What is a mixed agreement?
A mixed agreement refers to an agreement – for example, a trade agreement that also deals with regulatory or investment issues – between the EU and a third country that touches both on powers, or competences, exclusive to the EU and on those exclusive to EU member states. Such agreements must be approved by both the EU and by all member states. In some cases, the approval of member states includes the authorisation by sub-national bodies, such as in the case of Belgium.