This project will examine the implications of deep integration for developing countries in North-South Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) In particular, it will analyse the new strategy that has been developed by the EU, to expand its RTAs, following the suspension of multilateral trade negotiations in the WTO. Deep integration is different from traditional trade liberalisation in that it requires the harmonisation of domestic rules and standards, which entails different consequences. The objective of this project is to provide an analytical assessment of deep integration currently advanced by the EU in its RTA negotiations. A comparative approach will be adopted in the analysis of RTAs with developing countries in Asia and Africa. This will help to build consensus for future negotiations in the WTO for a new framework for North-South RTAs. A workshop will be held in June 2008 in Bruges.

 

 

Contact person: Luk Van Langenhove