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The European Union as a soft power in the international arena in the 21st century – the importance of a common trade policy
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to show the links between the common trade policy and the position of the European Union in the international arena and to demonstrate that the common trade policy is an important tool of soft power.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research areas include the nature and tools of soft power policy, the role of the EU in the multilateral trading system and the depth and key provisions of agreements concluded with third countries. To achieve the research objective, empirical methods (indirect observation and description) and general methods, including deduction and induction, were used.
THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The first part presented the essence and instruments of soft power in a theoretical approach. It also indicates the sources of EU soft power in the light of the common trade policy. Next, the position of the EU in the multilateral trade system was characterized. Finally, the last part presented the content of trade agreements concluded after 2010, which are a manifestation of the EU’s “soft power” in the international arena.
RESEARCH RESULTS: Trade policy is the main instrument of the EU’s soft power. It contributes to the growth of the EU’s importance both in international trade and through trade. Agreements with third countries serve to protect EU entrepreneurs and enable the “export” of EU solutions and standards (from the protection of intellectual property rights to technical standards, competition law, environmental protection and a number of others).
CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The EU uses its trade policy as a diplomatic instrument. Access to the EU market, together with financial aid and economic cooperation, are used in the common trade policy to advance the European Union’s geopolitical interests and to support non-commercial objectives, such as sustainable development, human rights and good governance.
Keywords
soft power, hard power, Common Commercial Policy, the European Union, trade agreements
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