On 13 February, the free trade and investment protection agreements between the EU and Singapore – the EU’s largest partner within the Southeast Asian countries – are scheduled to be adopted by the European Parliament. ALDE MEPs stressed the importance of a successful conclusion of these agreements, which will remove all tariffs within five years and open up new opportunities for European producers, workers and consumers, while at the same time securing high social and environmental standards.

MEP Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, ALDE Shadow on the EU-Singapore trade and investment agreements commented: "Nine years after the beginning of the negotiations, we are now finally coming to a positive conclusion, ensuring the EU’s credibility as a trading partner. Today, we want to send the strong signal that we are open to business and stand up for free and fair trade with like-minded partners around the world.”

“Lots of patience and efforts have been invested on both sides, but all the work was worth it. This agreement creates a win-win situation for consumers as well as companies on both sides. It will serve as a blueprint for future trade agreements with Southeast Asian countries."