A steady increase in the number of regional integration agreement notified to the WTO has been witnessed over the last decade. Whether this regionalism is good or bad for the multilateral trading system remains an issue under discussion. On the one hand, regional trade agreements (RTAs) can lead to trade diversion (i.e. when imports of a country outside the RTA are replaced by imports from a less efficient country in the RTA) and the creation of regional trading blocks at the expense of multilateral integration. On the other hand, regional agreements can allow countries to reach agreements on issues that are not possible multilaterally. In turn, these RTAs can in some cases be instrumental to advances in multilateral trade negotiations.

This section provides information and analysis of the effects of regional agreements. In addition, it provides an overview of important regional trade agreements and negotiations between the European Union and (groups of) developing countries, such as the EU-South Africa Trade Agreement, the EU’s negotiations with Mercosur countries and the trade aspects of the Cotonou Agreement.

This section is organised as follows:

• Research: academic papers, research literature, analysis and comment on regionalism, and the link with multilateralism and related issues.

• Policy: position papers, analysis and comment on relations between the EU and trade agreements of LDCs.

• News: recent developments in research, policy and projects relating to the regionalism and trade agreements.

• Regions: regional news relating to regionalism and trade agreements.

As a recently launched site, we still have some way to go towards providing a comprehensive information resource. You can help by submitting your own contributions (academic papers, position papers, analysis or comments etc.). To do this, go to Contact us.