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EU challenges Argentina's import restrictions
The EU today launched a challenge to Argentina's import restrictions at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva.
Brussels, 25 May 2012
Customs: EU and USA agree to recognise each other's "trusted traders"
EU and US certified trusted traders will enjoy lower costs, simplified procedures and greater predictability in their transatlantic activities, as a result of a mutual recognition decision signed 4 May 2012.
Brussels, 04 May 2012
EU and US adopt blueprint for open and stable investment climates
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States Michael Froman agreed on an ambitious set of investment principles and openly invite other countries to follow suit.
Brussels, 10 April 2012
Update on ACTA's referral to the European Court of Justice
Brussels, 4 April 2012
EU and Vietnam move closer to starting trade negotiations
The completion of a scoping paper marks the start of the reparations for negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement between the EU and Vietnam
Phnom Penh, 31 March 2012
European Commission levels the playing field for European business in international procurement markets
Brussels, 21 March 2012
EU challenges China’s rare earth export restrictions
Together with the US and Japan, the EU formally requests dispute settlement consultations with China in the WTO regarding China's export restrictions on raw materials
Brussels, 13 March 2012
WTO confirms Boeing received billions in illegal subsidies from United States
The European Commission welcomes the WTO appeal ruling in the "Boeing case" which confirms that billions of dollars in US subsidies granted to Boeing are illegal under WTO rules.
Brussels, 12 March 2012
EU assesses progress of its strategy to dismantle trade barriers
The European Commission today published its second Trade and Investment Barriers Report, which describes the progress achieved in dismantling barriers to the markets of six strategic economic partners - China, India, Japan, Mercosur, Russia and the US.
Brussels, 27 February 2012
Commissioner De Gucht visits Moldova and Georgia to open trade negotiations
Commissioner De Gucht travels to Moldova and Georgia on 27 and 28 February respectively, to launch negotiations on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA).
Brussels, 24 February 2012
EU launches free trade negotiations with Armenia
The EU launches negotiations on a deep and comprehensive free trade area with Armenia in order to boost economic growth and investment.
Brussels, 20 February 2012
EU and US agree to bring excessive American anti-dumping duties down to WTO level
WTO dispute concerning the US calculation practice of so-called "zeroing" in anti-dumping investigations settled
Brussels, 6 February 2012
EU highlights trade-led growth as central to modern development agenda
A range of proposals to make trade and development instruments work hand-in-hand presented in the Communication "Trade, growth and development"
Brussels, 27 January 2012
EU and US prevail in WTO appeal against Philippines’ tax regime discriminating against imported distilled spirits
In a report circulated today, the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Appellate Body confirms the findings of the panel report circulated on 15 August according to which the excise tax applied on distilled spirits in the Philippines discriminates against imported spirits
Brussels, 21 December 2011
Successful conclusion of the WTO’s government procurement negotiation: EU succeeds in gaining more market access
WTO negotiations successful as the Parties of the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) reach agreement on tender rules and additional market access commitments
Brussels, 15 December 2011
EU welcomes 3 new members to the World Trade Organisation
The EU welcomes the accession of Montenegro, Russia and Samoa to the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Brussels, 15 December, 2011
EU agrees to start trade negotiations with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia
The European Commission welcomes the decision of the EU Foreign Affairs Council to authorise the opening of trade negotiations with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia
Brussels, 14 December 2011
Cape Verde secures access to EU markets and boosts its development
The EU grants "GSP+" status to the Western African nation of Cape Verde
Brussels, 09 December 2011
EU launches trade negotiations with Georgia and Moldova
EU trade negotiations with Georgia and Moldova launched in order to boost economic growth and investment with the Eastern European partners
Brussels, 05 December 2011
Air transport: Commission welcomes agreement on Siberian overflights
The European Commission and the Russian government have agreed to modernise the system of Siberian overflight payments
Brussels, 01 December 2011
EU and US boost economic partnership
The EU and the US strengthen transatlantic economic ties
Brussels, 29 November 2011
EU-US Transatlantic Economic Council - Joint Statement
The Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) discussed concrete steps towards stronger economic cooperation between the EU and the US
Washington DC, 29 November 2011
EU Trade Commissioner De Gucht in Washington for Summit and high level meetings
Commissioner De Gucht participates in the EU-US Summit in Washington DC
Brussels, 28 November 2011
European Commissioners Füle and De Gucht visit Istanbul to strengthen new EU agenda with Turkey
Positive agenda main focus of joint visit of Commissioner Füle and Commissioner De Gucht to Istanbul 17 and 18 November
Brussels, 16 November 2011
WTO accession negotiations for Russia concluded
The EU welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on Russia's WTO accession
Brussels, 10 November 2011
EU begins modernization review of Trade Defence Instruments
The European Commission launches review of how it supports European companies in the face of unfair competition.
Brussels, 28 October 2011
EU-Korea FTA – what's in it for EU companies?
The European Commission publishes guide entitled "The EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement in practice"
Brussels, 27 October 2011
The European Commission welcomes Vanuatu’s WTO accession.
Brussels, 26 October 2011
EU and Russia agree terms for Moscow’s eventual WTO accession
Last remaining bilateral issues for the EU in Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation have been resolved.
Brussels, 21 October 2011
EU report highlights concerns over rise in protectionism across G20
Commission report finds lack of progress in trade barrier reduction among G20 countries
Brussels, 19 October 2011
EU Trade chief welcomes progress from first Europe-South Korea Trade Committee
The first meeting of the EU-South Korea Trade Committee assesses the progress made so far.
Seoul/ South Korea, 12 October 2011
Stock taking after 100 days: Success of Free Trade Agreement focus for visit to South Korea by EU Trade chief
Commissioner De Gucht visits South Korea to put focus on the EU-South Korea FTA
Brussels, 10 October 2011
EU Trade chief De Gucht visits Namibia and South Africa to boost trade and development deal
Commissioner De Gucht travels to Southern Africa to boost negotiations on comprehensive trade and development agreements
Brussels, 12 September 2011
WTO panel report confirms that the Philippines’ tax regime discriminates distilled spirits from EU exporters
Brussels, 15 August 2011
Bilateral Relations: China / Singapore
EU Trade chief De Gucht travels to China and Singapore to deepen trade ties
Brussels, July 13
Free Trade Agreement between the EU and South Korea 1 July 2011
European exporters to benefit from Free Trade Agreement between the EU and South Korea
Brussels, 29 July 2011
Commissioner De Gucht to USA and Central America
EU trade chief travels to USA and Central America to foster transatlantic trade ties
Brussels, 20 June 2011
Memo: Association Agreement between Central America and the EU
European Commission consults public authorities, business and civil society on access to external public procurement markets
European Commission consults stakeholders for their views on a new policy on access to the EU's public procurement markets
Brussels, 07 June 2011
Civil Aviation - Airbus/Boeing WTO Case
Appellate Body overturns key findings of the Panel in favour of the EU
Brussels, 18 May 2011
Trade defence, Anti-subsidy
EU imposes first ever anti-subsidy tariffs against imports from China
Brussels, 14 May 2011
Generalised System of Preferences
Focusing on needs: the EU reshapes its import scheme for developing countries
Brussels, 10 May 2011
Bilateral relations - ASEAN
1st EU-ASEAN Business Summit in Jakarta set to strengthen regional trade and investment
Brussels, 2 May 2011
Bilateral Relations - Palestian Authority
European Union opens up its market to Palestinian exports
Brussels - 13 April 2011
Bilateral Relations - Colombia and Peru
Commissioner De Gucht welcomes key step towards finalisation of trade deal with Colombia and Peru
Brussels - 13 April 2011
Bilateral Relations - USA
EU and US agree on trade-related information and communication technology principles to be promoted world-wide
Brussels - 4 April 2011
EU and the WTO - Civil Aviation EU wins key WTO case proving Boeing received billions in subsidies from United States
An important step towards regional integration: EU and Central America initial Association Agreement
Brussels - 31 March 2011
Bilateral relations - Central America
An important step towards regional integration: EU and Central America initial Association Agreement
(ES)
Brussels - 22 March 2011
Bilateral relations - Mercosur
Statement of the EU and MERCOSUR after the 4th round of negotiations on the future Association Agreement between both regions
Brussels - 18 March 2011
Dispute settlement
EU Commission and Canada reach provisional solution in beef dispute
Brussels - 17 March 2011
Bilateral relations
Commissioner De Gucht to visit Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea
Brussels - 9 March 2011
Bilateral relations - Korea
EU Commission welcomes European Parliament backing for free trade deal with South Korea
Brussels - 17 February 2011
Bilateral relations - Mercosur
EU Trade Commissioner to discuss Mercosur negotiations in Paraguay and Uruguay
Brussels - 9 February 2011
EU and US improve transatlantic business climate at high-level economic meeting
Commissioner De Gucht took part to the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) in Washington
Brussels - 17 December 2010
EU and Canada take stock of historic Free Trade Agreement negotiations
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht met with Canada’s Minister of International Trade Peter Van Loan in Ottawa, in order to take stock of progress toward a Canada-European Union trade agreement.
Brussels - 15 December 2010
EU Commissioner De Gucht to hold EU-US strategic trade talks and free trade discussions with Canada
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will travel to Canada and the United States from 14 – 17 December 2010 to discuss progress on the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and to strengthen EU-US economic strategic and regulatory cooperation.
Brussels - 14 December 2010
EU Commissioner for Trade to participate in ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will attend the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, December 3rd.
Brussels - 3 December 2010
Joint statement of the Delegations of Russia and the EU
Joint Statement of the Delegations of the Russian Federation and of EU on the occasion of the conclusion of the bilateral talks on the key issues in the accession of the Russian Federation to the WTO.
Brussels - 24 November 2010
Trade, Growth and Jobs
The European Commission has laid out its blueprint for an EU trade policy to help revitalise Europe’s economy by stimulating economic growth and job creation.
Brussels - 09 November 2010
EU Trade Commissioner travels to Ukraine to discuss EU-Ukraine trade negotiations
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will visit Kiev for the first time on 27-28th October. He will explore how to move the EU-Ukraine trade negotiations forward.
Kiev - 28 October 2010
The EU calls on trading partners to honour their commitment to remove protectionist trade barriers
A new report published by the European Commission shows that, despite the economic recovery and contrary to the G20 commitment, only ten percent of the trade restrictive measures taken by the European Union’s major trade partners have been removed.
Brussels - 25 October 2010
Pakistan’s flood-hit economy set for major trade boost from EU Commission proposal
Pakistan’s economic recovery following the unprecedented devastation from flooding earlier this year is set to receive significant support from the EU through key trade preferences.
Brussels, October 2010
Commissioner De Gucht travels to Argentina and Brazil to discuss EU-Mercosur trade negotiations
The Commissioner will explore with his counterparts how to advance the ongoing EU-Mercosur trade negotiations and how to seize the potential export opportunities in these markets.
Brussels, 13 September 2010
EU Trade Commissioner welcomes successful meeting of Trade Ministers
Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht welcomed the first EU Trade Ministers meeting under the Lisbon Treaty, in the setting of a Foreign Affairs Council.
Brussels, 10 September 2010
EU pushes links with ASEAN in Economic Ministers meeting
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht just finished a three-day visit to Vietnam, where he was invited to the 42nd ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting.
Washington / Brussels, 27 August 2010
Anti Counterfeiting
Joint Press Declaration from all the ACTA negotiating parties - 10th round of Negotiations
Washington / Brussels, 22 August 2010
EU Appeals 'Airbus' Panel Report in Large Civil Aircraft Dispute
The EU has lodged this 21 July its appeal with the WTO Appellate Body on the panel report concerning Airbus support.
Brussels, 21 July 2010
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht to open 'Trade Days' at Shanghai World Expo
Brussels, 20 July 2010
European Commission disappointed by delay to WTO confidential interim panel report on Boeing
Brussels, 08 July 2010
New EU Investment package set to boost trade and underpin investor rights
Brussels, 07 July 2010
EU regrets silence of Sri Lanka regarding preferential import regime
Brussels, 05 July 2010
European Commission Statement on the Publication of the Final Report in the "Airbus" WTO case
Brussels, 30 June 2010
Trade Commissioner meets East African Community Trade Ministers in Tanzania
Dar Es Salaam, 09 June 2010
European Commission set to help Palestinian economy with full opening of EU market
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and Palestinian Minister of National Economy Hasan Abu-Libdeh discussed measures to enhance EU-Palestinian bilateral trade relations
Brussels, 10 June 2010
Market Access: EU calls on trading partners to remove protectionist barriers
The European Commission calls on trading partners to remove the almost 280 trade restrictive measures which have been put in place during the economic crisis of the last 18 months.
Brussels, 28 May 2010
Bilateral relations
EU launches major new trade relationship with Latin America
Brussels, 10 May 2010
Bilateral relations
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht on first official visit to the United States
Brussels, 10 May 2010
Bilateral relations
European Commission proposes relaunch of trade negotiations with Mercosur countries
Brussels, 04 May 2010
Bilateral relations
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht travels to Beijing and Tokyo
Brussels, 23 April 2010
Anti Counterfeiting
Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement: European Commission welcomes release of negotiation documents
Brussels, 16 April 2010
Anti Counterfeiting
Joint Statement on Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA)
Brussels, 16 April 2010
Economic Partnership Agreements
Commissioner De Gucht meets Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Trade Ministers
Brussels, 14 April 2010
EU Trade Commissioner and ETUC's General Secretary discuss labour standards and trade policy
Karel De Gucht and European Trade Union Confederation’s General Secretary John Monks met to discuss how the EU's trade policy can contribute to the promotion of decent work.
Brussels, 13 April 2010
EU Trade Commissioner meets with United States Trade Representative
European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht met for the first time this Friday 26 March with Ambassador Ron Kirk, United States Trade Representative.
Brussels, 26 March 2010
Civil Society
Commission welcomes civil society involvement in EU trade policy
Prague, 24 March 2010
EU and Argentina settle WTO case on Genetically Modified Organisms
Brussels, 18 March 2010
Commission consults stakeholders over trade policy towards developing countries
Brussels, 16 March 2010
Key progress in free trade negotiations mark EU Trade Commissioner’s first visit to Asia
Brussels, 4 March 2010
EU and Vietnam To Launch Free Trade Negotiations
Brussels, 2 March 2010
European Commission concludes free trade talks with Peru and Colombia
Brussels, 1 March 2010
European Commission proposes to renew autonomous trade preferences for the Western Balkans
Brussels, 22 February 2010
EU temporarily withdraws GSP+ trade benefits from Sri Lanka
Brussels, 15 February 2010
'WTO is first official visit of Karel De Gucht as EU Trade Commissioner'
Geneva, 12 February 2010