publish

EU-Korea

In May 2007, the European Union and South Korea started negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement. It took effect on 1 July 2011.

This deal is part of the EU’s post-2006 "Global Europe" strategy to boost the competitiveness of EU corporations in the world by securing deeper commitments to neoliberal policies from trading partners, including expanded rights for European transnationals. In Korea, the European Union is trying to win equal, if not better, footing against US firms after the conclusion of the US-Korea FTA. (The EU makes stronger demands than the US on Korea in the areas of intellectual property, services, competition policy and environmental standards.)

Social movements from both sides mobilised against the deal’s potential impacts. One flashpoint of concern is for Korea’s agricultural sector, where pig farmers in particular are expected to suffer from an influx of subsidised EU pork as a result of this deal.

last update: May 2012
photo: European External Action Service - EEAS/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

S. Korea, EU hold first round of talks on digital trade
Yonhap | 13-Dec-2023
South Korea’s trade ministry launched the first round of talks on digital trade with the European Union in line with efforts to seek broader partnerships in online and data industries.
: e-commerce | digital economy , EU , Korea
Séoul et Bruxelles négocieront un accord sur le commerce numérique
Yonhap | 3-Nov-2023
La Corée du Sud s’est mise d’accord avec l’Union européenne pour initier des négociations en vue d’un accord sur le commerce numérique.
: e-commerce | digital economy , EU , Korea
S. Korea, EU to launch talks for digital trade agreement
Yonhap | 31-Oct-2023
South Korea’s trade ministry agreed with the European Union to launch negotiations for a digital trade agreement in line with efforts to seek broader partnerships in online commerce and data industries.
: e-commerce | digital economy , EU , Korea
Korea protests France’s EV subsidy rules
The Korea Times | 30-Aug-2023
Korea is expressing strong concerns over France’s proposed revision of electric vehicle subsidies as it could violate the Korea-European Union Free Trade Agreement, according to industry officials and trade experts.
: climate , EU , France , Korea
Korea seeks digital trade pact with EU
The Korea Times | 13-Jun-2023
Korea will push to clinch a bilateral pact on digital trade with the European Union to facilitate trade in the digital realm and to enhance industry cooperation, the industry ministry said.
: e-commerce | digital economy , EU , Korea
S. Korea calls for non-discriminatory application of EU acts
Yonhap News Agency | 12-Jun-2023
South Korea called on the European Union to ensure its new acts on batteries, critical minerals and net-zero goals are not discriminatory against foreign companies, as the two sides seek to enhance trade and industry ties, Seoul’s industry ministry said.
: EU , Korea