BATmodel

15 organizations and research institutes from 10 EU countries are participating in a four-year study called BATModel, which aims to create better cross-border agricultural trade models than has been the case so far, thus helping decision-makers to achieve better multilateral and regional agreements. “Next generation” trade agreements are not limited to changes in tariffs and tariff quotas and include elements such as growing consumer concerns about food quality and safety, or the enforceability of labor market considerations. This project aims to address the shortcomings of current modeling tools. The models so far can basically be divided into two groups: one uses a theoretical approach, while the other uses a data-based approach. By combining the results of these two trends, new types of models can be created that will lead to more efficient trade agreements, both at EU level and at the level of individual countries and even companies and will provide greater security and predictability for cooperating parties.