Since the Lisbon Treaty “trade” has been an exclusive power of the European Union. This means that the European Commission negotiates free trade agreements for all 28 EU Member States. The European Commission may propose negotiations, but can only really start them after having received a mandate from the Council of the European Union. The European Parliament as well plays an increasingly active role in terms of free trade. It adopts resolutions and must also give its approval once the agreement is submitted for ratification.
In 2006, the Trade Barriers Contact Point was established. This marked the beginning of the streamlining and structuring of the removal of trade barriers experienced by Flemish businesses in extra-Community markets. Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) is the contact point for businesses.