Centre of Excellence of International Trade & Global Affairs

Funded under the EU Erasmus Plus Program, the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in International Trade and Global Affairs develop and deliver research projects, outreach and curricular activities integrating knowledge on the European Union.

The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in International Trade and Global Affairs draws on our academic strengths and experience in international trade, investment, law, business and international relations to develop and deliver research projects, outreach and curricular activités integrating knowledge on the European Union.In particular, the Centre will create synergies, promote trans-disciplinary dialogue and leverage expertise and networks to engage audiences across and beyond campus to.

The Centre will promote wider community engagement with this critical field through the dissemination of research outcomes, public seminars and workshops intended to provide audiences with the requisite knowledge and critical skills to engage in meaningful debate on important issues related to globalisation, regional integration and support effective trade policy development and regulatory governance.  

Learn more about the European Union

Centre Director: Professor Peter Draper 

Peter Draper

Updates

27

May

ISER Promotion of EU Climate Policy Event

On Wednesday 21 May, the Institute for International Trade, the School of Economics and Public Policy, and the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in Trade and Environment welcomed Professor Hans Fehr (University of Würzburg) for an in-depth examination of the EU’s evolving climate architecture, moderated by Professor Peter Draper.

30

Apr

The EU Corporate Sustainability Due-Diligence Directive and China-EU Trade: Environmental Implications for the Chinese Electric-Vehicle Sector

WORKING PAPER 22 - This working paper analyses how the EU Corporate Sustainability Due-Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will reshape China–EU trade, using the Chinese electric-vehicle (EV) industry as a sectoral lens. By translating voluntary ESG norms into hard-law obligations, the CSDDD extends stringent environmental standards along global value chains and aims to “level the playing field” for firms accessing the EU Single Market. The study traces the Directive’s legal evolution, compares it with China’s ESG framework, and models compliance scenarios for Chinese EV exporters. Findings indicate that while the Directive raises due-diligence and reporting costs—especially for complex battery supply chains—it also offers first-mover advantages to firms that align quickly with EU benchmarks. Competitive outcomes will depend on supply-chain transparency, technology upgrading, and the degree of regulatory convergence between Brussels and Beijing.

28

Nov

Fourth Australia-Europe Economic Relations Dialogue

We were honored to host the Fourth Australia-Europe Economic Relations Dialogue at the University of Adelaide on November 18-19, 2024. With the theme "Deepening Australia-EU Relations in Troubled Times for Trade", this year’s dialogue brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to tackle critical global trade challenges and explore opportunities for closer collaboration between Australia and the EU.

11

Nov

The Long and Twisting Road to a Trade Agreement between Australia and the European Union

WORKING PAPER 20 This working paper explores the complex historical and economic relationship between Australia and the European Union (EU), focusing on the challenges in establishing a modern bilateral trade agreement. Although Australia and the EU have shared views on advancing global trade law beyond outdated WTO standards, formal trade negotiations only began in 2017, with several setbacks, including a major collapse in 2021. The paper traces key reasons for this friction, including Australia's strong historical ties with the UK, fluctuating relations with France, and limited engagement from other EU member states. Despite the convergence in trade policies and increased economic ties, factors such as disputes over agricultural access, the geopolitical implications of alliances like AUKUS, and sensitive issues around geographical indicators (e.g., Prosecco and feta) continue to stall progress. This paper underscores that while a trade agreement could yield mutual economic benefits, overcoming entrenched interests and political complexities will be essential for future collaboration.

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European Union

With the support of the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union

The European Commission's support for the production of any associated publications does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.