Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, answering a parliamentary question from MEP Sebastian Kruis (PfE), indicated the European Commission is open to a broader modernisation of the EU-Andean Trade Agreement but stopped short of requesting a negotiating mandate. The answer, published on 22 April 2026, reflects the Commission's cautious approach to upgrading the agreement with Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, which fully entered into force only on 1 November 2024.
The question, submitted on 26 February 2026, asked whether the Commission would launch a formal evaluation, include new chapters on critical raw materials and digital trade, and seek a Council mandate. Šefčovič confirmed that a reflection on the agreement's fit with the current geopolitical environment is appropriate, but any formal mandate request would require further scoping to align with EU strategic priorities.
Existing working group on sustainable development The Commission noted that a Working Group under the Trade Committee is already discussing possible upgrades to sustainable development provisions, as committed in the 2022 Joint Communication 'A New Agenda for EU-Latin America and Caribbean Relations'. Broader modernisation could be considered, but no concrete timeline or scope was provided. The Commission pledged to report any conclusions to the European Parliament.
Policy orientation and institutional follow-up The answer signals a gradual, exploratory approach rather than a rapid overhaul. The Commission is exploring new fields of cooperation with various partners, but the lack of a firm commitment to a negotiating mandate suggests internal or member-state caution. The next steps will likely involve further technical discussions within the Working Group and informal soundings with the Council before any formal proposal emerges.
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