Trade

Trump has turned against the UK and Keir Starmer is looking to Europe for allies. Brexit has flatlined the economy, the White House has shown its contempt, and British public opinion has quietly shifted. For the first time in years, a UK government is making a serious case for rapprochement on trade, defence, and beyond. But after years of hostility, the EU is sceptical about Britain's overtures. Is this a genuine turning point, or the same old cherry-picking?

The EU and India have signed a historic free trade agreement. What is needed now is an active, long-term, progressive trade strategy. This must put goals such as sustainability, security, and partnerships between equals at the forefront.

Against the backdrop of a fragmenting trade order, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed at the World Economic Forum that Europe remains open to the world. But then, the European Parliament narrowly voted to request a legal opinion from the European Court of Justice on the EU-Mercosur agreement; a decision that could significantly delay its ratification. The vote has triggered a heated debate about Europe’s trade policy, strategic direction, and the role the Greens play in this geopolitical context. We spoke to Sven Giegold, Member of the German Green Party’s federal executive board and responsible for European coordination.

The European Commission and the EU's High Representative adopted a Joint Communication presenting a package of proposals for a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda' on 17 September 2025. The EU and India appear ready to take their strategic partnership of 20+ years to the next level amid geopolitical shifts. Together, they set out to "boost shared prosperity, strengthen security, and tackle major global challenges". Developing such an agenda constitutes an opportunity, yet not without its own challenges. Thus, Dr. Katharina Emschermann asked 3 questions about the EU-India relationship status to Jochen Luckscheiter, director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's India office in New Delhi.

On 3 September 2025, the European Commission presented the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and the modernised EU–Mexico deal for approval. In the context of the recently announced EU-US trade agreement, they mark one of the biggest steps in EU trade policy in years. After long and difficult negotiations, the EU is moving forward in a rapidly changing global trade order. Yet, a number of EU Member States are opposed and questions about sustainability and Europe's agricultural sector remain. We asked 3 Questions to MEP Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA).

The UK and EU held their first post-Brexit summit in May 2025. Its outcome was a long list of areas – ranging from emissions trading to the mobility of young people – on which the two sides intend to cooperate more closely. But formal negotiations will be neither quick nor easy. Most of the hard work is yet to come, writes Jannike Wachowiak.

As the EU rolls out the Clean Industrial Deal, it must consider how its domestic policies may impact its trade relations and global standing. Industrial policy decisions taken in Brussels will have ripple effects, including on partners in the Global South. Addressing potential negative spillovers is not just a question of climate justice and good diplomacy – it is a strategic imperative.

As geopolitical tides shift, the EU and India are betting big on the Trade and Technology Council to deepen ties in trade, digital tech, and green innovation. But can ambition meet action? This policy brief breaks down convergences, roadblocks—and what needs fixing to make the TTC truly transformative.