Milieu to deliver Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment for the EU–Thailand FTA

Milieu, together with partners LSE Consulting Trade Policy Hub and TUTWA Europe, has been commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE) to carry out a Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) in support of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and Thailand.

What the SIA will assess

The study will analyse the agreement’s potential economic, social, environmental and human-rights impacts. It will pay particular attention to cross-cutting issues including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), consumers, least developed countries (LDCs) and the EU’s outermost regions. Findings will inform the EU negotiating team and propose practical measures to maximise benefits and mitigate risks for communities, businesses and the environment on both sides.

Methodology and engagement

Our approach combines quantitative modelling with in-depth qualitative analysis and an inclusive consultation process. Planned engagement activities include:

• a dedicated SIA website;

• interviews and targeted questionnaires;

• meetings with civil society in Brussels; and

• a full-day stakeholder workshop in Thailand to gather evidence and ground recommendations.

Next steps

Milieu and partners will engage stakeholders throughout the study and share updates as the work progresses. We look forward to collaborating with stakeholders across the EU and Thailand to ensure the assessment is evidence-based, transparent and actionable.