Enviromentální politiky a jejich vliv na mezinárodní obchod

Abstract

The thesis examines the interrelationship between international trade and environmental policy, exploring how contemporary environmental initiatives influence trade relations, export performance, competitiveness, and the relationship between economic growth and sustainability. The theoretical section introduces key concepts of environmental policy, tools, and mechanisms of sustainable development in international trade and their evolution. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the Paris Agreement, the European Green Deal, and Fair Trade certification schemes on the environmental dimension of trade. The practical part focuses on the real-world impacts of these policies on selected industrial sectors within the European Union, specifically the steel industry, automotive industry, and electricity generation sector. It also considers the impact of environmental certification on agricultural exports from developing countries. The findings show that environmental legislation is a powerful instrument for promoting sustainable development. Still, under certain circumstances, it can also lead to new trade barriers and deepen disparities between countries. The aim of the thesis is not only to describe the current situation but also to critically assess the effectiveness of selected measures and contribute to the discussion on how environmental and trade policies can be more effectively coordinated in the future to deliver both ecological and economic benefits.