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17 Apr 2025
EU and South Korea Conclude Digital Trade Agreement
Keywords
The European Union and South Korea have successfully concluded negotiations on a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA), marking a significant step in addressing the rapid pace of digital transformation. The agreement reflects the EU's commitment to setting high-standard rules for digital trade and further deepens its digital economic ties with South Korea.
The
DTA establishes binding rules aimed at fostering consumer trust, ensuring predictable and legally certain environments for businesses, enabling trusted cross-border data flows, and eliminating as well as preventing the emergence of unjustified digital trade barriers.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The agreement covers a wide range of digital trade topics, including:
Cross-border data flows
Privacy and personal data protection
Tariff-free electronic transmissions
Recognition of electronic contracts
Digital authentication and trust services
Source code protection
Online consumer protection
Unsolicited direct marketing communications
Open government data
Regulatory cooperation in digital trade
By enhancing legal certainty for European businesses operating in Korea, the DTA is expected to facilitate greater trade in digital services and goods. It also recognizes the legal validity and enforceability of electronic contracts and encourages the use of electronic signatures.
Strengthening Broader Economic Ties
In addition to the DTA, the EU and South Korea have agreed to reinforce their 2010 Free Trade Agreement by establishing a dedicated Committee on Emerging Trade and Economic Issues. This new committee will serve as a strategic platform for cooperation on key areas such as economic security, overcapacity, and supply chain resilience.
Background
The Digital Trade Agreement builds upon the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 2010 and complements the EU-Korea Digital Partnership. Digital trade includes a broad range of activities - from cloud and financial services to digital orders of products and services - such as downloading apps, hailing rides via smartphone, or purchasing e-books online.
The Committee on Emerging Trade and Economic Issues will meet annually and report its findings to the main Trade Committee, further strengthening bilateral relations in the digital era.
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