The European Commission announced the political conclusion of the negotiations on the modernisation of the trade section of the EU-Chile Association Agreement last week. Renew Europe welcomes this modernisation, which is necessary to reflect current challenges and modern conceptions of rules-based trade, as the EU is Chile’s third largest trade partner and its biggest foreign investor. Both parties share values of democracy, rule of law, human rights and gender equality and are engaged in multilateral fora. Renew Europe now looks forward to scrutinising the agreement in detail during the ratification process.

Positive steps forward have been taken during these negotiations, such as the strengthening of the sustainable development chapter and the integration of a standalone chapter on gender and trade, a key element for Renew Europe. The modernisation also includes improved market access for goods, services, investment and government procurement, updated investment protection, protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights and the reduction of unnecessary non-tariff barriers.

Samira Rafaela MEP (D66, NL), Renew Europe coordinator on the European Parliament Committee on International Trade and standing rapporteur for Chile in the Committee, declared:

“I welcome the conclusion of the negotiations between the EU and Chile. With this modernised agreement, we ensure that our trade relations are more green and fair, while reaffirming our strategic partnership with a likeminded partner. I especially welcome the gender and trade chapter, the first of its kind in EU trade agreements. This chapter could function as a new benchmark for making trade more inclusive, with a special focus on women’s role in the global economy."

Soraya Rodriguez MEP (Ciudadanos, Spain), Standing rapporteur on Chile in the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, added:

"Chile is a strong trading partner, but our relations are much more than that. We share common and strong values, such as democracy, rule of law, the protection of the environment, human rights and gender equality. The current global context shows us every day that we need to build strong partnerships around the world, especially with those who are likeminded partner, like Chile. This agreement is an opportunity for Chile, but it is also an important opportunity for the EU."

Photo credit: Alexis Haulot and Alain Rolland, European Parliament 2022.