The UK will likely stay out of major decisions in trade policy before it even formally leaves the EU. This will affect major files including the hot China market economy status issue. The UK is still a member of the EU and will formally have the right to participate …
EU trade policies
Brexit: Commission in drive to stick to business as usual on trade agreements
The Commission has vowed to stick to its current trade policy plans despite the challenge to its unity and to its resources posed by the pending withdrawal of Britain from the EU. In a defiant statement on Monday, trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström responded to questions about whether the United …
EU agri-food sector alarmed by Brexit decision
Will New Zealanders and Aussies obtain better access to the British market than French wine producers in a few year’s time if Britain seals its own deals with these countries? Or will the absence of the powerful spirits lobby in Brussels weaken Brussels’ hand in future trade negotiations in emerging …
Chances of TTIP conclusion this year waning as France pulls brakes
The outcome of the United Kingdom referendum of 23 June 2016 on its relationship with the EU is clear: priority is now to sort out the situation, and not finalising the flagship transatlantic trade deal TTIP currently under negotiations on both sides of the Atlantic. Brexit also means the French are ready …
In brief – Greek MEP up in arms against EU SADC compromise on feta cheese denomination
Stelios Kolouglou (GUE/NGL) has staged an offensive against the EU Southern African Development Community EPA signed early June in Botswana. In amendments to a motion for a resolution currently under preparation by the Parliament’s trade committee, Mr Kolouglou, along with the Italian MEP Eleonora Forenza, have decided to “decline …
In brief – EP: Trade committee supports energy chapters in FTAs to boost LNG imports
French National Assembly drops ‘Nutella tax’ plans
After the measure was voted down France’s upper house, the Sénat, this spring, France’s plans to introduce a tax on imported palm oil as part of a new biodiversity law, were dropped altogether today by the Assemblée nationale, France’s lower house, where the law is on track to be finalised. …
National security related restrictions to FDI on rise – New UNCTAD report
The freshly released flagship annual UNCTAD World Investment Report highlights that national security motivations to restrict investments are on the rise globally, not least also in Europe. “In recent years, national security-related concerns have gained more prominence in the investment policies of numerous countries”, the report stresses. “Different approaches …
Commission and EEAS launch new China strategy – emphasis on trade, investment and One China policy
Is Federica Mogherini taking the lead on China policy in the EU’s executive? There are signs this is so. The EEAS and the Commission have issued a joint communication on “Elements for a new EU strategy on China”. China was largely absent from the Commission’s November 2015 Trade For All …
Brexit: EU and UK enter era of “massive unknowns”
The outcome of United Kingdom’s referendum on its membership in the EU throws up many questions on the future of the country’s trade relationships with the EU and the wider world, and puts TTIP at risk, experts say.
