SAWGA - previous editions
How Trade Policy Really Works in the EU: Lessons from the EU-US Deal
Instructor
Stefania Nardelli (European Commission, Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security)
Short bio
With over 20 years of experience across several European institutions—the European Commission, the Court of Justice and the European Parliament—she has worked on major technical and political files relating to trade policy, including tariffs, economic coercion, and EU relations with the United States and China. She has also gained solid experience in institutional communication, both at the European Parliament and at the European Commission’s Representation in Milan, where she was in charge of press and communication during the particularly challenging period of the 2024 European elections. In parallel, she has been invited as a visiting professor of EU and international trade law at several Italian universities (Milan Bicocca, Bologna, Trento). Her academic background includes advanced studies in EU law and international public and private trade law in Italy, Belgium, France and Germany, notably at the College of Europe in Bruges, an LL.M. at ULB Brussels, and specialisation programmes in Tübingen, Strasbourg and Milan.
Abstract of the Workshop
The objective of this course is to give students the opportunity to acquire a foundational understanding of how EU institutions shape EU trade policy, and to develop familiarity with key legislative procedures. The methodology combines interactive lectures drawn from the lecturer's direct professional experience with practical simulations and scenario-testing, allowing students to engage actively with real-world procedures.
Trade policy has never been more central to global affairs. In an era of shifting alliances, rising protectionism, and the weaponisation of economic interdependence, the rules governing international trade are no longer a technical matter — they are at the heart of geopolitical competition. Understanding how the EU navigates this landscape is essential for anyone seeking to make sense of today's world.
On the first day of the workshop, students will explore the main features of EU trade policy. EU-US trade relations will serve as the primary reference point to illustrate the interests at stake and the potential implications of trade tensions, while also touching on broader trade dynamics. At the close of the first day, students will receive instructions and role assignments for a simulation to be carried out on the second day. The workshop will conclude with an open reflection session, in which students are invited to share their takeaways and lessons learned.
- Reading Materials for Students
DG Trade — "Making Trade Policy" The Commission's own explainer on how EU trade policy is made, with links to agreements, consultations, and civil society engagement. Also hosts a podcast series. policy.trade.ec.europa.eu - European Parliament Research Service - Topical Digest - "International Trade" (February 2025) A structured overview covering trade and economic security, the WTO, investment, and trade and sustainable development, with references to the Draghi Report's recommendations and the EU's emerging economic security doctrine. europarl.europa.eu
- EU-US tariffs agreement | Think Tank | European Parliament
Students are invited to research autonomously ahead of the workshop information on the Turnberry deal, the Commission’s proposals implementing it and the positions of Council, European Parliament and the US on it.
Calendar
14 September 2026, 9-12 AM - room 108
15 September 2026, 1-4 PM - room 111
The crisis of multilateralism and its impact on peace processes
Instructor
Lamberto Zannier (Ambassador (ret), former UN USG and OSCE SG)
Short bio
Italian career diplomat, retired. OSCE Secretary General (2011-2017), dealing with conflict prevention and conflict resolution and crisis management. Among other activities, he established the largest OSCE civilian conflict monitoring mission, the SMM, in Ukraine in 2014. Between 2008 and 2011 he was head of the UN peacekeeping operation in Kosovo, UNMIK, with rank of UN Under-Secretary-General, in charge of negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina which paved the way for the deployment of a EU rule of law Mission in Kosovo, with the approval of the UN Security Council. As High Commissioner on National Minorities, (the Hague, 2017-2020), he engaged in conflict prevention by fostering cohesion in diverse and divided societies, promoting best practices and issuing relevant recommendations to Governments. As Director, OSCE Conflict Prevention Center, (2002-2006), he oversaw the operation of some 20 OSCE field operations, engaging directly with governments to address crisis situations. Among many other diplomatic functions, he also served as Chairperson of the negotiations on the adaptation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (1998-1999) and Head of Disarmament, Arms Control and Cooperative Security at NATO (1991-1997), dealing with conventional and nuclear disarmament (including support for the process of denuclearization of the former Soviet space) and with conflict resolution issues. Amb. Zannier holds a Law degree and an honorary doctorate in International and Diplomatic Sciences from the University of Trieste, Italy.
Abstract of the Workshop
First day: Brief introduction on the Instructor’s activities in the field of conflict prevention and resolution. References to the evolution of the security architecture in Europe after the end of the Cold War and the progressive reemergence of geopolitical confrontation. The increasing divide within the international community and its impact on the effectiveness of multilateralism (lessons learned from the Kosovo experience). The emergence of power politics and its implications for the rules-based order. The role of the EU, facing increasing global disorder, and the challenges facing EU foreign and defence policy.
Some examples, in preparation for the second day workshop: the origins of the crisis in Ukraine and the factors which led to the Russian invasion; the current crisis in the Middle East: causes and potential consequences of the Iran conflict.
Presentation followed by a debate.
Second day: Exercises on case studies: Ukraine, Iran.
Participants will be divided into groups reflecting key groups of stakeholders and negotiations will be held with specific objectives (To be reviewed closer to the date of the event to reflect the latest developments).
Ukraine: Objective: bring the war to an end, define key lines of a ceasefire agreement and of a longer term settlement, identify necessary international guarantees, including a peacekeeping presence. Discuss the possible composition and mandate of a peacekeeping mission.
Iran: discuss conditions for conclusion of the conflict and identify possible interim measures such as termination of attacks on civilian and industrial infrastructures, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and creation of a Middle East nuclear free zone. Is regime change in Iran a realistic scenario?
Reading Materials for Students
Video: Conference at IPI New York on security challenges in Europe:
Article: Addressing Armed Conflicts in the Twenty-First Century
Video of a UN meeting on Preventive Diplomacy and the Changing Landscape of modern conflicts: the role of regional organizations.
Calendar
- 14 September 2026, 2-5 PM - room 108
- 15 September 2026, 9-12 AM - room 111
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