bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

Across the board

This section contains news and analysis of sweeping developments that affect the overall push and pull towards FTAs and bilateral investment treaties. This means major trends relating to bilateralism, often with global consequences, and other cross-cutting issues. New developments arising from US politics, the WTO or South-South alliance-building, for instance, are often reported here as they tend to have systemic impacts.

last update: May 2012

Neoliberal Argentina bans NGOs from WTO summit in last-minute 'unprecedented' move
1-Dec-2017     TeleSur
"The government may prevent us from coming to Buenos Aires, but they won't stop us from mobilizing our local communities," said one organizer whose visa was denied.
What to do about the EU’s new trade agenda in Latin America?
24-Nov-2017     Rosa Luxembourg Stiftung
About ten years ago, the European Union (EU) introduced Global Europe, its most ambitious trade policy strategy to date. It was intended to open up new markets worldwide through new bilateral trade and investment agreements.
Pacific Alliance, associate members kick off free trade negotiations
2-Nov-2017     ICTSD
The talks aim to confirm Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore’s status of “associate members” to the Latin American trading coalition.
Trade for the people
23-Oct-2017     IBON
"Trade for the People" briefly covers how the new FTAs, such as the TPP, the RCEP and the EPAs in Africa continue to threaten people's rights.
Responsible investment provisions in international investment treaties: where next?
23-Oct-2017     IIED
How international investment treaties could promote more responsible investment and argues that, while some innovative practices are emerging, there is still much to do.
Shrinking transparency in the NAFTA and RCEP negotiations
15-Sep-2017     EFF
Provisions on digital trade are quietly being squared away in both of the two major trade negotiations currently underway—the North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership trade talks.
September 10, the International Day of Action against WTO and FTAs
10-Sep-2017     La Via Campesina
Today, La Via Campesina is calling upon social movements and civil society organisations of the world to mobilise and organise our resistances against the World Trade Organisation and free trade agreements, build solidarity alliances and prepare for a worldwide week of action in December, coinciding with the 11th WTO ministerial that is scheduled to take place in Argentina.
‘This deal will make me look terrible’: Full transcripts of Trump’s calls with Mexico and Australia
7-Aug-2017     Washington Post
Transcripts of two conversations President Trump had with foreign leaders: one with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and another with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
ANALYSIS--Europe seeks to set global trade rules after Trump steps back
27-Jul-2017     Reuters
The EU now has much of Asia and Latin America in its sights for trade treaties, while a far-reaching pact with Canada will already enter force in September.
Bilateral agreements: Where’s the US?
7-Jul-2017     Farm Journal's Pork
National Pork Producers have let the administration know that the U.S. should focus on the Asian-Pacific area, starting with Japan.