摘要:
Presented master's thesis deals with comprehensive free trade agreements (CFTA) and deep and comprehensive free trade agreements (DCFTA) concluded or proposed by the European Union. Its objective is to identify necessary conditions for initiation of (D)CFTA negotiation, determine areas covered by (D)CFTAs and contemplate an effect of (D)CFTAs on EU's position. In the first part of master's thesis, theoretical framework needed for research is introduced. The concept of soft power as defined by Joseph Nye is presented. The inductive method is applied to scrutinize comprehensive free trade agreements between the EU and Canada, Colombia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Tunisia, respectively. The research proved that the EU has never started DCFTA negotiation with an authoritarian regime. However, it is not a single condition for initiation of DCFTA negotiation, and four more conditions are defined. A broad scope of (D)CFTAs beyond tariff-related issues is demonstrated. DCFTA and CFTA differ about their relation to EU acquis. Approximation in selected areas is compulsory under DCFTA. Trough CFTAs, the EU was able to uphold EU and international standards and promote fundamental rights. Consequently, the EU's soft power has been enhanced thanks to (D)CFTAs.