- Datum: 09.07.2025
- Category:Berichte & Analysen
Policy Brief: Europe Knows Best? The European Union’s patronising trade negotiations with the Global South
Key points: In trade agreement debates, key political actors in Germany, France, Spain, and Ireland often frame the European Union as a…
Key points:
- In trade agreement debates, key political actors in Germany, France, Spain, and Ireland often frame the European Union as a global moral authority. But this framing can take on a patronising tone, especially when referring to partners from the Global South.
- The EU-Mercosur case shows how moral standards are not applied equally: European leaders and political actors across different member states often present countries in the Global South as needing the EU’s help or as falling short of European values, therefore showing a moral hierarchy.
- Framing the EU as morally superior in trade negotiations risks damaging its credibility as a fair and equal partner. This can fuel resentment and complicate relationships with Global South countries.
- To build lasting partnerships, EU political actors should replace top-down moral messaging with mutual respect, shared responsibility, and open dialogue.
Read here the ARENA Policy Brief 06/2025 by Elena Escalante-Block.