2nd generation

There are two key reasons to negotiate 2 generation comprehensive accords
for Europe. Trade in goods and services and investment as well as issues like
intellectual property have become increasingly linked, which speaks for a
comprehensive approach. Second, some of the issues beyond trade in goods
are less covered by multilateral disciplines – either because there has not been
agreement on them and/or multilateral rules have not kept pace.

To that extent,
FTAs can be a way to bridge some gaps but also to potentially lead by example
– particularly when it comes to issues such as addressing NTBs or dispute
resolution.