11 - Conclusion

Summary

Chapter 11 brings together the insights gained in the analyses of the book and thus puts the EU’s recent turn towards a more assertive trade policy into broader perspective. It presents the results of the appraisal of the linkage between EU’s international and constitutional obligations. It also summarizes for the readers the key results from the book chapters and provides final answers to the research question. Thus, the chapter lists the instances in which the analysed instruments could conflict with EU’s international commitments and makes suggestions that would improve their chances of compliance, but it also mentions and praises the instruments that contribute to the credibility of the EU as an actor committed to international rule of law and multialteralism. Finally, this chapter describes potential further challenges of the EU trade policy change and its prospective application, which could also turn into opportunities and should be closely watched by the readers in the future, such as the evolution of new multilateral rules, the new complexity related to signing bilateral agreements, or issues related to the balance of powers among EU institutions.