Recommendation on draft Council decision to conclude EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement

Decision

The European Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement on Digital Trade between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore (draft Council decision 05853/2025), following the Committee on International Trade recommendation A10‑0187/2025; the committee adopted its position on 6.10.2025 with a final committee vote of 32 in favour, 4 against and 2 abstentions.

What Changes

The agreement establishes binding digital trade rules that facilitate cross‑border data flows, permanently bans customs duties on electronic transmissions, prohibits authorisation requirements specifically targeting online services and recognises the legal effect of contracts concluded electronically, while ensuring legal certainty for electronic authentication and protecting against mandatory source code disclosure subject to limited access for legitimate reasons; it also guarantees online consumer protection, anti‑spam measures, a discipline on open government data and encourages regulatory cooperation on interoperability, cybersecurity and standards.

Who Is Affected

The agreement directly affects the European Union and the Republic of Singapore, businesses and consumers engaged in bilateral digital trade and institutions responsible for digital regulation and cross‑border digital services.