This study intends to examine the potential impacts of agreed trade measures on sustainable development in order to feed into the next steps/phases of the negotiation process, address adverse trends, devise adequate mitigation measures as well as capitalise on positive multiplier effects. It is also expected that, complementary to the implementation of the various Associations Agreements and regional programmes, such a study can assist the Euro-Mediterranean Partners in reinforcing existing and future sustainable development strategies.

The broad framework of issues to be addressed by the study include:

• economic, social and environmental implications of the evolving EMFTA;
• sectors and target groups that are likely to be significantly affected by the establishment of the EMFTA at regional and national levels, on the basis of different scenarios;
• areas where the MEDA partners are likely to need awareness raising, assistance and capacity building during the transition period that would allow them to put in place a sustainable EMFTA.

With a view to its input for the negotiations the study is expected to provide:

• an effective integration of the results of relevant studies and links with research activities, which will accompany negotiations and will be mostly initiated by the negotiating partners in collaboration with and supported by the EC, Member States and other donors.
• an in-depth information base for the European Commission to ensure that negotiations take the sustainable development dimension fully into account, and in particular that the definition of policies both by Community and by MEDA partners contribute to an optimal outcome and implementation in terms of all components of sustainable development.
• a basis for the discussion with European and MEDA stakeholders about the sustainability implications of trade negotiations as well as of the related polices implementation.