The EU and Ministers from 16 Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have agreed to develop a multi-party interim appeal arrangement that will allow the participating WTO members to preserve a functioning and two-step dispute settlement system at the WTO in disputes among them. This initiative was launched in mid-December 2019 by the EU and a […]
New survey: More than half of EU consumers have environmental impact in mind when shopping, new survey reveals
The European Commission has released its 2019 edition of the Consumer Conditions Scoreboard. It shows that the overall gap in consumer conditions is narrowing between the different regions of the EU; that consumers are more aware about their environmental footprint; and that consumer rules enable trust in the marketplace. Main findings Amid growing awareness of […]
EU becomes member of treaty for better protection of geographical indications
The official documents for the European Union to become a member of the Geneva Act were deposited at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva. This is the last step for the EU to become a member of the Geneva Act, a multilateral treaty for the protection of geographical indications (GIs) managed by the […]
Olive oil and Wine trade in the EU
EU trade in olive oil EU Member States exported over 1.6 million tonnes of olive oil in 2018, worth €5.7 billion. Almost two thirds of these exports went to other EU Member States (63%, or 1.0 million tonnes). This represents a 15% increase in the value of EU Member States’ total exports compared with 2013. […]
First tender for private storage aid for olive oil opens today
Following the adoption of private storage aid for the olive oil sector on 11 November 2019, the first tender opened on 21 november 2019. Operators from producing Member States, (Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia) will be able to submit tenders until 26 November to their national authorities. Squeme and impact […]
The Commission launches an observatory of the wine market
The wine observatory will provide periodic analysis for a sector that accounts for 65% of world wine production. The Commission officially launched the wine market observatory with an initial meeting on November 4 in Brussels. This new observatory will bring a short-term analysis and greater transparency to an important sector of the Union’s agriculture. The […]
EU and China sign landmark agreement to protect 100 European Geographical Indications in China
The EU and China concluded the negotiations on a bilateral agreement to protect 100 European Geographical Indications (GI) in China and 100 Chinese GI in the EU against imitations and usurpation. This landmark agreement is expected to result in reciprocal trade benefits and demand for high-quality products on both sides. Delivering on the commitment made […]
Industrial policy: recommendations to support Europe’s leadership in six strategic business areas
Europe’s industry is strong and has retained global leadership in many sectors, such as automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery and aerospace. Our industry has created 1.7 million jobs since 2013 and accounts for more than two-third of our exports. However, in a changing world Europe’s industry must adjust and adapt to remain ahead of the curve. […]
Making electronic payments and online banking safer and easier for consumers
New EU measures to make electronic payments and e-banking easier and safer for consumers. 1. Payment Services Directive The revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) aims to further modernise Europe’s payment services for the benefit of consumers and businesses. It promotes the development of innovative online and mobile payments, safer payments and better consumer protection. At […]