Sviluppo sostenibile dei Paesi terzi e politica commerciale dell’Unione europea: il Sistema di preferenze generalizzate e gli accordi di partenariato economico

The article focuses on the European Union’s efforts to promote sustainable development by encouraging trade with third countries through the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). While the EPAs aim at reciprocal market liberalization, some ACP States have refrained from signing due to concerns over revenue losses and exposure to European competition, resulting in largely asymmetrical economic relations. The European Union also unilaterally provides preferential access to EU markets and incentives for sustainable development through the GSP. However, its implementation faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of effectiveness and the capacity of beneficiary countries to fully leverage the preferential regime.