2. Open up markets with key partner countries
We seek to create growth and jobs for Europeans by increasing their opportunities to trade with the world. This is particularly important in the context of current economic conditions.
One way of opening markets is to negotiate better access and conditions for trade and investment through free trade agreements.
The EU has concluded a number of Free Trade Agreements and is continuing negotiations with others.
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I'm struggling here, stated EU policy appears to be in favour of FTAs, but where does it say "except with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"?
It's also well worthwhile following the first link to "trade and investment through free trade agreements", all good stuff but it doesn't exclude the UK there either.