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When implemented, the EUSDTA will provide greater clarity and legal certainty for citizens and businesses by putting in place rules for digital trade and cross-border data flows.
Singapore and the European Union (EU) have signed the European Union-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (EUSDTA) in Singapore to enhance digital connectivity and facilitate end-to-end digital trade between the EU and Singapore.
Announced on 8 May 2025, the agreement will provide greater clarity and legal certainty for citizens and businesses by putting in place rules for digital trade and cross-border data flows. It will also enhance EU-Singapore relations by strengthening bilateral economic connectivity.
Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu shared that the signing of the EUSDTA marks a significant step forward in deepening digital economic cooperation with the EU and Singapore.
"The EUSDTA reflects our shared commitment to foster a trusted, secure and inclusive digital economy, and create new opportunities for our companies and citizens in digital trade. As the EU’s first bilateral digital economy agreement with an ASEAN country, the EUSDTA will also support greater region-to-region digital connectivity.”
The signing was also attended by EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, who joined Minister Fu in reaffirming the close partnership between the EU and Singapore, and their joint support for an open, rules-based global trading system.
Both sides also discussed potential new areas for cooperation, including emerging growth sectors and deeper regional collaboration on trade.
Key features of the EUSDTA include the following:
Enabling and facilitating open and secure data flows
- Cross-border data flows
- Personal data protection
- Open government data
Facilitating end-to-end digital trade
- E-payments
- E-invoicing
- Paperless trading
- Customs duties
Establishing trusted and secure digital systems
- Source code
- Cybersecurity
- Online consumer protection
Promoting greater participation and access to opportunities in the Digital Economy for our companies and people
- Digital participation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
- Digital inclusion
In a joint statement, both leaders have shared that the agreement underscores the growing importance of digital trade as a key driver of economic growth.
"The Agreement reaffirms our shared commitment to foster a secure and inclusive digital economy, and to support the digital transformation of our societies. At the same time, the Agreement ensures that both the EU and Singapore preserve the necessary policy space to respond to emerging challenges.
"With today’s signing, the EU and Singapore will now proceed with our respective domestic procedures for the swift ratification and entry into force of the Agreement, so that our consumers and businesses can begin to benefit from its provisions," they commented.
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Infographics and lead image / MTI
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