EU- China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment – A Rebalancing of Investment Relations

Abstract

The EU- China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment represents a significant milestone in the trading and investment relationship of two of the world’s largest economies. This article examines the key provisions of the agreement in principle and the changes they would bring for EU investors and foreign direct investment flows. Additionally, this article analyses the gaps in the agreement and seeks to shed some light on the possible future direction of travel in the areas of investment protection and investor- state dispute settlement. It also assesses whether the provisions on sustainability actually advance the EU’s value- based trade agenda.