International Agreements in Europe

European Union International Agreements

A third source of Union law is connected with the EU’s role at the international level. As one of the focal points of the world, Europe cannot confine itself to managing its own internal affairs; it has to concern itself with economic, social and political relations with the world outside. The EU therefore concludes agreements in international law with non-member countries (‘third countries’) and with other international organisations; these range from treaties providing for extensive cooperation in trade or in the industrial, technical and social fields, to agreements on trade in particular products.

Context of International Agreements in the European Union

Three kinds of agreement between the EU and non-member countries are particularly worth mentioning.