The IV International Interdisciplinary Seminar on Development and Society, held by Uniarp University in Brazil on 17 May 2024 featured a keynote speech by Dr Suelen Carls, who examined how regional integration efforts can advance sustainability. Taking the European Union’s dynamic approach to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Dr Carls highlighted how integrating environmental and social standards into trade policies can foster more responsible economic development.

Dr Carls emphasised different but interconnected points: she first established that integration is not only about fostering trade but also about realising and promoting shared values like environmental protection and social equity. Next, she dealt with the EU’s current approach to FTAs, which will always include strong environmental and labour standards, reflecting an alignment with the European Green Deal, ensuring that economic growth coexists with emissions reductions, biodiversity preservation, and workers’ rights. The EU-Chile FTA was the leading example to showcase the mentioned EU approach. Dr Carls recommended that such sustainable trade measures be protected through regular monitoring, civil society engagement, exchanging clean technologies, and enhanced support for small-scale producers. Ultimately, she concluded that integrating sustainability into regional agreements should be a global priority, with the EU’s model inspiring other regions to adopt similar, more just, and environmentally responsible trade frameworks.