reduce the US trade deficit.

IW

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Samina Sultan / Gero Kunath / Henrik Förster/ Jürgen Matthes IW-Report No. 9 15. February 2024

Indonesia: A new Indo-Pacific partner?

Indonesia will elect a new president on 14 February. After ten successful years in office, Joko Widodo is not allowed to run for office again. He has ushered in an era of reform in the country.

IW

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