[sh_light_text ]The international trade committee (INTA) in the European parliament was fully set up yesterday. The chairman and four vice-chair persons were approved. Who are these MEPs and how do they stand on current trade dossiers, such as TTIP, trade preferences and relations with developing countries, investment protection issues, EU-China relations, …
EU trade policies
Blog: Reading for the week-end – Ukraine-Russia trade issues
Next week, Brussels, Kiev and Moscow are expected to discuss their tripartite trade relationship after the EU and Ukraine finally signed off their Association Agreement one week ago. Over the last week, our partner BNE published a series of articles related to the whole Ukraine issue that are really worth reading.
Marine Le Pen joins the international trade committee of the European parliament
[sh_light_text ]The list of members of the international trade committee – INTA – of the European parliament is now practically decided. Iana Dreyer takes a quick look at the political balance between free traders and anti-traders in the 41 member body that will shape European trade policy in the coming …
Flash news: Shanghai free zone liberalises 51 more sectors
The Shanghai Municipality has delisted 51 of 190 sectors that were still restricted for foreign investors in the country’s China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (CSPFTZ). That zone was established one year ago. We learned the news from the European Chamber of Commerce in China. The ECCC recently criticized the excessive length of the list of exceptions …
EU – Vietnam free trade talks: politics and timing cloud prospects for early conclusion
[sh_light_text ]Vietnam and the EU are hopeful that a free trade agreement between them can be concluded by October this year. But signing the deal could be the easy part, getting the new European Parliament to agree remains a far greater challenge. [/sh_light_text] By Rory Cahill
Mega-regionals muddy investment-protection landscape
[sh_light_text ]Mega-regional trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) may complicate rules designed to protect investors, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development says.[/sh_light_text] By Jennifer Freedman
EU-Japan trade deal to move ahead as Council members start softening stance on railway package
[sh_light_text ]Negotiations over the EU Japan free trade deal are set to continue after EU Council members signalled they were ready to compromise with Japan on the most contentious dossier in the politics of the negotiations so far: access to railway markets. [/sh_light_text] By Iana Dreyer
EU ban on Crimean goods ahead of free trade accord won’t crimp Ukrainian exports
[sh_light_text ]The European Union’s (EU) Council decision on Monday to exclude the annexed peninsula Crimea from trade benefits granted to Ukraine probably won’t significantly affect the country’s exports to Europe. The greater threat stems from instability in eastern Ukraine, which is part of the country’s industrial heartland. Brussels and Kiev are expected …
Investor-state disputes in the US & EU – beyond the myths
[sh_light_text ]Iana Dreyer comments on a new note published by UNCTAD, the Geneva-based UN body dealing with trade and investment, analysing investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) cases where the United States (US) and European Union (EU) member states have been involved. [/sh_light_text]
EU member state & stakeholder split jeopardises planned trade defence reforms
[sh_light_text ]Reforming the European Union’s (EU) approach to protecting its industries and associated jobs from illegal or unfair trade practices will pose one of the greatest challenges to the incoming European Parliament and Commission. [/sh_light_text] By Rory Cahill
