EU trade policy

The common commercial policy falls exclusively within the competence of the European Union (EU). Since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009, the objectives of the common commercial policy include removing restrictions on foreign direct investment and on non-tariff barriers to trade in addition to removing restrictions on trade and eliminating customs barriers.

This affects the following areas in particular: trade in goods and services; commercial aspects of intellectual property; foreign direct investment. The EU common commercial policy is based on uniform principles and set out in particular in Articles 206 and 207 TFEU/Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This relates in particular to the EP's involvement in the adoption of Regulations to define the framework for the implementation of the common commercial policy.

The Foreign Affairs Council, in its trade configuration, brings together trade ministers of Member States to discuss key issues of the EU’s common trade policy and take relevant decisions.

Additional Information

European Commission - Website DG Trade

Contact

Trade and Investment Policy : handelspolitik@bmwet.gv.at