On 23 June 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision formalising the EU's support for revised lists of arbitrators and experts under the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement. The decision enables the replacement of certain Korean nationals, EU Member State nationals, and non-national chairs on the roster of 15 arbitrators, as well as some non-national experts serving as chairs on the list of at least 15 experts on trade and sustainable development. The revised lists are to be adopted by the Trade Committee established under Article 15.1 of the agreement, either at its next meeting or earlier by written procedure.
The Council decision, which entered into force on the date of its adoption, sets the EU's position based on draft decisions attached to the instrument. The Trade Committee is scheduled to adopt both revised lists at its next meeting or earlier by written procedure. The move updates the rosters under Articles 14.18 and 13.15 of the agreement, replacing specific individuals without altering the overall structure or size of the lists.
Policy orientations and trade-offs The decision is a procedural update to ensure the dispute settlement and sustainable development mechanisms under the EU-Korea FTA remain operational with qualified personnel. No substantive policy changes are introduced; the focus is on maintaining the roster's composition by replacing outgoing members. The trade-off is minimal: the EU and Korea agree to refresh the lists to avoid gaps in expertise, ensuring continuity in arbitration and expert review processes.
Impact on stakeholders - EU and Korean businesses: Benefit from continued access to a functioning dispute resolution mechanism, reducing uncertainty in trade relations. - Arbitrators and experts: Individuals replaced lose their positions, while new appointees gain opportunities. - EU institutions: The Council exercises its role in defining the EU's position in the Trade Committee, reinforcing institutional procedures. - Trade Committee: Gains updated rosters to handle potential disputes and sustainable development reviews.
Institutional follow-up The Trade Committee is expected to formally adopt the revised lists at its next meeting or via written procedure. No further Council action is required unless the lists need additional amendments.