The EU maintains political and trade relations with countries and regions around the world, concluding international treaties with these third countries or regions and agreeing on cooperation priorities and strategic plans or plans for action. The structure of the agreements depends on the interests and objectives of the contracting parties. The EU has thus concluded many different agreements, for example trade agreements, association and stabilisation agreements and partnership agreements.
EU external relations
Europe
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Brexit
After the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union on 1 February 2020, the transition period agreed on in the withdrawal agreement came to an end on 31 December 2020. On 1 January 2021, the UK was then no longer a member of the single market and customs union. The EU’s rules ceased to apply. Read more here.
Europe
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EU enlargement
Accession to the European Union is a central political goal for many countries because of the numerous benefits it has for citizens and the economic strength of the Union. EU enlargement is also a key component in the development of the European Union.
Europe
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The EU’s international agreements
The EU maintains political and trade relations with countries and regions around the world, concluding bilateral treaties under international law with these third countries or regions. The structure of these contracts depends on the interests and objectives of the contracting parties
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Free trade agreements
When negotiating free trade agreements between the EU and third countries, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs works to ensure a balance between good economic cooperation and the protection of our workers' rights and social standards.