EU enforcement of international trade rules

The EU has adopted a new trade policy based upon a model of Open Strategic Autonomy. One aspect of the policy is to enhance enforcement powers where there is a breach of a Trade Agreement and also a proposal to enact a general anti-coercion instrument. The EU is committed to including sustainable development, environmental and labour protection goals in EU trade agreements. These new approaches to trade are found in the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) between the EU and the UK To enhance the enforcement of international trade agreements the EU has introduced the role of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer. The Enforcement Regulation 654/2014 has been amended by Regulation 2021/167. A new Directorate in DG Trade for enforcement has been created to enhance market access and SME, with the establishment under the Access2Markets Programme of a single-entry point for complaints from EU stakeholders and businesses on trade barriers on foreign markets and violations of sustainable trade commitments in EU trade agreements. Until the WTO Appellate Structure is operational the EU is setting the pace for international trade dispute resolution.