European Union: Adopted Council Decision authorising the opening of negotiations for digital trade disciplines with the Republic of Korea and with Singapore

On 27 June 2023, the Council of the European Union adopted the Decision authorising the opening of negotiations for digital trade disciplines with the Republic of Korea and with Singapore. The decision is based on Article 218 (3) of the TEU, which states that the Commission shall present recommendations to the Council, which will adopt a decision authorising the commencement of discussions and appointing the Union negotiator. The decision is founded on the premise that the EU has significant partnerships with the Republic of Korea and Singapore in the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, the 2010 Framework Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Korea, which established a strategic partnership, forms a foundation for enhanced economic and political collaboration. The Commission would be able to conduct negotiations concerning digital trade with Singapore and the Republic of Korea, and the agreed text would be adopted by the Council and be binding on the Member States.