ISDS Case Map
EU
European Union
As the Micula Case heads to the ECJ, it presents a pivotal moment for the intersection of EU law and international arbitration.
FTA Watch representatives warned that stricter IP rules in a potential EU FTA could impact access to medicines, increase healthcare costs, and harm Thailand's domestic pharmaceutical industry. They also highlighted concerns about EU demands regarding government procurement, plant variety protection (UPOV 1991), and import of remanufactured goods.
One of France's largest farmers' unions is seeking guarantees from the prime minister's office that it will defend a form of agriculture focused on protecting small farmers, who say are being crushed by free trade.
Indonesia has delayed the completion of its trade agreement with the European Union (EU), now aiming to conclude negotiations by mid-2025. While 85% of the agreement is reportedly finalized, disagreements on export/import restrictions and investment conditions remain. The EU's concerns about Indonesian palm oil production, particularly related to deforestation, have also been a point of contention.
The EU desires open access to Indonesian nickel, crucial for its green transition, yet criticizes extractive practices in the Global South. Indonesia, however, seeks to develop its own processing industries and restrict raw material exports.
Lithuania should not back the ratification of the free trade agreement between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc, Agriculture Minister Ignas Hofmanas has said.
The EU-Mercosur trade deal does not only contradicts the EU's flagship legislation against global deforestation but will potentially force the European Commission and EU Member States into legal and political disputes over its implementation.
Switzerland and the European Union said they had reached a deal to strengthen their trade ties, overcoming Swiss concerns about immigration and opening the door for the biggest overhaul of bilateral relations in years.
The European Commission decided to refer the United Kingdom to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to terminate the Bilateral Investment Treaties that it still has in force with Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovenia.
The Energy Charter Treaty allow fossil fuel investors to sue EU member states before international arbitral tribunals to challenge climate mitigation measures. This legal mechanism is increasingly weaponized by the industry.
