Crossword Genius

Key article about European economic zone (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

free port

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'economic zone' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'key article about european' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'key' could be 'f' (musical key) and 'f' is found in the answer.
'about' could be 're' ('re' means regarding or about) and 're' is found in the answer.
'european' could be 'e' (abbreviation e.g. EU) and 'e' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'port' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for free port that I've seen is " Haven open to all traders".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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