La dimension environnementale des accords de libre-échange : une perspective européenne

This article analyzes the environmental dimension of free trade agreements, in particular those recently concluded by the European Union. This analysis is based on the hypothesis that free trade agreements might have a positive impact on environmental protection, even though the primary objective of these agreements is not to protect the environment, and, in certain cases, these agreements may even lead to a levelling down of environmental standards. This article is structured in two parts. The first part gives an overview of the environmental provisions included in free trade agreements between the EU and third countries. The second part discusses three proposals that could help better integrate environmental considerations in free trade agreements.