Two new members join the Alliance on Torture-Free Trade

The Alliance, established and co-chaired by the European Union (EU) together with Argentina and Mongolia, is committed to ending trade in goods used for capital punishment and torture. The Alliance for Torture-Free Trade comprises over 60 states, among them all EU Member States. The addition of new members will further strengthen the Alliance's international efforts.

At the signing ceremony, the EU was represented by Mr. Peter M. Wagner, Head of Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, European Commission, and Mr. Martin Bille Hermann, Managing Director for Multilateral Relations, Human Rights and Democracy and  Deputy Political Director, European External Action Service. Andorra was represented by H.E. Mr. Vicenç Mateu Zamora, Ambassador of the Principality of Andorra to the European Union, the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Monaco by H.E. Mr. Frédéric Labarrere, Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco to the Kingdom of Belgium. 

Over twenty years ago, the EU became a pioneer in this area by launching the world’s first legislation, the so-called Anti-Torture Regulation. It regulates trade in certain goods that could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The Regulation, was amended in July 2025 to address developments in the international security market and trends in the use of torture and other ill-treatment in extra-custodial settings, such as the policing of assemblies. The Anti-Torture Regulation serves as an example for the development of similar trade measures by third countries and international organisations.