zeit.de
EU and Indonesia Sign Trade Deal After Nearly a Decade of Negotiations
The European Union and Indonesia signed a trade agreement on Tuesday in Bali after almost ten years of negotiations, focusing on securing raw material access for the EU and addressing environmental concerns.
- What are the main benefits for the EU in this trade agreement with Indonesia?
- The EU aims to secure access to raw materials, particularly nickel, given Indonesia's substantial reserves. The agreement is expected to reduce tariffs on approximately 80 percent of Indonesian exports to the EU, impacting industries beyond raw materials.
- What were the major obstacles in the negotiations, and how were they addressed?
- Indonesia's 2019 nickel export ban, challenged by the EU at the WTO, was a key obstacle. The EU also raised concerns about deforestation linked to palm oil and mining. The agreement likely includes environmental provisions, though details remain undisclosed.
- What are the potential long-term implications of this agreement, considering both economic and environmental factors?
- The agreement may enhance the EU's supply chain security for crucial raw materials while simultaneously presenting challenges in balancing economic gains with Indonesia's environmental sustainability. Long-term success depends on effective enforcement of environmental safeguards within the agreement.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the EU-Indonesia trade agreement, highlighting the interests of both sides. The focus on raw materials and Indonesia's nickel reserves is justified given their importance to the deal. However, the inclusion of Indonesia's concerns regarding deforestation and the EU's proposed legislation on deforestation could be framed more prominently to avoid giving the impression that the EU's concerns are secondary.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "Rohstoffe" (raw materials) and "Exportverbot" (export ban) are factual and not emotionally charged. However, phrases like "die deutsche Industrie hofft" (German industry hopes) could be slightly more neutral, perhaps "German industry anticipates" or "German industry expects".
Bias by Omission
The article omits details of the agreement's specifics, which limits a complete understanding. While it mentions the potential reduction of tariffs on 80% of Indonesian exports, the exact details and potential downsides for either side are not discussed. This makes a full assessment of the agreement's implications difficult.
Sustainable Development Goals
The EU-Indonesia trade agreement aims to ensure sustainable sourcing of raw materials, addressing concerns about deforestation linked to palm oil and mining. The agreement includes environmental safeguards, promoting responsible consumption and production. The EU's commitment to linking the agreement to environmental standards directly tackles unsustainable practices and promotes responsible resource management.