IEU-CEPA ratification targeted for H2 2026: Airlangga

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The ratification of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) is targeted for completion in the second half of 2026, Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto said.

"We are targeting the completion of the IEU-CEPA ratification process in the second semester of 2026, so that implementation can begin in early 2027," he said in a statement on Sunday.

On Friday, Airlangga and European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic discussed follow-up measures to ensure the ratification process is completed on schedule.

The discussion took place during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Brussels Economic Security Forum in Brussels, Belgium.

Both sides agreed to push forward the necessary stages to ensure the ratification process proceeds as planned.

They also discussed preparations ahead of the planned visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trade Commissioner Sefcovic to Jakarta.

The IEU-CEPA is expected to strengthen economic relations between Indonesia and the European Union.

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One of its main benefits is the elimination of tariffs on around 98 percent of tariff lines.

For Indonesia, the agreement is expected to expand access to the European market through zero tariffs on most export products, boosting competitiveness and supporting export growth.

In the meeting, Airlangga and Sefcovic also discussed the European Union's Global Gateway program, which supports strategic projects, including investment and development in the critical minerals sector.

"We also discussed opportunities for investment cooperation through various strategic programs, including the development of the critical minerals sector, which is of interest to both parties," Airlangga said.

Cooperation in the sector is considered promising as Indonesia is accelerating downstream processing of natural resources to increase domestic value added.

Meanwhile, the European Union requires strategic mineral supplies to support the energy transition and the development of green technology industries.

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Translator: Rizka Khaerunnisa, Cindy Frishanti Octavia

Editor: Anton Santoso

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