On Carrots and Sticks: The Social Dimension of EU Trade Policy

Abstract: This article assesses the social dimension of EU trade policy. First, the essence of the ‘trade and labour debate’ is recalled. Then, the EU’s practice of promoting decent work conditions through unilateral (GSP), bilateral or regional trade instruments is explored. EU support for corporate social responsibility is touched upon briefly. It is demonstrated that the EU essentially relies on its GSP to pursue objectives of decent work, whereas the social provisions of EU preferential agreements seem to be included as objectives to be achieved rather than as legal commitments to be enforced.

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