The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue office in Brussels is commissioning a short analysis on the external dimension of EU trade partnerships, with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as the primary case study. Proposals on other partnership structures relevant to this topic, such as WTO reform, or other multilateral or bilateral trade agreements, are also welcome. Proposals should be submitted by Monday 10 August 2026, EOB.
- Deliverable: One analysis of max. 3000 words, on the external dimension of EU trade partnerships — CPTPP is the primary focus, though proposals on other relevant partnership structures (e.g. WTO reform, other multilateral or bilateral agreements) are also welcome
- Audience: EU policymakers, trade negotiators and officials in EU institutions and member states, as well as civil society organisations, think tanks and journalists working on trade and climate policy
- Format: Written analysis in English, referenced with URLs/footnotes, following our editorial guidelines; layout and online publication will be handled by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung EU in its corporate design and are not part of the assignment
- Timeline: Please send your proposal by 10th of August; the final draft is due by early September
- Budget: The fee will be based on daily rates and confirmed with the selected author; please indicate your expected budget in your proposal
Context
Climate and trade policy are increasingly intertwined. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships (CTIPs), Joint Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) and the International Framework for Climate Cooperation and Trade (IFCCT) launched at COP30 all point to a shift: trade policy is becoming a lever for decarbonisation, and climate ambition is becoming a factor in how the EU structures its trade relationships.
Aim of the analysis
- To what extent the EU joining CPTTP is useful, feasible and politically realistic from the perspective of economic relations, trade, but also climate policy.
- Provide policymakers and civil society with a concise, evidence-based assessment to inform EU trade and climate diplomacy
While CPTPP is the primary case study for this call, we also welcome proposals on other partnership structures relevant to the external dimension of EU trade policy, such as WTO reform, other multilateral trade and climate frameworks, or bilateral and plurilateral agreements. Please indicate in your proposal which structure or agreement you intend to focus on.
How to apply for this call
The ideal applicant has a proven track record in EU trade and climate policy, and/or relevant expertise on the CPTPP or Asia-Pacific trade governance. Please submit, by 10th of August, in one document:
- A short proposal (max. 300 words) outlining your proposed argument and approach
- A brief budget indication based on daily rates
- A CV of the author
- Relevant references (previous publications or projects)
Please submit your proposal in one PDF document via email to Louise Mollenhauer (Louise.Mollenhauer [at] eu.boell.org) with the subject line "Application external dimension of EU trade partnerships".