European Union: CPTPP and EU members announced CPTPP-EU Trade and Investment Dialogue Joint Ministerial Statement including cross-border data transfer regulation

On 20 November 2025, Parties to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union (EU) issued the CPTPP-EU Trade and Investment Dialogue Joint Ministerial Statement, including cross-border data transfer regulation. The Statement articulated a shared understanding regarding the importance of fostering digital trade among CPTPP and EU economies and facilitating the cross-border transfer of data with appropriate safeguards, including for data, privacy, and consumer protection. The Parties highlighted the role of this shared understanding in supporting sustainable development and growth, promoting a predictable trading environment, and advancing cooperation within the digital economy. They also exchanged perspectives on supply chain resilience, including concerning policies and practices designed to promote greater transparency, diversification, security, sustainability, trustworthiness, and reliability in building and strengthening these supply chains. Senior Officials from CPTPP Parties and the EU were subsequently instructed to develop detailed workplans concerning these identified areas of mutual interest, in preparation for the next Dialogue scheduled for 2026.