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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
EUROPEAN UNION 
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 18 AND 20 FEBRUARY 2 020 
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 14 April 2020 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
UNION EUROPÉENNE  
PROJET DE COMPTE REN DU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 18 ET 20 FÉVRIER 202 0 
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 14 avril 2020  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
UNIÓN EUROPEAN  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 18 Y 20 DE FEBRERO D E 2020  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 14 de abril de 2020  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaracio nes. 
 
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
EUROPEAN UNION 
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEET ING 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Manuel A.J. Teehankee (Philippines)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMA RKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT  BY THE REPRESENTATI VE OF THE EUROPEAN U NION  ..............  5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEM BERS  ................................ ................................ .........................  14 
5  REPLIES BY THE RE PRESENTATIVE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND A DDITIONA L 
COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  75 
6  CONCLUDING REMARK S BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  88 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by the European Union are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/395/Add.1 and will be available 
online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fourteenth Trade Policy Review of the European Union was held on 18 and 20 February 
2020. The Chairperson, H.E.  Mr. Manuel Teehankee (Philippines), welcomed the delegation of the 
European Union, headed by Mrs. Sabine Weyand, Director -General, Directora te-General for Trade, 
European Commission ; H.E. Ambassador  João Aguiar Machado, Permanent Representative of the 
European Union to the WTO; the rest of the delegation  from the European Union; and the discussant, 
H.E. Mr. Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola (Brazil ). 
1.2.  The Chairperson informed Members that, in agreement with the European  Union, participants 
to an Advanced Trade Policy Course in English would attend the first day meeting.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs, and the main elements of procedures  for the 
meeting. The report by the European Union was contained in document WT/TPR/G/395, and that of 
the WTO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/395.  
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: China; 
Japan; New Zea land; Chile; Hong Kong, China; Mexico; United States; Dominican Republic; 
Switzerland; Chinese Taipei; Brazil; Costa Rica; Canada; Australia; Argentina; Honduras; Colombia; 
Malaysia; Guatemala; Norway; Viet Nam; Russian Federation; Ecuador; Singapore; Urug uay; Israel; 
Korea; and Ukraine. The following delegations submitted written questions after the deadline: Peru; 
Trinidad and Tobago; Thailand; Philippines; El Salvador; Turkey; India; Paraguay; Kazakhstan; 
Iceland; Indonesia; and Panama.  
1.5.  At the time of it s previous Review, the economic recovery across the European Union had been 
weak in general, and uneven among its member States. Members had commended the European 
Union because, despite internal problems and global uncertainty, it had contributed to the s uccessful 
expansion of the Information Technology Agreement, and was engaged in the Environmental Goods 
Agreement and the plurilateral Trade in Services (TISA) negotiations. Moreover, the European Union 
had pursued trade liberalization through bilateral fr ee trade agreements, while continuing to provide 
non-reciprocal preferential access for developing countries under various schemes.  
1.6.  The European Union had also been commended for undertaking several initiatives aimed at 
facilitating trade, including its ra tification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and the entry into 
force of the Union Customs Code to simplify and modernize customs procedures. Members had also 
expressed interest in new developments, including the implementation of the new trade and 
investment policy initiatives in the Trade for All strategy of October 2015, the digital single market 
strategy, and the e -commerce package.  
1.7.  However, several concerns raised in previous Trade Policy Reviews had been expressed again 
in 2017, such as agricultur al policies, SPS and TBT measures, and the use of trade remedies. 
Furthermore, Members had expressed interest in the prospect of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal 
from the European Union because of its implications for the European Union’s trading partners a nd 
the EU’s WTO Schedule of Commitments. In this regard, Members expected that any process to 
make adjustments to the Schedule of the EU as a result of Brexit would be open, transparent, and 
WTO-compliant, and would include consultations with third countri es. 
1.8.  From analysing the reports prepared for the current Review, Members noted that during the 
period March 2017 to September 2019, real GDP growth in the EU had been relatively strong at 2% 
per annum in 2017 -18 but slowed somewhat in the second half of 201 8 due to several factors 
including escalating trade tensions and global uncertainties, including the Brexit issue.  
1.9.  The review period witnessed significant developments regarding the conclusion and negotiation 
of new EU trade agreements and the adoption of legislation in various policy and regulatory areas, 
including trade defence, foreign direct investment, taxation, intellectual property rights, energy, 
financial services, electronic commerce, telecommunications and other aspects of the digital single 
market strategy. It was interesting to hear the European Union’s views with respect to these and 
other issues.  
1.10.   Members’ advance written questions gave a number of further insights into the main issues 
and developments of the EU’s trade policies and their impa ct on the multilateral trading system. As WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  in previous Reviews, concerns were raised about high protection in the agricultural sector. 
Additionally, developments in standardization policies and procedures, for both TBT and SPS, 
remained very important; chan ges introduced in the investment regime; regulatory and related 
policy issues in several service sectors; and highly technical details in anti -dumping, anti -subsidies, 
and safeguards procedures were of great interest to Members.  
1.11.   And of course, given the ti ming of this Review, there were several pressing issues that were 
particularly relevant. The Chairperson believed one of these issues was, of course, Brexit, whereby 
Members had some information, but nevertheless some Members underlined in their questions that 
there was still uncertainty how certain elements, such as quotas and trade remedies would be applied 
during the transition period and beyond. There had also been new developments since the reports 
were concluded: these covered issues such as various d igital services’ taxes by member States and 
possible policy developments at the EU level; and the “European Green Deal” and all that it 
encompasses for trade and environmental issues.  
1.12.   The European Union received over 1,600 advance written questions from 39  delegations for 
this Review, covering a broad range of topics. The Chairperson looked forward to hearing the 
European Union’s updates on these issues.  
1.13.   The Chairperson closed his introductory remarks by wishing the European Union a very 
successful fourteen th Trade Policy Review.  
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EUROPEAN UNIO N 
(MRS.  SABINE WEYAND)  
2.1.  It is an honour for me to lead the EU delegation at the 14th Trade Policy Review of the European 
Union today. On behalf of the EU, I would like to thank Ambassador Alexandre Guido LOPES PAROLA 
of Brazil for acting as discussant for this review, as well as the Chair of the TPRB, Ambassador 
Manuel A.J. TEEHANKEE of the Philippines, for his introductory remarks. I would also like to extend 
our apprec iation to the WTO Secretariat who has worked in an excellent manner over the last months 
as well as their professionalism and dedication, which again led to a high -quality Secretariat report 
as basis for our discussions. Indeed, what we have in this report  is not a compendium of EU trade 
policy but of all EU policies potentially affecting trade.  
2.2.  The time since the last EU TPR in July 2017 has been quite eventful, to say the least, both at 
the European and global levels. We appreciate the opportunity that th is review provides to take 
stock and exchange views with the WTO Membership about where the EU stands in the multilateral 
trading system at this 25th anniversary of the WTO.  
2.3.  The last three years were marked by mounting trade tensions, economic uncertainty and 
amplified challenges for multilateralism more generally. Nonetheless, the EU has remained firmly 
anchored in the rules -based trading system and remains committed to open markets. This is not 
just because of our conviction that global challenges are mor e effectively tackled through 
cooperation rather than unilateralism, but also because insertion into the global economy has been 
the basis for the EU’s economic success so far, enabling us to stay the number one trading block 
and biggest single market in t he world. In fact, as described in the reports, the EU economy 
continued to grow, trade in goods and services as well as FDI flows expanded considerably, and 
unemployment continued to decrease during the period under review despite various challenges.  
2.4.  The EU economy exchanges goods and services with the rest of the world to the tune of 
14 billion euros per day. As the world’s second biggest exporter and second biggest importer of 
goods (accounting for 15% of global exports and imports, respectively), the E U existentially depends 
on open and rules -based trade relations. The vast majority of our imports is needed by EU companies 
as input for their production processes. Trade is an integral part of the lives of European citizens, 
defining the choices of consum ers and providing livelihoods, exports alone support around on 1 in 
every 7 jobs in the EU.  
2.5.  The EU’s dependency on imports is reflected in our tariff structure. The EU’s simple average 
applied MFN tariff rate is relatively low (5.2% in 2018, according to t he WTO’s “World Tariff Profiles” 
publication for the EU). While MFN tariffs on agricultural products are somewhat higher than tariffs 
on non -agricultural products, the EU continues to be the world’s largest importer of agricultural 
goods from developing co untries and Least Developed Countries, not least because of our expansive 
preferential schemes and liberalisation through free trade agreements.  
2.6.  Mr Chairman, the unravelling of the rules -based multilateral trading system has been and 
continues to be a majo r challenge. Unfortunately, the concerns we expressed in July 2017 about the 
state of affairs in the WTO turned out to be justified. The crisis of the multilateral trading system 
has deepened significantly and today, the WTO is facing unprecedented challen ges, with its 
fundamental principles put into question. The EU sees no alternative to restoring the effectiveness 
of the WTO. As the EU has argued in many other meetings in this room, we believe that the WTO 
needs to be reformed in all its core functions i n order to become fit for purpose again.  
2.7.  We have been working hard towards this objective over the last three years. In September 
2018, the EU set out its views in a concept paper on how to reinvigorate the rulemaking, dispute 
settlement and monitoring fun ctions of the WTO. On this basis, we have been working with WTO 
Members and presented concrete proposals on various topics. The EU’s main efforts have been, and 
continue to be, on relaunching the stalled negotiating function of the WTO.  
2.8.  This is necessary,  first and foremost, in order to update the rules that can address the root 
causes of today’s trade tensions, for example on level -playing field issues such as industrial 
subsidies. The statement of the 21st EU -China summit in April 2019 as well as the tri lateral 
EU-Japan -US Ministerial statement of January 2020 illustrate the progress achieved with key 
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  2.9.  Second, a modernisation of WTO rules is indispensable to ensure the continued rele vance of 
those rules in today’s economy, both for business and consumers. An updated rulebook should 
facilitate all forms of trade and investment, which have been transformed profoundly by 
technological change.  
2.10.   With this in mind, the EU has very actively participated in the ongoing multilateral and 
plurilateral negotiations – fisheries, e -commerce, domestic regulation for services, investment 
facilitation – and we hope to harvest the fruits of this work at the upcoming Ministerial Conference 
in Nur -Sultan in June. We have also invested in propping up the monitoring function of the WTO, 
through advocating for proposals on better notification compliance and guidelines for WTO bodies 
dealing with trade concerns, in the belief that the Organisation cannot funct ion properly without 
proper transparency on trade measures and having a framework for effective dialogue.  
2.11.   The EU takes its notification obligations very seriously. In 2019, again, we fulfilled all our 
obligations in time – with only a delay of government procurement -related statistics which we are 
working on, and the notable exception of the annual notification of domestic support in agriculture 
(“DS:1” notification) where delays are inevitable because of frankly unrealistic deadlines. Even in 
this isolate d case, the EU remains among best performers.  
2.12.   The crisis of the Appellate Body, which unfolded over the past two years, has consumed a lot 
of energy of the EU and other Members. The proposals put forward by the EU and 13 other Members 
in November 2018 to a ddress concerns voiced with the functioning of the Appellate Body led to the 
dedicated process, which has become to be known as the Walker process. Despite the commendable 
efforts of the facilitator and all our dedication, we could not avoid that the Appel late Body effectively 
stopped functioning on 11 December last year. Nonetheless, and more than before, the EU believes 
that an enforceable, 2 -step and independent dispute settlement system is indispensable for ensuring 
open and fair trade. The EU will cont inue to engage with all Members to find a lasting improvement 
to the Appellate Body situation as a matter of priority, including through necessary reforms.  
2.13.   In the meantime, however, the EU also needed to take steps to mitigate the effects of the 
blockage o f the Appellate Body and to preserve our rights under the WTO Agreement. In anticipation 
of the suspension of the functioning of the Appellate Body, the EU proposed interim appeal arbitration 
arrangements to those partners who are willing to continue to re solve disputes in a binding way in 
respect of the WTO rules. On 24 January in Davos, the EU and 16 other WTO Members agreed to 
develop a multi -party interim appeal arrangement that will allow the participating Members to 
preserve a functioning two -step dis pute settlement system at the WTO in disputes among them. The 
arrangement is a contingency measure and it will only apply until a reformed WTO Appellate Body 
becomes operational again. The EU believes that an independent and impartial appeal stage, giving 
the necessary guarantees of rulings of the highest quality, must continue to be one of the essential 
features of the WTO dispute settlement system.   
2.14.   In conclusion on this point, let me stress again that we do acknowledge the fundamental 
issues raised by s ome Members in relation to the functioning of the Appellate Body, and we remain 
ready, open and willing to engage in tackling core issues. In light of that, the multi -party interim 
appeal arrangement remains merely a stop -gap measure, pending a more in -depth reform of the 
Appellate Body, as part of the broader WTO reform efforts.  
2.15.   Turning to developments in the EU. On 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom left the 
European Union according to the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement concluded between the EU and 
the UK. We have notified all its international partners, including WTO Members and the WTO itself, 
through a Note Verbale about the UK’s withdrawal and the transitional arrangements foreseen in the 
Withdrawal Agreement. The Note Verbale informs our partners that the UK is treated as a Member 
State for the purposes of international agreements of the Union during the transition period, which 
is planned to last until 31 December 2020. This means, inter alia, that the UK remains covered by 
the EU’s WTO commitment s and concessions on goods and services during transition.  
2.16.   I understand the interest of Members to know what will happen after the end of the transition, 
and we would like to know as well, but I think here we have to let the negotiation process, which 
will only get underway at the beginning of March, to lead to results, which at this stage we cannot 
predict. So, there is a certain degree of uncertainty we all have to live with. I recognize that the 
uncertainty surrounding Brexit has been challenging for st akeholders in the EU, the UK as well as WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  third countries. Naturally, we received a number of questions in relation to Brexit, for example on 
the negotiations under GATT Article XXVIII on the apportionment of the EU’s bound tariff rate quotas. 
We will contin ue to conduct these negotiations with individual Members in good faith and in line with 
the relevant WTO procedures, as we have been doing since the start of the EU’s and UK’s joint 
engagement with WTO Members, hoping to bring them to satisfactory conclusi on.  
2.17.   In any case, the EU remains the largest internal market of the world, the top trading partner 
for 80 countries, and we continue our work in support of the rules -based multilateral trading system 
in line with our values. The EU and the UK are now openi ng a new chapter by entering negotiations 
about the future EU -UK relationship.  
2.18.   The EU also continued expanding our FTA network. To name but a few, particularly noteworthy 
achievements: The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada has been 
provisionally applied since September 2017, the EU -Japan Economic Partnership Agreement entered 
into force in February 2019, and in June 2019, the EU signed the FTA and Investment Protection 
Agreement with Vietnam and concluded negotiations with Mercosur. The se agreements are not only 
our biggest in terms of market size, but there are also ambitious in their coverage. They build on 
and go beyond WTO rules whilst fully preserving them. We have developed WTO+ provisions on 
subsidies and government procurement, f or example, and regarding services; our most recent Free 
Trade Agreements include comprehensive commitments and state of the art provisions on 
telecommunications, financial services as well as a full Digital Trade Chapter. Negotiations are well 
underway wi th numerous other trading partners.  
2.19.   Mr Chairman, let me now turn to the questions that Members addressed to the EU in this TPR. 
We received more than 1600 written questions from 39 Members; around 1200 questions reached 
us within the deadline. This is abou t 600 more questions than last time and makes us the third most 
scrutinised Member in the TPR exercise after China and the US. I am pleased, and proud to say that 
we have responded to all questions that were sent within the deadline by last Tuesday (11/02) , i.e. 
the date set in the “alternative timeline”, as well as to those questions that missed the deadline by 
a couple of days. We are now working on the replies to the remaining questions, which we will submit 
in due course, within the required timeframe.  
2.20.   I would like to pick up some of the main themes that Members addressed in their questions: 
agriculture, sustainable development, SPS and other regulatory measures, trade defence 
instruments, the Digital Single Market and investment.  
2.21.   As usual, many question s were about agriculture. Since the last TPR, the Common Agricultural 
Policy (CAP) continued on the path towards further market orientation and away from trade -
distorting support measures. Examples include the abolition of sugar production quotas and 
imple mentation of the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on export competition. A new CAP for post -2020 
is in the making; the legislative proposals of June 2018 aim at fostering a smart, resilient and 
diversified agricultural sector ensuring food security, strengthen ing the socio -economic fabric of rural 
areas and contributing to the environmental and climate objectives of the EU. The EU aims to use 
40% of the overall financial envelope of the CAP to support climate objectives.  
2.22.   Promoting sustainable development throug h trade remains a top priority for EU trade policy. 
We were pleased to note that many Members have referred to the EU’s work on sustainable 
development issues. Let me recall that the EU and its Member States’ aid in support of trade and 
productive capaciti es represents a third of global Aid for Trade and makes the EU the biggest Aid for 
Trade donor. The updated EU Strategy on Aid for Trade of 2017 reflects the UN 2030 Agenda on 
Sustainable Development. The EU’s trade policy instruments, such as preferential  trade regimes and 
economic partnership agreements, also contribute significantly to increasing exports from 
developing countries and diversifying their economies. Commitments to sustainability are also 
continuously being strengthened in EU trade agreement s, for instance with regard to climate change 
and the effective implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Quite a few 
questions focused on the EU’s work to help protect and restore the world’s forests as outlined in our 
Communication of July 2019. We have also noted the interest in the EU’s continued work on fair and 
ethical trade schemes as well as the promotion of gender equality through trade.  
2.23.   Now turning to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures where we received the highest 
numbe r of questions. This did not come as a surprise, as indeed the EU enacted or implemented WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  several new pieces of legislation during the review period, for example on official controls, plant 
health, animal health, or veterinary medicinal products. The EU is fully aware of the impact that 
changing standards on the EU market can have on exporters in third countries, and therefore takes 
its obligations of transparency and consultation very seriously. In addition to fulfilling all notification 
requirements and re sponding to Members’ questions and comments in the SPS Committee diligently, 
the Commission organised various conferences, information sessions, webinars and workshops on 
the main regulatory developments (e.g. in relation to pesticides, veterinary medicina l products, 
animal health, plant health, official controls). The EU also actively provides significant technical and 
financial assistance to enable exporters in developing countries to meet EU standards. Examples 
include the Better Training for Safer Food initiative, the Fit for Market programme and Market Access 
programmes.  
2.24.   Regarding matters discussed in the Committee on Technical Barriers on Trade, we received 
several questions on the two new EU Regulations that, on the one hand, enhance the EU market 
surveillance framework and, on the other hand, streamline the application of the mutual recognition 
principle of goods lawfully marketed in the EU. I would like to underline that these new rules reinforce 
the powers of market surveillance authorities in the E U, including through improved cooperation 
mechanisms among them, in order to ensure that only safe and compliant goods – whether produced 
domestically or imported – are placed on the EU market. In parallel, they further facilitate the free 
movement of good s across EU Member States.  
2.25.   Regarding the EU’s regulatory processes more generally, some questions enquired about 
advancements under the Better Regulation Agenda and how we take stakeholder input into account 
in the legislative process. One noteworthy chara cteristic in the EU’s policy development process is 
that public consultations take place very early at the conceptual stage of a policy initiative. With 
some pride, I admit, I would like to point out that the OECD Regulatory Policy Outlook 2018 ranked 
the Commission consultation system the best in the OECD.  
2.26.   We have also replied to many questions about the EU’s trade defence instruments. This was 
expected, given that our legislation saw two major changes since the last TPR: the introduction of a 
new dumping calculation methodology in December 2017, and broader changes that modernised 
and improved the instruments in June 2018. These changes were necessary to keep pace with the 
global challenges in international trade and the need to ensure that the EU’ s commitment to free 
trade is underpinned by instruments that guarantee that this trade is fair. We are fully committed 
to dealing with unfair trade practices like dumping and subsidisation, which threaten and injure our 
industries. Similarly, when justifi ed by the exceptional events causing trade diversion, we also need 
to address unexpected surges of imports by taking proportionate safeguard measures. We will 
continue to tackle these practices, when necessary and where justified, and always fully in line with 
our international commitments. In this context, let me recall that the EU’s legislation contains WTO+ 
elements such as a mandatory public interest test and the use of the lesser duty rule, which are 
more stringent than the WTO rules require. I would a lso like to add that the EU is still in a relatively 
early stage of implementing our legislative changes and therefore the practice may evolve over time.  
2.27.   The completion of the Digital Single Market (DSM) was a political priority during the period 
under rev iew. The EU’s DSM strategy and related legal acts adopted over the last years attracted 
significant interest from many WTO Members. We received around 130 questions, focussing on 
copyright, e -commerce and online platforms, cybersecurity and measures in the  field of electronic 
communications. The EU’s DSM strategy aims at providing individuals and businesses with the best 
possible access to the online world. In our view, a Digital Single Market is one in which the free 
movement of persons, services and capit al is ensured and where individuals and businesses can 
seamlessly access and engage in online activities under conditions of fair competition, and a high 
level of consumer and personal data protection, irrespective of their nationality or place of residenc e.  
2.28.   Regarding investment, the EU received many questions on our Regulation on the FDI 
screening framework which will enter into force in October this year. While we hope our answers 
have provided the necessary clarifications, I would like to take this oppo rtunity to stress a few 
aspects of this new instrument. First, it does not in any way undermine the Union’s openness for 
foreign direct investments. FDI is an important source of jobs, expertise, and competitiveness in the 
EU. It is too important to lose i t. Hence, this new instrument was carefully designed so as not to 
affect the EU’s attractiveness for foreign investors and to minimize impact on foreign investors and 
their investments. Second, its objectives are very specific: it is meant to strengthen th e awareness WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  of the EU and its member States of those FDIs that are likely to affect security or public order and 
enable EU member States and the Commission to mitigate those risks.  
2.29.   Furthermore, Members sought clarifications on the division of competences between the EU 
and its member States in the negotiation and management of investment treaties. Several questions 
also concerned the EU’s approach to investment dispute settlement and in particular the functioning 
of the Investment Court Systems set up unde r EU agreements. The EU has led the way in reforming 
investor state dispute settlement by moving away from ad hoc arbitration to permanent mechanisms 
consisting of first instance and appeal tribunals. The EU and its member States have implemented 
this refo rm through bilateral trade and investment negotiations.  
2.30.   Work has also started on the creation of a Multilateral Investment Court, which would be open 
to all countries and, as a standing multilateral court, would offer the greatest guarantees of 
independen ce and impartiality, ensure correct and consistent decisions and hence create the legal 
certainty that is required for sustainable investment.  
2.31.   Mr Chairman, the end of the review period for the EU’s 14th TPR overlapped with the new 
European Commission takin g up its work in December 2019. I would like to conclude with an outlook 
on some of the priorities of the new Commission, which may be of particular interest to WTO 
Members.  
2.32.   The first priority of the new European Commission is for Europe to become the fir st carbon 
neutral continent by 2050. To achieve this, the Commission presented the European Green Deal in 
December last year, which is a proposal for an ambitious set of measures to achieve a sustainable 
green transition and, at the same time, a strategy f or growth. In fact, several questions addressed 
to us in the TPR made reference to parts of the Green Deal, such as the Farm to Fork initiative and 
the EU strategy on adaptation to climate change, including a potential carbon border adjustment 
mechanism fo r selected sectors that could be at risk of carbon leakage, should differences in levels 
of ambition worldwide persist.  
2.33.   Another priority is to make Europe fit for the Digital Age and advance the Digital Single Market, 
by further breaking down barriers to e-commerce within the EU and by creating the right conditions 
for digital networks and services to flourish. I am convinced that the further deepening of European 
integration as we tackle the “twin digital and climate transition”, as Commission President U rsula 
von der Leyen put it, will bring net benefits for the EU’s trading partners in the same way as they 
have benefitted from the single market integration for goods.  
2.34.   The new Commission also wants to reinforce responsible global leadership. A strong, open  
and fair trade agenda for the EU is key in this regard, together with ensuring the highest standards 
of climate, environmental and labour protection. The EU will have many other opportunities to 
discuss these initiatives with our international partners in  detail as they evolve in the future, 
including through the EU’s extensive public consultation channels. But I would like to stress already 
now that all legislative proposals will be made ensuring the respect of WTO rules and other 
international obligation s of the EU; and they will be founded on sound analysis and appropriate 
consultation.  
2.35.   Once again, we appreciate this opportunity to engage with Members on the whole range of 
EU policies that are relevant to our trading partners. The EU takes this exercise very seriously, 
together with all other work under the Trade Policy Review Mechanism. We just marked the 30th 
anniversary of the TPRM in November, which is indeed a fundamental part of the multilateral trading 
system. Trade Policy Reviews are an extremely valuable tool in the WTO’s transparency toolkit as 
they allow for a different type of discussion than other WTO meetings; being more holistic and 
focused at the same time. The many written questions and this meeting will provide valuable 
feedback from WTO Members on our trade relevant policies, which we can take back for internal 
reflections and inject into our regulatory processes. I am looking forward to our discussions today 
and throughout these coming days and to bring it to a positive conclusion. Thank  you very much for 
your attention.  
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  It’s my honour to provide today’s discussant remarks for the 14th Trade Policy Review of the 
European Union. This invitation is not only an honour but also a privilege. This mechanism is a 
fundamental part of the multilateral trading system and an important instrument to ensure 
transparency in global trade.  
3.2.  The TPR is an opportunity for Members to receive constructive assessments of their trade 
policies and practices as regards the MTS. Open s crutiny and peer review is one of the ways through 
which we uphold the rules and standards we have all agreed to and reinforce the importance of the 
system.  
3.3.  Next July, Brazil and the EU will celebrate the 13th anniversary of an auspicious Strategic 
Partner ship, which serves as a broad framework for deepening relations in a number of key sectors 
and building long -lasting links between our people.  
3.4.  Brazil and EU not only share close historic and cultural ties, values and a strong commitment 
to multilateral ins titutions, we also share a common interest in revitalizing the WTO and are engaged 
in achieving progress in the three main pillars where this agenda is being pursued.  
3.5.  I’m pleased to note that the new European Commission has manifested its wholehearted 
support for the multilateral trade system. As stated personally by H.E Ms. Ursula Von Der Leyen in 
the Political Guidelines for European commission 2019 -2024: “We will always look for multilateral 
solutions and I intend to lead the efforts on updating and refo rming the World Trade Organization”.  
3.6.  More broadly, the EU’s goals of keeping the world’s trading system fair, predictable and based 
on common rules are also welcome, especially when supported by initiatives aimed at bringing 
developing countries into the W TO, its decision -making, and the global economy.  
Economic environment  
3.7.  Based on statistics available until 2018, the Secretariat report shows that real GDP growth in 
the EU was relatively strong during the review period.  
3.8.  Economic expansion was less strong in the second half of 2018 due to a number of factors, 
including weakness in the manufacturing sector, mounting trade tensions and the prospect of the 
UK’s withdrawal from the EU.  
3.9.  Against this background, after a GDP growth of 2.6% in 2017 and of 2.0% in 2018, GDP growth 
is expected to decelerate slightly to 1.4% in 2019. It will then increase again and is projected to 
reach 1.6% in 2020.  
3.10.   In order to ensure sustainable growth, the EU recognizes the importance of exploring the full 
potential of the EU Sing le Market. Marking its 25th anniversary, the European Commission adopted 
a Communication in November 2018 calling on Member States to renew their political commitment 
to the Single Market.  
3.11.   The Europe 2020 Strategy is also crucial as it is the EU’s agenda for growth and jobs for the 
current decade. Members are following its developments with high interest. The impact of Brexit on 
EU economies and the planned EU digital services tax are also topics whose possible repercussions 
on the EU economic environment are being observed carefully by Members.  
Trade Policy  
3.12.   Despite the uneven GDP growth path that I mentioned, and based on data for the period 
covered by the Secretariat report, the EU remains the number one trading block in the world and, 
consequently, the most important trade partner for some 80 economies.  
3.13.   The Government report indicates that international trade plays a central role in the EU’s 
economy, accounting for almost 35% of its GDP and supporting more jobs than ever (36 million in 
2018, two thirds more than in 2000).  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  3.14.   During the period under review, the EU trade policy continued to be guided by the general 
objectives of the “Trade for All Strategy”, adopted in 2015. In this regard, the European Commission 
issued in September 2017 a communication entitled «A balanced and progressive trade policy to 
harness globalisation», which notes that «global trade is a key contributor to a competitive and 
prosperous EU», but «needs to be proactively shaped and managed to ensure it is fair, projec ts 
values and remains firmly anchored in a rules -based system».  
3.15.   Moreover, the EU’s aim is a «trade policy that is transparent and responsible, benefits all 
citizens, and provides modern solutions for the realities of today’s economy in the middle of 
techn ological change». The communication defined three main objectives of EU trade policy.  
3.16.   The first one is to conclude new trade partnerships to build progressive rules for global trade, 
in which environmental, social, labour and gender issues play an importa nt role. The second main 
objective is to protect EU interests and ensure fairness through a robust trade and investment policy. 
And the third objective is to deliver effective agreements through a transparent and inclusive 
negotiation process.  
WTO  
3.17.   As I po inted out previously, the EU recognizes the importance of preserving an open, rules -
based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, and the need for reform of this 
organization.  
3.18.   In this sense, the EU presented a comprehensive approach to refo rming the WTO in 
September 2018, aimed at revitalising negotiations; preserving the dispute settlement system; and 
ensuring better monitoring of its Membership’s trade practices. Concrete proposals in these areas 
were tabled by the EU together with other W TO Members.  
3.19.   In what regards WTO negotiations or initiatives, it is worth noting that the EU is an important 
actor for the advancement of the only ongoing multilateral negotiation stemming from the DDA, 
which is the negotiation to discipline fisheries subsi dies. On this issue, Members want to know how 
the EU can contribute to restoring and maintaining fish stocks at sustainable levels by 2020. 
Questions on the new regulation on the sustainable management of external fishing fleets and on 
state aid to fisheri es and aquaculture provided by member States were also raised.  
3.20.   The EU is also supportive of the work following from the MC11 Joint Statement initiatives on 
e-commerce, domestic regulation in services and investment facilitation.  
3.21.   On e-commerce, the EU part icipated in the launch of plurilateral WTO negotiations under the 
Joint Statement initiative on e -Commerce in January 2019 in the margins of the World Economic 
Forum in Davos. The EU defends a set of multilateral rules and commitments that would enhance 
global e -commerce and facilitate business operations, notably for small and medium -sized 
enterprises. Some questions by Members on e -commerce relate to the measures taken to address 
regulatory barriers to e -commerce trade with non -EU countries and the recent  legislation concerning 
VAT aspects of e -commerce.  
3.22.   On domestic regulation for services, the EU believes that clear and enforceable disciplines are 
an important complement to existing liberalisation under the GATS. The EU views the next MC12 as 
a real oppor tunity to conclude more than 20 years of WTO negotiations on this important topic, 
which would bring tangible benefits to services operators.  
3.23.   The EU has also been active in discussions related to Micro, Small, and Medium -Sized 
Enterprises (MSMEs), to trade  as a driver of gender equality and to the development of a multilateral 
framework on investment facilitation. On gender equality, some Members want to know more about 
best practices and related provisions in FTAs.  
3.24.   Let me know highlight some other importan t points in specific areas of interest.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  Agriculture  
3.25.   The agricultural sector continues to stand out in the tariff analysis due to significantly higher 
rates (14.2% on average), the wide tariff range, and the significant use of non -ad valorem rates 
and tarif f quotas. Regarding the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the structure of the agricultural 
policies has remained the same since 2015 and there were no substantial changes during the review 
period regarding market access for imports of agricultural product s into the EU. Legislative proposals 
for the reform of the CAP beyond 2020 were submitted by the Commission in 2018 and are currently 
under discussion.  
3.26.   Regarding the agriculture sector, Members asked questions related mainly to direct 
payments; internal ma rket support; export subsidies and export measures having equivalent effect; 
and market access. On this last topic, Members wish to know, for example, if the EU has any plans 
to simplify complex tariffs and to convert non -ad valorem duties to ad valorem.  
Trade remedies  
3.27.   The EU continued to be a significant user of trade remedies, although the number of new anti -
dumping and anti -subsidy initiations steadily declined between 2016 and 2018. The steel 
surveillance measure continued to be in place, followed by t he introduction of the steel safeguard 
measure replacing this measure for certain steel categories in 2018 -19. A similar surveillance 
measure on aluminium was put in place in 2018.  
3.28.   Some questions raised by Members in this area relate to the safeguard on s teel products; on 
the way compliance with social and environmental standards is taken into account in investigations 
and the impact of Brexit on trade remedies. A number of Members have also shown interest in the 
recent reforms of EU anti -dumping legislati on.  
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
3.29.   Concerning sanitary and phytosanitary measures, Members are trying to assess the trade 
impact and main changes of some new EU regulations, such as the one on official controls on 
products of animal origin intended f or human consumption of 2017, the Plant Health Law of 2016 
and the Animal Health Law of 2016 applicable on April 2021.  
3.30.   Other topics that will certainly raise discussion are: consideration of STCs; consideration of 
longer transition periods for adjustment t o new measures; EFSA procedures in establishing norms 
for food safety; determination of import tolerances for maximum residue limits and use of Codex 
Alimentarius standards and standard setting that may be more trade restrictive.  
Government procurement  
3.31.   A public procurement strategy aimed at further improving EU public procurement practices 
by working with public authorities and other stakeholders was adopted by the Commission in October 
2017. It includes: a mechanism for large infrastructure projects; a rec ommendation to 
professionalize public buyers; and a consultation on guidance on public procurement of innovation.  
3.32.   In this area, Members are mainly interested in: the new strategy to address public 
procurement challenges; the requirements established by Eu ropean Single Procurement Document; 
developments on the International Procurement Instrument; and on how the EU is improving access 
to non -EU procurement markets through trade agreements.  
Intellectual property  
3.33.   On intellectual property, the EU put in place several legislative measures during the review 
period, notably with respect to copyrights and related rights. In May 2019, the EU adopted 
amendments to its rules on supplementary protection certificates for medicinal products. Various 
measures were a lso taken with a view to implementing substantive reforms to the EU trademark 
legislation.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  3.34.   Some points raised by Members were: implications of the Directive on Copyright in the Digital 
Single Market; GI protection under FTAs; status of GI protection for no n-agricultural products; and 
enforcement of IPRs for goods in transit.  
Services  
3.35.   Concerning the services sector, some regulatory developments during the review period can 
be highlighted. In financial services, the EU took steps to reduce risk and enhance t he resilience of 
the banking sector. Some legislative proposals on core aspects of the Capital Markets Union, which 
aims to develop deeper and more integrated capital markets across the EU, were also adopted during 
the review period. On construction servic es, the EU took several steps in recent years towards 
regulatory simplification to improve the internal market for this sector, which is being examined for 
the first time. The EU also adopted legislative measures under the Digital Single Market (DSM) 
Strategy, with a view to addressing different types of barriers to the growth of cross -border e -
commerce.  
3.36.   Several questions on services were submitted by Members in specific areas like financial 
services; construction services; e -commerce; telecommunications; the amended Audiovisual Media 
Services Directive; online platforms; and the EU Cybersecurity Act.  
Import restrictions  
3.37.   The EU continued to apply prohibitions, restrictions and licensing requirements on imports 
which have increased in number. Some Members h ave mentioned these restrictions in their written 
questions, specifically on the reasons for the increase in number of measures.  
Energy  
3.38.   On the energy sector, it is worth mentioning that many Members have posed questions and 
expressed interest in the Green Deal policy announced by the Commission in December 2019 after 
the circulation of the Secretariat and EU reports, especially regarding the possible introduction of a 
carbon border adjustment mechanism.   
Closing remarks  
3.39.   The EU is always referred to as bei ng the most complete example of integration in the world. 
The EU project started as an aspiration of peace, unity and prosperity and is nowadays a reality 
through the four freedoms of its Single Market. The free movement of people, goods, services and 
capital have helped improve the citizens’ prosperity and strengthen EU’s competitiveness.  
3.40.   As the new European Commission starts its first year of work, the task of deepening 
integration is made more complex in an ever changing and unsettling world. These chall enges 
include Brexit and the reshaping process it has already triggered.  
3.41.   As always, due the vital role the EU plays in the multilateral trading system, this TPR is of 
great interest. I would like then to congratulate the Membership for the interest shown i n this review. 
Taking into account the more than 1600 written questions submitted by 39 delegations, I believe 
we can expect good engagement and strong interest in today’s review.  
3.42.   As you know, my role as discussant was to introduce and foster discussion an d to highlight 
key developments since the EU’s last review in July 2017. I hope my remarks will contribute to a 
substantive debate and I wish the EU a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
CHINA  
4.1.  There is a Chinese saying that “The taller man will hold it up when the sky is falling.” A study 
of Imperial College London shows the average height of Europeans is the tallest across continents. 
In a time of crisis, we need «tall men» to uphold the WTO so  as to avoid its collapse. And luckily, 
Commissioner Hogan is the tallest trade minister I have ever met.  
4.2.  As the first Member to speak here today, allow me to start by pointing out that, the EU is a 
staunch supporter and defender of the Multilateral Tradi ng Systems. We can see that clearly in the 
Mission Letter addressed to Commissioner Hogan by the President of the European Commission, 
Ursula von der Leyen, and I quote, “Europe’s place is at the heart of the rules -based multilateral 
system. A top priority  will be to lead the reform of the World Trade Organization.”  
4.3.  To be specific, China commends the EU’s leadership in seeking solutions to unblock the 
selection process of Appellate Body Members and working on a Multiparty Interim Appeal 
Arrangement in respo nse to the current situation.  
4.4.  China appreciates the EU’s active engagement in Joint Statements Initiates such as 
E-commerce, Domestic Regulations, Investment Facilitation for Development, with a view to 
achieving meaningful deliverables at the MC12.  
4.5.  China also applauds the EU for providing generous and effective technical assistance and 
capacity -building to help the developing members and LDCs better integrate into the multilateral 
trading system.  
4.6.  In this regard, China looks forward to continue workin g with the EU and lift the WTO out of the 
difficulties.  
4.7.  Having said that, Mr Chair, I would also like to raise some concerns over the EU’s trade policies.  
4.8.  Firstly, China cannot agree with the EU’s assessment that the current crisis of the WTO roots 
in the  lack of rules to address distortions caused by so called “non -market policies and practice”. It 
is a dangerous misconception, which will lead the WTO reform to a wrong direction and bring about 
further fragmentation among its members. Many of us believe t hat, it is the unilateralism, 
protectionism and trade bullying that are undermining the rules -based multilateral trading system 
and jeopardising the authority and credibility of the WTO. Therefore, it is high time for us to shoulder 
our common responsibili ty to resist protectionist tendencies.  
4.9.  Secondly, the EU’s trade policy is moving towards a “defensive” path. Please allow me to list 
some concerning facts:  
• The EU remains one of the most frequent users of trade remedy measures, some of which 
are discrimina tory; 
• The EU introduced new regulations on foreign investment screening, in particular regarding 
acquisitions taken by non -EU stated -owned enterprises. We are concerned that this may 
increase the risk of the abuse of national security review and lead to di scrimination against 
specific ownership enterprise;  
• The EU maintains high tariff and numerous TRQs in its agriculture sector, and little 
improvement was made regarding market access and agricultural subsidies remain at high 
level, which is distorting globa l trade.  
4.10.   The EU seeks to strengthen the trade toolbox including upgrading its Enforcement Regulation 
to allow sanctions when others adopt illegal measures and simultaneously block the WTO dispute 
settlement process. While realizing the rationale behind is  to react to the challenges we all face, but 
still, the implication of such legitimized sanctions can be worrisome.  
4.11.   Last but not the least, like many other WTO Members, China attaches great importance to 
the appropriate allocation of the TRQs between the EU and the UK, with a view to protecting 
Members’ rights of market access after the Brexit.   WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.12.   China and the EU are important partners on trade and investment. Every minute, over 
USD 1 million worth of goods are traded between us. The China -Europe freight r ail service network 
has expanded rapidly in recent years. The China -EU Co -investment Fund was established to further 
promote our collaboration. The China -EU agreement on Geographic Indications was concluded. And 
the negotiations on our Bilateral Investment  Treaty is heading for success. The China -EU Summit 
and many other high -level dialogues scheduled in 2020 will further provide political impetus to our 
economic cooperation.  
4.13.   As the Roman poet Ovid said, “A horse never runs so fast when he has other horses  to catch 
up and outpace.” Competition and collaboration are never mutually exclusive. China sincerely hopes 
that the EU will welcome healthy competition, maintain an open, transparent and non -discriminatory 
environment for trade and investment. I look for ward to our further cooperation with a view to 
preserving and strengthening the multilateral trading system.  
JAPAN  
4.14.   Last year marked the 30th anniversary of the TPR. Japan acknowledges and greatly 
appreciates the historical contribution of the European Unio n to the TPR, and it gives me great 
pleasure to join this 14th TPR of the European Union.  
4.15.   Also, in the broader context, Japan appreciates that the European Union has contributed to 
upholding and strengthening the multilateral trading system through its ac tive engagements in the 
WTO. In particular, the European Union is demonstrating its strong leadership towards MC12 by 
proposing useful and concrete ideas in many areas, including an urgent area of DSB appellate body 
issues, to address the current crisis of  the multilateral trading system. We trust that the European 
Union will make further contributions to our ongoing activities in the WTO in order to achieve positive 
outcomes at MC12 in June.  
4.16.   We recognize that annual GDP growth is steadily recovering in 20 20 in the European Union. 
At the same time, however, the European Union is facing several uncertainties in the region such as 
significant financial debts in South European countries and unforeseeable consequences of Brexit. 
We expect the European Union to effectively address those uncertainties, and to make further 
contributions to the sound development of global trade.  
4.17.   To this effect, Japan appreciates the active engagement of the European Union in further 
liberalizing its trade regime by concluding many f ree trade agreements across the world. In 
particular, Japan believes that the Japan -EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which has been in 
force since last February, is a high standard model for free trade agreements in the 21st century, 
aiming at promoting a free, open, fair and rule -based trade and investment regime. Therefore, we 
expect that our Economic Partnership Agreement will constitute a good basis for facilitating global 
rule-making towards development of a free trade environment.  
4.18.   There are several  areas in which we have specific interests and concerns regarding the 
European Union’s policy. I will now briefly touch upon each of these in turn.  
Data Free Flow  
4.19.   Digitalization will provide us with further opportunities to enhance the global value chain 
through means such as reduction of costs in business and increased access to the global market by 
MSMEs. In order to harness the full potential of the digital economy, we believe that it is essential 
to effectively facilitate data flow and utilization. In this regard, we highly welcome the Japan -EU 
mutual data adequacy decisions based on our high standard legislation, which was confirmed by our 
leaders last April. We look forward to collaborating with the European Union to achieve a trustworthy 
environment for facilitating global data flow. We also welcome the active engagements of the 
European Union in the ongoing negotiations on electronic commerce in the WTO.  
Brexit  
4.20.   On 31 January, the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union. We expect both the 
European Union and the United Kingdom to achieve a smooth transition process, thus providing 
certainty, transparency and predictability to the global economy. In particular, we would like to WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  underscore that the European Union and the United Kingdom should mai ntain the legal stability of 
its concession schedule by appropriately finalizing the TRQ issue as soon as possible.  
Business Environment and Investment  
4.21.   Aside from Brexit, Japan has several concerns with the business environment of the European 
Union. Specifically, there are many requests for improvements from Japanese industries in such 
areas as work visa requirements and procedures. We encourage the Euro pean Union to listen 
carefully to voices from industries across the world in order to achieve a more favourable 
environment for business. This will definitely contribute to attracting foreign investment.  
4.22.   As for investment, Japan is closely monitoring the i mplementation process of the Rules on the 
EU’s Inward FDI Screening System, which will come into effect this October. Japan expects that 
these new rules will be managed appropriately in order not to hinder foreign investment.  
IPR 
4.23.   As for IPR, Japan encoura ges the European Union to establish, as soon as possible, the Unitary 
Patent System and the Unified Patent Court, as it is burdensome for businesses to address each 
member’s patent system respectively.  
4.24.   Also, Japan has a keen interest in the protection of G I. GI originating from third countries 
should be provided adequate legal protection in the European Union based on relevant bilateral or 
plurilateral agreements.  
4.25.   I would like to conclude my statement by expressing once again our appreciation for the 
Europ ean Union’s efforts to promote the multilateral trading system. Japan is ready to work with the 
European Union and the other Members to further strengthen the free and fair -trade system.  
4.26.   We wish the European Union a successful and productive TPR.  
NEW  ZEALAND 
4.27.   New Zealand has a long -standing, and broadly -based trading relationship with the European 
Union; our third -largest trading partner. Since June 2018 we have been negotiating a Free Trade 
Agreement with the EU that we hope will be concluded swiftly.  
4.28.   The EU and New Zealand share a commitment to the global rules -based system. We welcome 
the EU’s efforts to help address the Appellate Body impasse and the lack of impetus in the WTO’s 
negotiating function.  
4.29.   Ahead of the 12th Ministerial Conference, we look to the EU for continued leadership in 
building a consensus around credible outcomes in several areas, including an ambitious outcome on 
fisheries subsidies and advancing areas like agriculture, services domestic regulation, e -commerce, 
MSMEs and women’s econo mic empowerment.  
4.30.   New Zealand commends the EU for its commitment to prohibition of harmful fisheries 
subsidies, and its support for conclusion of negotiations on fisheries subsidies by MC12. We are 
concerned however that the EU’s proposed European Maritime,  Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 
(EMFAF) re -introduces subsidies for purchase, renovation and new build of fishing vessels in the 
2021-2027 period.  
4.31.   In previous reviews, New Zealand has expressed concern about aspects of the EU’s Common 
Agricultural Policy.  We recognize and commend ongoing efforts to reform the CAP and join others in 
encouraging greater market orientation and reduction of distortions to international trade.  
4.32.   In this review we have raised questions around further plans to reduce coupled paymen ts, 
and to better equip farmers to respond to market incentives. Considerable scope remains for further 
progress on market access, especially where the EU retains complex or prohibitive tariffs on 
highly -traded products.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.33.   We are also interested in an update  on the EU proposal to replace blue box Voluntary Coupled 
Support with amber box Coupled Income Support and how this supports efforts to strengthen 
disciplines on trade - and production -distorting support.  
4.34.   The 2015 removal of dairy production quotas has bee n of considerable interest to New 
Zealand. However, as the Secretariat report indicates, the EU has 107 categories of TRQs in its WTO 
schedule, of which 74% concern agricultural products. New Zealand remains concerned with the 
EU’s management of agricultur al TRQs and we seek updates on how the EU plans to remove in -
quota tariffs for these quotas so as to enable full quota utilisation. We urge the EU to continue to 
operate TRQs consistent with WTO rules, including in the context of the Brexit process.  
4.35.   We als o seek clarification on what the EU views as the purpose of the Codex Alimentarius and 
whether the EU considers Codex standards are intended to identify and apply in relation to generic 
or common names of products used by producers, traders and consumers t rading in those products.  
4.36.   New Zealand has also raised questions around work undertaken by the Commission to 
consider non -direct payment policies to help achieve its climate objectives in the context of the post 
CAP 2020 budget.  
4.37.   We welcome the recent Commi ssion Communication calling for an end to fossil -fuel subsidies 
in the EU as part of the European Green Deal, and look forward to further updates on this initiative.  
4.38.   In conclusion, it is important that the EU – as one of the world’s largest economies - maintains 
and continues to strengthen its broadly open and market -orientated approach to international trade 
policy.   
CHILE  
4.39.   En términos generales, desde Chile vemos a la Unión Europea como un exitoso proyecto 
político, con una base económica, centrado en la cooperación y cuyo principal objetivo ha sido y es 
asegurar la paz y el desarrollo.  
4.40.   Esperamos que los cambios futuros, derivados de la salida de uno de sus miembros, no 
signifiquen un cambio sustantivo del proyecto político y alentamos a la Unión Europea a  que este 
acontecimiento no tenga una repercusión u alteración de nuestras relaciones bilaterales ni del 
comercio entre nuestros países.  
4.41.   La relación de Chile con la Europa Comunitaria es de larga data. En 1963 se firma el primer 
acuerdo de cooperación cien tífica y tecnológica entre Chile y el Observatorio Austral Europeo, cuyo 
desarrollo hasta ahora significa importantes programas de observación del espacio desde el Norte 
de Chile.  
4.42.   Este importante paso preparó el inicio de nuestra relación política con la e ntonces Comunidad 
Económica Europea, que en el año 1964 instaló su Oficina para Latinoamérica en Santiago. A partir 
de entonces, la relación avanzó en varios planos y se reafirmó, primero, con el Acuerdo de Tercera 
Generación firmado en 1990, el Acuerdo pr eparatorio de la Asociación Estratégica firmado en 1996, 
culminando con el Acuerdo de Asociación de 2002.  
4.43.   Desde la suscripción del Acuerdo de Asociación, las relaciones entre Chile y la Unión Europea 
se han visto intensificadas mediante «Diálogos Estructurados», marcos de cooperación temáticos 
para desarrollar proyectos comunes e intercambios de información y buenas prácticas en varias 
áreas, como medio ambiente, energía, gobernanza oceánica y pesca, pymes y derechos humanos.  
4.44.   En febrero de 2020, el  AA cumple 18 años y actualmente se encuentra bajo un proceso de 
modernización. En este contexto, permítame resaltar que Chile está comprometido con el proceso 
de modernización de su relación comercial, con lograr un acuerdo balanceado para ambas partes y 
basado en la realidad presente y potencial de la relación económica entre Chile y la Unión Europea. 
Asimismo, es muy importante que este proceso tenga éxito, logrando una liberalización completa 
del comercio, ya que sería una señal positiva en medio de las  señales de proteccionismo que el 
mundo enfrenta actualmente.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.45.   La UE es un importante socio comercial para Chile, que ocupa el tercer lugar, tras China y los 
Estados Unidos. Desde la entrada en vigencia del Acuerdo de Asociación, el intercambio comercial 
ha ido en crecimiento sostenido. Asimismo, la UE ha sido un socio estratégico para el trabajo tanto 
en la OCDE como en el marco de la Alianza del Pacífico. Chile y la UE se ven enfrentados a nuevos 
desafíos comunes, considerando las presiones en el ámbito ec onómico -comercial de la actual 
competencia geopolítica a nivel mundial. Estos desafíos otorgan un nuevo impulso a la cualidad 
estratégica de la relación Chile -UE, expresada en el espíritu del Acuerdo de Asociación existente y 
su proceso de modernización en  marcha.  
4.46.   Chile y la UE apoyan firmemente el multilateralismo y el rol de la OMC. Ambos buscamos 
llevar adelante un proceso de fortalecimiento y modernización de la OMC dentro de sus tres pilares, 
y compartimos el interés por mantener la segunda instancia e n el sistema de solución de diferencias. 
Compartimos también una serie de intereses en el ámbito de las negociaciones, como por ejemplo 
en el área de comercio de servicios y reglamentación doméstica. Además, tanto Chile como la UE 
participa activamente en las iniciativas conjuntas, como por ejemplo aquellas relacionadas a 
facilitación de las inversiones para el desarrollo, comercio electrónico, y los grupos de discusión 
sobre MlPYMEs y Género. La incorporación de los nuevos temas de la agenda comercial es 
fundamental para mantener a la OMC en el centro de la política comercial.  
4.47.   Para este ejercicio hemos formulado más de 40 preguntas en áreas como antidumping, 
salvaguardias, propiedad intelectual, ayuda interna agrícola, comercio electrónico y transporte 
aéreo. Agradecemos las respuestas entregadas, que estamos procesando con nuestros equipos 
técnicos.  
4.48.   Al respecto quisiéramos destacarla resiliencia de la Unión Europea quien, a pesar de haber 
sido impactada por los vaivenes económicos del último período, tiene  una buena proyección de 
crecimiento para el 2020. Compartimos en parte el uso de su política comercial para promover 
valores universales como el derecho a legislar en áreas de interés público.  
4.49.   Consideramos positivo que la Unión Europea haya comenzado a in cluir temas de género en 
su política comercial y se inspire en iniciativas ya vigentes como las suscritas por nuestro país quien 
ha sido precursor en el área.  
4.50.   Por su parte, quisiéramos hacer notar la importancia de continuar avanzando en dirección al 
progr ama de reforma agrícola en la Unión Europea, tal como dispone el Acuerdo sobre la Agricultura 
y varios de los mandatos en la OMC en la materia. Asimismo, quisiéramos destacar nuestra 
preocupación por el estado actual de las negociaciones en materia de subv enciones a la pesca, y 
hacemos un llamado a la Unión Europea a aprovechar estas negociaciones para asumir compromisos 
significativos en la prohibición de aquellos subsidios dañinos a la pesca, y a dar pasos concretos para 
el cumplimiento del mandato de Bue nos Aires y de los Objetivos del Desarrollo Sostenible.  
4.51.   Finalmente, le deseamos a la Unión Europea una exitosa revisión de su política comercial en 
este examen.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.52.   Hong Kong, China (HKC) and the EU have all along maintained close and cordial economic 
and trade relations. In 2018, the EU was HKC’s second largest trading partner, while HKC ranked 
8th among the EU’s trading partners in Asia. We value the EU as an important trading partner of 
ours and look forward to further strengthening our bilateral trade ties.  
4.53.   We highly appreciate the engagement and commitment of the EU in upholding and 
strengthening the multilateral trading system. The EU has taken the initiative to propose 
comprehensive reform of the WTO in respect of its negotiating,  monitoring and dispute settlement 
functions, and played an active role in different areas of trade negotiations and discussions. We 
believe that HKC and the EU can continue to work together to demonstrate our support for the 
multilateral trading system un derpinned by the WTO.  
4.54.   Now I would like to share our observations on a few specific areas in the EU’s trade policies. 
On investment facilitation for development, the EU has actively supported the Joint Statement 
Initiative and participated in the structured  discussions. HKC looks forward to working closely with WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  the EU and other Members to further develop a multilateral framework for investment facilitation for 
development, with a view to working towards a meaningful outcome at MC12.  
4.55.   On trade facilitation, th e EU has identified several key goals for customs, including proper 
implementation of the Union Customs Code, deployment of electronic systems and maintaining close 
cooperation with national customs administrations. The EU also tested new technologies, suc h as 
block chains, for their potential in various customs processes. We commend the EU’s continued 
efforts in simplifying and modernizing its customs procedures in response to a rapidly changing 
economic and technological environment.  
4.56.   On tariffs, we apprec iate that the EU has bound all its tariff lines, of which around a quarter 
are duty -free. We are also pleased to note that the percentage of duty -free tariff lines increased 
from 26.1% in 2016 to 27.0% in 2019, as a result of the EU’s implementation of the  expanded 
Information Technology Agreement.  
4.57.   Nonetheless, we note that the number of non -ad valorem tariff lines has increased slightly, 
which constitutes about 11% of the EU’s tariff lines. We also note that approximately one -third of 
the non -ad valorem ta riff lines are compound or mixed, making it difficult to determine the exact 
duty rates or assess the real impact of these tariffs. We would encourage the EU to transform its 
non-ad valorem tariff lines to ad valorem ones.  
4.58.   On services, both HKC and the EU are staunch supporters of the multilateral trading system. 
The EU’s active and constructive participation in the work of the WTO, and in particular its 
substantive contributions on the rule -making fronts are indispensable to preserving an open and 
rules-based multilateral trading system. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation for 
pursuing further liberalisation in trade in services in the multilateral context.  
4.59.   HKC looks forward to further fostering the bilateral trade and economic relations wi th the EU. 
We thank the EU for its replies to our written questions and wish it a successful Trade Policy Review.  
MÉXICO  
4.60.   La Unión Europea continúa siendo un importante aliado de México. En el 2018 concluimos la 
negociación de la modernización de nuestro tr atado de libre comercio logrando un mayor alcance y 
nivel de ambición.  
4.61.   Ambos socios compartimos una visión clara de los méritos de la cooperación global y del 
comercio libre y justo. Asimismo, compartimos un compromiso con el fortalecimiento de un sistema 
multilateral de comercio en el que la OMC ocupe un lugar central.  
4.62.   Para México, es muy importante el objetivo de un comercio internacional inclusivo, que facilite 
el crecimiento económico por medio de un aumento de la equidad. Por ello, felicitamos a la UE por 
adoptar políticas e iniciativas que potencian el carácter inclusivo del comercio, entre ellas:  
• El “Small Business Act» para Europa y el Programa de Competitividad de las Empresas y de 
las Pequeñas y Medianas empresas (COSME), los cuales buscan incremen tar la 
competitividad de las PYMES y su mejor inclusión en el sistema multilateral de comercio;  
• La realización de estudios para analizar la igualdad de género y las oportunidades 
económicas en los acuerdos comerciales internacionales; y  
• El mejor planteamiento de su Ayuda para el Comercio con las oportunidades y las 
limitaciones reales del mercado, velando por la mejora del enfoque cuantitativo para los 
PMA. 
4.63.   En lo que respecta a facilitación del comercio, la UE sigue trabajando en la ventanilla úni ca 
para sus aduanas, la cual funciona solo en nueve Estados miembros. Ha señalado que tiene previsto 
que, a principios de 2022, entre en vigor una legislación con el objetivo de hacer que la Ventanilla 
Única sea obligatoria en todos los Estados miembros. R econocemos que es un proceso complicado 
y alentamos a la UE a seguir impulsando su implementación hasta tenerlo plenamente operativo.  
4.64.   En materia de propiedad intelectual, celebramos que la UE haya emprendido una importante 
iniciativa en un tema de constant e preocupación a nivel global: «El Plan de acción aduanero para WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  luchar contra la vulneración de los derechos de propiedad intelectual e industrial, para los años 2018 
a 2022». Estamos convencidos que esta iniciativa ayudará a proteger el valor de las creac iones 
intelectuales y los intereses de sus creadores.  
4.65.   En relación con los servicios financieros, reconocemos que los cambios regulatorios 
recientemente adoptados, como el nuevo sistema de equivalencias, ayudarán a reducir los riesgos 
y fortalecerán al sist ema bancario de la Unión Europea, facilitando las transacciones transfronterizas 
con terceros países.  
4.66.   En cuanto al comercio electrónico, todas las medidas adoptadas desde 2015 a la fecha, 
particularmente las del segundo pilar de la Estrategia del Mercado Ú nico, redundarán en una 
reducción de los obstáculos existentes que enfrenta el crecimiento del sector y, definitivamente, 
impactarán positivamente el comercio con países en desarrollo.  
4.67.   Sabemos de la sensibilidad de la Unión Europea con respecto a los servi cios audiovisuales. No 
obstante, consideramos que las normas recientemente introducidas y aplicadas desde 2018 podrían 
restringir aún más el comercio transfronterizo de este tipo de servicios. Nos preocupa que se 
establezcan mayores restricciones a un sect or que, de por sí ya ha estado tradicionalmente 
protegido.  
4.68.   En materia de solución de diferencias, la UE es un miembro central y un importante usuario 
del sistema; reconocemos su contribución al mismo y su activa participación en busca de una 
solución al im passe en el lanzamiento de los procesos de las vacantes del Órgano de Apelación, el 
cual afecta no sólo al sistema de solución de diferencias, sino la credibilidad misma del sistema 
multilateral del comercio. Al mismo tiempo, la UE es co -proponente de la P ropuesta Conjunta que, 
ahora con 120 miembros, busca el lanzamiento de las vacantes de los miembros del órgano de 
Apelación.  
4.69.   En cuanto al proceso del Brexit, a lo largo de casi dos años, México ha reiterado, en diversas 
instancias de la OMC, su preocupació n sistémica en torno a la intención tanto de la Unión Europea 
como del Reino Unido de modificar los contingentes arancelarios que formarían parte de sus 
respectivas listas de compromisos. Los problemas inherentes de la metodología de prorrateo 
propuesta pa ra separar los contingentes arancelarios, nos hacen cuestionar su viabilidad, ya que 
resultaría en la reducción e inclusive eliminación de oportunidades de acceso a mercado.  
4.70.   Asimismo, no tener claridad sobre las futuras obligaciones en el contexto de la OM C de la UE 
para con el Reino Unido y vice versa, abona a nuestra preocupación sistémica. Reiteramos nuestro 
exhorto para que las discusiones y negociaciones en torno a este tema atiendan las preocupaciones 
comerciales y sistémicas expresadas para encontrar  una solución mutuamente satisfactoria, por 
medio de procedimientos apegados a las reglas de esta organización.  
4.71.   Finalmente, México quisiera reiterar su compromiso con el fortalecimiento de sus relaciones 
comerciales con la Unión Europea. Confiamos que nues tra cooperación logrará ampliar nuestros 
mercados y consolidarnos como socios prioritarios. Agradecemos las respuestas a las preguntas 
formuladas por mi delegación y le deseamos mucho éxito en el presente Examen.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.72.   I must note at the outset tha t the U.S. goods trade deficit with the EU was nearly 
USD 178 billion in 2019. This is a record figure, and colors every aspect of my statement today. 
Since my time is limited, I will dive directly into the substance and outline those EU policies that 
trouble us the most.  
4.73.   First, the United States remains deeply concerned by unjustified EU barriers to our agricultural 
exports. Recently, dozens of WTO Members have expressed concerns in the SPS and TBT 
Committees and in the Council on Trade in Goods regarding EU pesticide policy, which restricts trade 
without scientific justification or benefit to human health.  
4.74.   Beyond pesticides, we are equally troubled by the EU’s unjustified non -tariff barriers that 
impede the use of modern agricultural tools and technologies  such as biotechnology, veterinary 
drugs and pathogen reduction treatments, all of which help to ensure a safe, sustainable food supply.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.75.   More disturbing, the EU is foisting its misguided domestic policy on other countries through 
regional trade agreements and development assistance initiatives. This approach will have global 
consequences, including impeding the ability of least developed and African countries to modernize 
their agricultural systems to feed a booming population and develop their economies.  
4.76.   With respect to dairy, despite efforts to reform EU policy by eliminating milk production 
quotas, the Commission’s market intervention actions during the 2016 -2019 period interfered with 
market adjustments and had a serious impact on the price of skim milk powder on the world market. 
These market interventions reduced export revenue and domestic milk prices for the United States 
and other dairy exporting countries  
4.77.   As it considers further changes in its Common Agricultural Policy, we encourage the EU to 
avoid  programmes that distort world markets to the detriment of other exporters.  
4.78.   Second, as we regularly raise in the TBT Committee and the Council on Trade in Goods, the 
United States also has concerns about the proliferation of EU TBT measures that affect U.S . 
manufacturers and producers in a wide range of sectors, including medical devices, chemicals and 
high tech products.  
4.79.   These barriers derive in large part from the EU’s TBT policies that result in a closed, regional 
approach that discriminates against U.S.  – and other foreign – manufacturers by relying on regional, 
instead of international standards, and by requiring local testing of products.  
4.80.   Even worse, the EU exports trade -restrictive elements of its own standards and regulatory 
system to countries with which it negotiates trade preferences and to which it provides technical 
assistance. The EU also presses these policies in international organizations, such as the 
International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), which will undermine those organi zations 
and the benefits they have for the international trading system.  
4.81.   Third, we are deeply troubled that EU member states’ fisheries subsidy policy is heading in 
the wrong direction. Last year, the European Parliament not only voted to reintroduce subsi dies for 
fishing vessel construction, but also increased fisheries funding by more than one billion euros 
annually – totalling close to 8 billion euros over a six -year period and placing the EU in the #2 slot 
as the world’s largest subsidizer of its fisher ies. 
4.82.   European Council Ministers then upped the ante by proposing to subsidize as much as half 
the value of these new fishing vessels.  This is particularly concerning.  Just as the WTO is seeking 
to finalize a multilateral agreement to constrain capacity -enhancing fisheries subsidies, the EU is not 
only proposing ways to maintain and even increase these subsidies without limits, but also 
suggesting that the WTO should explicitly label them as “green.”  
4.83.   Likewise, the EU’s newly announced “green deal” is also cause for serious concern. The 
combination of legislative and non -legislative so -called “green” policy initiatives creates a strong risk 
of additional trade restrictions in the EU market. These policies, while citing laudable environmental 
objectives, risk  disrupting global supply chains.  
4.84.   Fourth, regarding services, the United States is extremely disappointed that a number of 
governments in the EU have adopted or are moving closer to adopting unilateral digital services 
taxes (“DSTs”) that appear designed t o tax revenues earned by particular U.S. -based rms.  
4.85.   The United States conducted a formal investigation of the French DST, and we concluded that 
this measure is discriminatory due to the selection of services covered and the revenue thresholds 
for applicabi lity.  It also contravenes a number of prevailing international tax principles.  
4.86.   Countries that enact a unilateral DST are jeopardizing the OECD effort to reach consensus on 
a multilateral solution for new international tax rules.  We strongly support the OECD process. But 
in the event a country moves outside the OECD process and unilaterally imposes a DST, the United 
States will take all appropriate action to defend our interests.  
4.87.   Finally, I would also like to respond to the EU’s posture on App ellate Body issues. After many 
years during which the EU refused even to acknowledge that the Appellate Body had strayed from WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  the clear text of the DSU, Commissioner Hogan recently stated that the Appellate Body has 
“overinterpreted the rules put in place in 1995”. We look forward to hearing from the EU precisely 
how the Appellate Body has “overinterpreted” the rules and deviated from its limited role in the 
dispute settlement system.  
4.88.   I would like to conclude my statement with some observations about EU lea dership in the 
WTO. The EU is undoubtedly a leader in this Organization, and its contributions to our work are 
substantial and welcomed by the United States.  
4.89.   However, as the TPR review demonstrates, the EU continues to ignore a number of 
longstanding issue s that have been raised by many trading partners. We should not have to raise 
these issues in TPR after TPR and in committee meeting after committee meeting.  
4.90.   We ask for continued leadership, not just in areas where it is easy or convenient, but also in 
areas where hard work and tough choices will make it possible for all WTO Members to participate 
fully in the EU market under WTO rules.  
4.91.   We look forward to continuing to work with the EU and its member States and wish the EU a 
productive review.  
REPÚBLICA  DOMINICANA  
4.92.   La Rep ública Dominicana y La Uni ón Europea siempre han mantenido excelentes y estrechas 
relaciones comerciales desde la adhesión de la Rep ública Dominicana a los Acuerdos de Lom é y el 
Acuerdo de Coton ú. Estas relaciones comerciales se han afia nzado a ún más, gracias al Acuerdo de 
Asociaci ón Econ ómica entre la Unión Europea y el CARIFORUM (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés).  
4.93.   En este, su decimocuarto Examen de las Pol íticas Comerciales, deseamos felicitar a la Uni ón 
Europea por tener una econom ía abierta y transparente. Agradecemos sus constantes esfuerzos 
para ampliar la cooperaci ón comercial multilateral y las iniciativas para enfrentar los retos que 
enfrenta últimamente el sistema multilateral de comercio.  
4.94.   La Unión Europea es un socio impor tante de la Rep ública Dominicana, cuyo intercambio 
comercial alcanz ó los 3.637 millones de dólares en el año 2019, más del doble que una d écada atr ás, 
según cifras de la Dirección General de Aduanas de la República Dominicana.  
4.95.   Desde su anterior examen,  la economía de la Unión Europea ha seguido creciendo de manera 
gradual, aunque desigual, debido a diversos factores. No obstante, la econom ía ha estado marcada 
por una mejora de la tasa anual de crecimiento del PIB real, que en 2018 lleg ó a situarse en el 2,0%.  
4.96.   Para el 2020, las perspectivas de la econom ía de la Unión Europea apuntan a un crecimiento 
continuo y sostenido; Se prev é que la inversi ón y el consumo privado, sigan siendo el principal motor 
del crecimiento del PIB.  
4.97.   Durante el per íodo obje to de examen, la Uni ón Europea ha tenido que enfrentar importantes 
desaf íos que han afectado su econom ía. La salida del Reino Unido, el creciente proteccionismo en el 
comercio y las inversiones, las variaciones de los precios del petr óleo, son factores  que han tenido 
repercusiones. Todos estos factores causan incertidumbre, y las autoridades deber án continuar 
monitore ándolos de cerca a fin de evitar inestabilidad tanto econ ómica como pol ítica en la regi ón. 
4.98.   En el área de facilitaci ón de comercio, vemos que la Unión Europea sigue implementando 
medidas para eficientizar los tr ámites aduaneros, los cuales se realizan de forma electr ónica y en un 
plazo prudente, implementando progresivamente la iniciativa relativa al entorno de ventanilla única 
para las aduanas, así como la iniciativa de ampliar el alcance de las resoluciones anticipadas para 
abarcar tambi én la valoraci ón en aduana, adem ás de los aranceles y el origen. Otra medida adoptada 
es el proyecto piloto de rutas comerciales inteligentes y seguras (SSTL), la cual permitirá un 
despacho de aduana m ás rápido con procesos log ísticos mejorados. Recientemente entr ó en vigor 
un Reglamento por el que se crea un entorno europeo de ventanilla única mar ítima.  
4.99.   Tambi én en 2017 se introdujeron nue vos reglamentos en relaci ón con las medidas 
antidumping y antisubvenciones, y llama la atenci ón que la Unión Europea figura entre los Miembros WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  de la OMC que con m ás frecuencia recurren a las medidas comerciales especiales; por lo que 
llamamos a las auto ridades a ejercer la debida moderaci ón en la aplicaci ón de este tipo de medidas.  
4.100.   Entre el 2017 y el 2018, la Unión Europea present ó al Comit é OTC 200 notificaciones de 
conformidad con el p árrafo 6 del art ículo 10. Otras 82 notificaciones fueron prese ntadas por distintos 
miembros de la UE. En el Comit é de Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias la Unión Europea present ó 
un total de 153 notificaciones. Durante el per íodo sujeto de examen, el Comit é OTC recibió 13 nuevas 
preocupaciones comerciales especí ficas sobre medidas adoptadas por la Unión Europea o sus Estados 
miembros, así como otras 9 preocupaciones planteadas anteriormente que se mantuvieron en la 
agenda.  
4.101.   Al igual que muchos Miembros de la OMC, la República Dominicana est á sumamente 
interesada  en la aplicaci ón de las pol íticas comerciales en la Unión Europea, causando preocupaci ón 
las barreras no arancelarias que enfrentan nuestros productos para acceder al mercado europeo.  
4.102.   Sobre el tema, deseamos se ñalar a la atenci ón de la delegaci ón, que se mantienen una serie 
de cuestiones que no han sido justificadas debidamente y que requieren m ás aclaraciones por parte 
de la Unión Europea. Hacemos referencia a las medidas para la reducci ón de los niveles m áximos 
de las sustancias activas de la Un ión Europea, preocupación que ha sido elevada de manera 
reiterativa por parte de muchos de los Miembros de la OMC, tanto en el OTC como en el Comité de 
Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias.  
4.103.   Estas medidas tienen un impacto directo en las exportaciones de la República Dominicana a 
la Unión Europea. Si bien cada Miembro es libre de tomar las precauciones necesarias para la 
seguridad de sus ciudadanos, las mismas no deben ser innecesariamente res trictivas al comercio, 
mas aún cuando sobrepasan las establecidas por el Codex Alimentarius, el cual es la norma 
internacional pertinente en este caso.   
4.104.   Nos preocupa también el Reglamento 2018/848 sobre producción orgánica y etiquetado de 
los productos or gánicos, así como el Reglamento 2020/25, mediante el cual se modifica el 
reglamento 1235/2008, el cual establece las disposiciones de aplicación en lo que se refiere a las 
importaciones de productos orgánicos procedentes de terceros países. A tales efectos , vemos como 
estas regulaciones limitan la capacidad de los agricultores de participar en el mercado de la Unión 
Europea de manera justa y equilibrada. Estamos sumamente preocupados que la Unión Europea 
implemente este tipo de medidas y estaremos abordando  nuestra preocupación comercial de manera 
más detallada en la próxima reunión del comité de OTC a celebrarse el 26 de febrero 2020.  
4.105.   Con respecto al sector agr ícola, quisi éramos hacer notar que, seg ún señala el informe de la 
Secretar ía, las pol íticas agrícolas no han cambiado sustancialmente desde el anterior examen. 
Mantenemos nuestra preocupaci ón de que la financiaci ón total para la agricultura y el desarrollo 
rural, afecte la competitividad de los productos de la UE en los mercados internacional es, en perjuicio 
de los dem ás. Adem ás, se siguen manteniendo los instrumentos de protecci ón tales como aranceles 
elevados, contingentes arancelarios y recurso a la salvaguardia especial para la agricultura, por lo 
que los productores agr ícolas siguen e stando protegidos de las variaciones de los precios 
internacionales.  
4.106.   Finalmente, queremos agradecer la oportuna respuesta de la Unión Europea a las preguntas 
realizadas por la Rep ública Dominicana sobre distintos puntos contenidos en el informe. Asimismo,  
reconocemos los esfuerzos de las autoridades aprovechando la ocasión para felicitarles y desearles 
muchos éxitos en este Examen de las Políticas Comerciales y en el futuro.  
SUISSE  
4.107.   L’examen de la politique commerciale de l’UE est un exercice particulier. L ’Union européenne 
constitue un modèle de coopération entre États construit autour de la notion du respect de règles 
convenues d’un commun accord. Une notion qui est chère aux Membres de l’OMC. La Suisse salue 
le soutien que l’Union européenne apporte à l’O MC de même que son engagement en faveur de la 
réforme de notre Organisation, une réforme indispensable pour préserver la pertinence du système 
commercial multilatéral.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.108.   Ceci dit, une évaluation de la politique commerciale de l’Union pose aussi des difficul tés car 
sa politique économique, qui n’est pas sans incidence sur le commerce extérieur, est menée de 
manière fragmentée. Bien sûr, par rapport à l’extérieur, l’Union défend une politique commerciale 
commune en parlant d’une seule voix. Et cette politique commune repose dans une grande mesure 
sur le marché intérieur commun dont les valeurs et standards sont promus et diffusés par la 
Commission européenne.  
4.109.   Mais les orientations des politiques économiques au niveau national, y compris les tendances 
des polit iques fiscales, sont très variables. Ce morcèlement se traduit par des balances des 
paiements différant sensiblement selon les Etats membres. Ces disparités peuvent être à l’origine 
de forces déstabilisantes, comme on l’a vu lors de la crise de la dette da ns la zone euro.  
4.110.   Le marché commun de l’UE a généré une chaine de valeur considérable qui s’est à son tour 
intégrée dans des chaînes de valeur globales encore plus étendues. Ce double mouvement 
d’intégration à la fois régional et mondial a engendré, pour le s économies de l’UE, des 
interdépendances beaucoup plus poussées que pour la plupart des autres économies. Ces 
interdépendances génèrent des bénéfices indéniables mais elles ne sont pas sans risques pour l’UE 
et pour ses principaux partenaires. Car elles e ngendrent aussi une vulnérabilité accrue aux chocs 
économiques ou aux mesures commerciales restrictives. Il n’est donc pas étonnant que la récente 
recrudescence des entraves au commerce afflige particulièrement l’UE.  
4.111.   À cette situation difficile s’ajoute maintenant la sortie du Royaume -Uni de l’Union. Le Brexit 
pourrait aussi avoir un impact sur des chaînes de production européennes installées de longue date. 
Les relations futures entre le Royaume -Uni et Bruxelles ne so nt certes pas encore connues. Mais il 
est probable que la forte interdépendance commerciale entre l’UE et le Royaume -Uni sera affectée.  
4.112.   Presque la moitié des exportations britanniques ont pour destination l’UE. Et la moitié de ce 
commerce résulte du fonct ionnement de chaînes d’approvisionnement reliée à l’UE. Les études de 
la Banque centrale européenne montrent que la chaîne de valeur européenne devra se regrouper, 
ce qui posera des défis inédits pour les partenaires commerciaux des deux économies. Selon c es 
études, il est probable que les exportations de l’UE vers le Royaume -Uni et les exportations 
britanniques vers l’UE diminueront, alors que les exportations du reste du monde vers le 
Royaume -Uni ou l’Union pourraient augmenter.  
4.113.   La Suisse est particulièr ement touchée par cette nouvelle constellation et nous suivons avec 
beaucoup d’intérêt les travaux entrepris par l’UE et le Royaume -Uni pour redéfinir leur relation.  
4.114.   Il va sans dire que la Suisse est étroitement intégrée dans la chaîne de valeur européenn e. 
La Suisse est la troisième plus importante destination des exportations en provenance de l’UE. De 
même, la Suisse pointe au quatrième rang des pays en provenance desquels l’UE importe ses 
marchandises. La Suisse est donc directement exposée aux mesures de défense commerciale, telles 
que les mesures de sauvegarde dans le domaine de l’acier mises en œuvre par la Commission en 
2018. Nous saisissons cette occasion pour réitérer nos préoccupations relatives aux effets 
perturbateurs de mesures de défense comme rciale inappropriées. Ces mesures brisent les chaînes 
de valeurs, affaiblissent les politiques de concurrence et contribuent à l’escalade des tensions 
commerciales.   
4.115.   Un élément du rapport de l’UE qui a attiré notre attention est l’objectif de la Commissio n 
européenne de forger une union des marchés des capitaux. Car en dépit d’un marché commun très 
intégré et d’une monnaie commune, l’allocation des capitaux en Europe se fait encore, dans la 
plupart des cas, au niveau national. L’union des marchés des capit aux proposée pourrait permettre 
de surmonter cette fragmentation. Elle pourrait aussi contribuer à la stabilisation des finances et 
augmenter le rôle joué par l’euro en tant que réserve de change. Enfin, elle pourrait aider à renverser 
la tendance négative  du taux de change réel de l’euro.  
4.116.   Nous avons lu avec un grand intérêt le passage du rapport du Secrétariat sur le système de 
reconnaissance de l’équivalence par la Commission européenne dans le domaine des services 
financiers. La Suisse voudrait s’assure r que l’évaluation de l’équivalence du système d’un pays tiers 
se fasse sur la base de critères objectifs, en conformité avec le droit international et non pas sur la 
base de considérations politiques.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.117.   Avant de conclure, je voudrais féliciter l’UE de s’êt re fixé l’objectif d’éliminer les subventions 
aux combustibles fossiles d’ici 2025. Nous rendons hommage à son engagement déterminé dans la 
lutte contre le changement climatique. La Suisse partage cet objectif et coopère étroitement avec 
l’UE pour l’attein dre. Dans ce contexte, nous suivons avec un intérêt accru les discussions à Bruxelles 
sur le Green deal, entre autres les réflexions relatives à un ajustement à la frontière pour le carbone.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATS U 
4.118.   Being the world’s largest trading bloc, and its largest trader of goods and services, the EU 
certainly plays a major role in the global economy. It is good to see from the Reports that 
considerable progress has been made in recent years, both in the redu ction of unemployment and 
poverty and in improvements to the fiscal positions of EU Member States as well. Also encouraging 
to note is the fact that open and fair trade has created high quality jobs for EU citizens, who are now 
paid on average some 12% mor e than those from the internal market.  
4.119.   The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu also shares the same 
concerns with the EU in the area of inequities between the generations, so we are pleased to note 
the success of the EU’s Youth Guarantee flagship initiative as well, which is bringing jobs and training 
opportunities to more than 14 million young people.  
4.120.   Multilaterally, the EU remains one of the most active players in the WTO, and on certain 
issues we often find ourselves on the s ame side with similar views, especially in the areas such as 
the fishery subsidies negotiations, the E -Commerce Initiative, and the preservation of the two -tier 
dispute settlement mechanism. Apart from negotiations, we have both joined a proposal to improv e 
the notification process in the area of trade in goods, which would make the regular work in the 
WTO’s councils and committees more effective. Here, we would like to convey our appreciation to 
the EU Mission in Geneva, headed by Ambassador Mr. João Aguia r Machado, for your team’s great 
efforts devoted to many WTO ongoing negotiations and discussions.  
4.121.   Bilaterally, we have enjoyed strong economic ties with the EU for many decades. The EU is 
our fifth largest trading partner and our largest foreign investor . Last year, the value of bilateral 
trade between us amounted to USD 58.7 billion, accounting for 9.5% of our total trade. In the period 
from 2015 to 2019, Foreign Direct Investment from the EU has increased 20 times, reaching an FDI 
stock value of USD 22. 1 billion in 2019.  
4.122.   Nevertheless, we do from time -to-time have concerns regarding the EU’s trade and 
investment policies in several different areas. One concern, for example, relates to the potential 
impact of the new cooperation mechanism regarding investm ent screening between the EU and its 
Member States. Another relates to the Digital Single Market (DSM) Strategy, where more detail is 
required. And thirdly, we have questioned the EU’s new approach to de -coupling the investment 
protection provisions (IPAs)  from trade agreements. We sent written questions to the EU on these 
and other areas in advance, and we take this opportunity to thank the EU for its timely replies. We 
will study them very carefully.  
4.123.   Just one further point we would like to make. It is no ticeable that the EU and the U.K. are 
still conducting negotiations regarding your future trade arrangements. Considering the fact many 
trade activities and investment from other Members have crossed both sides, we believe the 
uncertainties should be mitig ated. Also, it would be greatly appreciated if the relevant information 
be shared with other WTO Members in a timely transparent manner.   
4.124.   Finally, we wish the EU a successful 14th Trade Policy Review.  
BRAZIL  
4.125.   The opportunity to review the trade policies of  the EU is a demonstration of the relevance of 
WTO’s monitoring pillar. Brazil, as always, attaches great importance to this exercise.  
4.126.   Brazil and the EU have a deep long -established political and economic relationship, which 
evolved into a Strategic Partne rship in 2007 and spans over 30 Sectorial Dialogues.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.127.   The EU is Brazil’s second major trade partner. Bilateral trade, which has been trending down 
in the last few years, reached USD 69 billion in 2019. The EU is the main market for agricultural 
imports glo bally, and Brazil is the second main source of agriculture goods to the European market.  
4.128.   The record for our bilateral flows was USD 100 billion in 2011. We expect that the ongoing 
economic recovery in Brazil will allow our bilateral trade to regain moment um. Diversification of our 
exports, still concentrated on basic products, remains a priority for Brazil. We see potential for 
expanding government procurement and trade in services, for example.  
4.129.   The EU is also the largest investor in Brazil with total FDI stock close to €330 billion (2015), 
which makes the EU responsible for almost half the total direct investment received by our country. 
Brazil is the third destination of EU FDI after the US and Switzerland. In the opposite direction, the 
stock of Brazilia n FDI in the EU is approximately €130 billion. These figures speak for themselves.  
4.130.   We hope that this economic relationship will grow even stronger in the near future. It is 
known, the negotiation of the trade pillar of the Association Agreement between MER COSUR and the 
European Union was concluded last June in Brussels. Ambitious and wide -ranging in scope, the 
agreement is a milestone in bilateral and bi -regional relations. It reaffirms the commitment to 
economic opening and strengthening the competitivenes s of bi -regional economies.  
4.131.   Brazil attaches much importance to the Agreement. We hope that it may be implemented 
swiftly once the legal scrubbing and approval procedures are finalized in both regions.  
4.132.   Regarding the Secretariat and the Government reports, Brazil wishes to mention some 
specific concerns relating to EU trade policy.  
4.133.   Agriculture, in particular, continues to be an exception to the overall openness of the EU. 
The average tariff rate on agricultural goods, at 14.2%, is more than three times highe r than the 
overall EU average of 4.2%. Tariff escalation and the significant use of non -ad valorem rates and 
tariff quotas also continue to be significant import barriers. About 10% of tariff lines are non -ad 
valorem and their number increased over the rev iew period. Moreover, about one third of the non -ad 
valorem tariffs are compound, mixed, or other, meaning that it is often difficult to determine the 
duty rate or calculate the real impact of the tariff.  
4.134.   On a positive note, it is worth observing that the  sugar quota regime, introduced in 1968, 
came to an end in September 2017. Despite the encouraging direction of successive reforms of the 
Common Agricultural Policy, domestic support remains high. As in the 2013 -2015 period, Producer 
Support Estimate (PSE) , as measured by the OECD, stood around 20% in the current period under 
review.  
4.135.   Even after an attentive examination of the Secretariat’s report, it is particularly challenging 
to form a clear picture of the complex array of agricultural support policies of  the EU and its Member 
States. We also note that the last EU Domestic Support (DS) notification to the WTO covers the 
marketing year 2016/2017. In light of our shared commitment to transparency, we encourage the 
EU to promptly notify more recent measures.  
4.136.   In TBT and SPS, the EU has, in some specific cases, adopted measures that are more trade 
restrictive than necessary, without due consideration, in Brazil’s view, to international standards and 
scientific justification. Concerns include the registration of pesticides, the definition of maximum 
levels of chemical residues and the reduced transitional periods adopted for entry into force of new 
MRLs.  
4.137.   In reference to Brexit and its impacts on WTO, Brazil is currently engaged with both the 
European Union and th e United Kingdom in negotiations under Article XXVIII. We reiterate our 
concerns about the proposed “apportionment” of TRQs, particularly in terms of the reduction of the 
current level of market access enjoyed by Brazilian companies and producers. It is wo rth highlighting 
that the absence of a clear framework for the EU -UK bilateral relations has systemic impacts for 
global trade.  
4.138.   Finally, as a country with one of the most sustainable agricultural sectors and energy matrix, 
Brazil is paying close attention to the Green Deal announced by the European Commission and its WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  ambitious carbon border adjustment mechanism. We believe that it is necessary to ensure that this 
initiative be consistent with multilateral trade rules and not be used for protectionist and an ti-trade 
purposes.  
4.139.   In conclusion, we thank the EU delegation for the answers to Brazil’s questions. We wish the 
EU a very auspicious Trade Policy Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.140.   Costa Rica y la UE han mantenido, a lo largo del tiempo, una relación sólida basada en 
valores y aspiraciones comunes.  
4.141.   Históricamente hemos sido promotores de iniciativas comerciales multilaterales, como el 
Acuerdo sobre Facilitación de Comercio y el Acuerdo sobre Eliminación de los Subsidios a 
Exportaciones Agrícolas, alcanzado en la MC10, en Nairobi.  
4.142.   Más recientemente, trabajamos juntos en la defensa del sistema multilateral del comercio y 
la reforma de la OMC. En particular, quisiera destacar nuestros esfuerzos comunes en la búsqueda 
de una solución al impasse que atraviesa el Órgano de Apela ción; el mecanismo para contar con un 
arbitraje en apelación como solución provisional para garantizar la seguridad jurídica de los procesos 
en curso; así como la mejora en el cumplimiento de las obligaciones de notificación y transparencia.  
4.143.   Asimismo, res altamos el liderazgo de la Unión Europea en las iniciativas conjuntas sobre 
reglamentación nacional en materia de servicios, comercio electrónico y la facilitación de las 
inversiones que buscan actualizar las reglas y compromisos de la OMC.  
4.144.   A nivel bilater al, Costa Rica es el principal socio comercial de la UE en Centroamérica, y la 
UE es el segundo socio comercial de Costa Rica en el mundo. El intercambio comercial entre Costa 
Rica y la UE ha crecido a una tasa anual del 7,4% y el comercio total prácticame nte se duplicó en 
este periodo, pasando a USD 3.937 millones en 2018. Por otra parte, en el mismo año, el 12% de 
los flujos totales de inversión extranjera directa que recibió Costa Rica se originaron en la UE.  
4.145.   La implementación del pilar comercial del Acu erdo de Asociación entre Centroamérica y la 
UE desde octubre de 2013 marcó el inicio de una relación más profunda, basada en reglas claras y 
seguridad jurídica para nuestros agentes económicos. Costa Rica y la Unión Europea han logrado 
una eficiente dinámi ca para atender de manera regular y disciplinada los retos y dificultades que 
naturalmente se presentan en la implementación de su relación comercial. En ese aspecto, nuestros 
intercambios técnicos y políticos se han fortalecido.  
4.146.   Además, contamos con impo rtantes avances en el área de comercio y desarrollo sostenible, 
tanto a nivel bilateral como a nivel multilateral, como es el caso del trabajo que estamos realizando 
en comercio y sostenibilidad ambiental aquí en Ginebra.  
4.147.   Esto nos motiva a seguir trabajand o estrechamente para que las nuevas políticas y objetivos 
de gran trascendencia en la UE, no impacten la relación comercial y de inversión existente y futura, 
sino más bien ayuden a potenciar y adaptar los flujos comerciales de los países en desarrollo a l os 
retos del comercio en el siglo XXI.  
4.148.   En esa línea, Costa Rica observa un creciente número de barreras no arancelarias por parte 
de la Unión Europea que limitan el acceso a herramientas esenciales para el sector agrícola. Costa 
Rica, junto con otros 90 M iembros de la OMC, ha expresado preocupación en el Consejo de Comercio 
de Mercancías sobre el efecto que estas nuevas regulaciones pueden tener sobre el sector agrícola 
exportador de países tropicales como el nuestro.  
4.149.   Aprovechamos esta ocasión para instar una vez más a la Unión Europea a basarse en 
evidencia científica concluyente, a establecer un dialogo efectivo y amplio con los Miembros que se 
están viendo afectados, y a considerar medidas que limiten el impacto que tendrían estas nuevas 
regulacio nes en la seguridad alimentaria a nivel mundial y en las poblaciones más vulnerables de 
los países en desarrollo y menos adelantados.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.150.   Por lo anterior señor Presidente, quisiera reiterar nuestro compromiso de seguir trabajando 
a nivel bilateral, regional y multilateral con la UE, en propuestas e iniciativas que contribuyan a 
intensificar los lazos comerciales y de cooperación que históricamente nos han unido. Costa Rica 
será siempre un socio fiable, consistente y guiado por los principios y las normas del co mercio 
internacional.  
4.151.   Esto, con el convencimiento de que es necesario un esfuerzo continuo para alcanzar un 
sistema de comercio cada vez más abierto, justo, transparente y, sobre todo, más inclusivo.  
4.152.   Finalizo mi intervención deseándole un exitoso Examen de Política Comercial a la Unión 
Europea, y agradeciendo a la Secretaría de la OMC el arduo trabajo que realizan llevando adelante 
este noble ejercicio de transparencia.  
CANADA  
4.153.   Although Canada and the EU have long shared an excellent bilateral relationship , bilateral 
economic cooperation between Canada and the EU has deepened since provisional entry into force 
of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) two years ago.  
4.154.   The EU and Secretariat reports outline key developments in the CETA.  
4.155.   Most not ably, the Agreement has been providing preferential access to Canadian and EU 
companies since 21 September 2017. CETA also includes ambitious commitments in areas such as 
services, investment, labour mobility, and government procurement. Canada welcomes fu rther 
progress towards full and effective implementation of CETA to ensure that the opportunities from 
this landmark agreement are more widely shared, including with under -represented groups in 
international trade, such as women, SMEs and Indigenous people s. In this regard, the annual CETA 
Civil Society Forum, hosted in Ottawa in November 2019, provided Canada and the EU with first 
hand input from these important partners.  
4.156.   Under CETA, we are also implementing a Trade and Sustainable Development chapter that  
reflects the importance that both Canada and the EU place on mutually supportive trade, labour and 
environment policies Further, Canada and the EU signed the Ocean Partnerships declaration in 2019, 
which strengthened our cooperative efforts to combat ille gal, unreported and unregulated fishing.  
4.157.   Although the newly announced European Green Deal falls outside the scope of this Trade 
Policy Review, Canada welcomes this opportunity for the EU to elaborate on how the strategy will 
be considered in its trade poli cies, and the process by which it will set priorities and assess potential 
trade -offs. The implementation of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan is also of keen interest for 
Canada, as we prepare to host the World Circular Economy Forum in Toronto from Sep tember 29 to 
October 1 of this year.  
4.158.   We wish to seize this opportunity to raise questions about developments in the review period 
with respect to the EU’s sanitary and phytosanitary regulatory requirements. While we recognize the 
EU’s right to adopt measur es to achieve legitimate health and food safety objectives, such measures 
must be implemented in a way that does not unjustifiably restrict international trade. Canada notes 
that several EU SPS regulatory requirements will be applied in the near future, an d we request from 
the EU timely information on all potential SPS measures that could affect imports from third 
countries.  
4.159.   I would also like to make note of the EU’s report on its engagement with WTO members, 
regarding its envisaged approach of apportionmen t of its WTO tariff -rate quotas now that the UK 
has left the EU. I encourage the EU to continue to engage with Members to ensure that market 
access opportunities for third countries through is not diminished as a result of Brexit.  
4.160.   And I would like to comme nd the EU for its active leadership role in advancing pragmatic 
ideas to support the rules -based multilateral trading system during a period in which it faces 
unprecedented challenges. Our collaborative work with the EU on WTO reform -- both within the 
Ottawa Group and on other fronts demonstrates our shared commitment to modernize and 
strengthen the WTO and to make the multilateral trading system more stable. In particular, I would 
like to highlight the excellent collaboration of Canada and the EU this pas t summer, which resulted WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  in the finalization of a bilateral interim appeal arbitration arrangement. We also look forward to 
continuing our work on finalizing a multi -party interim appeal -arbitration arrangement with the EU 
and the other 15 members that end orsed the joint ministerial statement to that effect in January. 
As we approach the Twelfth Ministerial Conference, Canada will continue to work with the EU and 
other WTO members to make meaningful progress on WTO reform, including through engagement 
in all the Joint Statement Initiatives. In addition, Canada and the EU have taken concrete actions to 
advance the objectives of the Buenos Aires declaration on trade and women’s economic 
empowerment.  
4.161.   In closing, I would like to thank the EU for its timely answers to our questions on the 
aforementioned points, as well as on a broader range of issues. Canada appreciates the EU’s 
partnership in taking action, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to demonstrate that an inclusive 
approach to trade policy ensures  that all people benefit from the increasingly interconnected world.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.162.   The scale of Australia’s trade and investment relationship with the EU means we have a 
strong interest in the application of trade and industry policies in the EU. In that regar d, we 
acknowledge the reform measures the EU has adopted, since the last Trade Policy Review in 2017, 
and encourage the EU to continue efforts to open its market to support global economic growth.  
4.163.   The EU is Australia’s second largest source of foreign dire ct investment and third largest 
trading partner – with two -way goods and services trade valued over A$84 billion in 2018 -19. 
Australia is also a significant market for the EU particularly for merchandise exports.  
4.164.   Since the last review, The EU has demonstra ted a commitment to open trade and 
investment, by pursuing an ambitious forward agenda of FTAs. We welcome and congratulate the 
EU on the FTAs it has concluded, in particular the EU -MERCOSUR FTA. We also welcome the launch 
of FTA negotiations with Australi a. We are committed to concluding a comprehensive and ambitious 
FTA. We welcome progress to date, and look forward to finalising a deal that delivers for both parties. 
For Australia, that means the delivery of commercially -meaningful market access, includi ng for 
agriculture.  
4.165.   We congratulate the EU and the United Kingdom on reaching agreement on the terms of the 
latter’s withdrawal from the EU. We encourage both parties to use the remainder of the transition 
period to conclude an agreement that maintains a high degree of openness, and does not raise or 
impose new barriers to third countries seeking access to either market. In addition, we consider, as 
part of the EU’s proposal to split existing WTO tariff -rate quotas between the EU27 and the UK, that 
compens atory adjustments will need to be negotiated with affected WTO Members to maintain the 
value of existing EU concessions.  
4.166.   Australia and the EU share a commitment to a strong and effective rules -based global trading 
system and a willingness to work with othe rs to achieve broad -based, tangible outcomes through 
the WTO. Australia welcomes the EU’s efforts to strengthen the multilateral trading system, promote 
WTO reform, and update the WTO rule -book to reflect the realities of the modern trade environment. 
We particularly appreciate the valuable contribution of the EU Mission to the WTO led by Ambassador 
Machado.   
4.167.   Australia has been pleased to work with the EU to take forward the Buenos Aires Joint 
Statement Initiatives, including on: services domestic regulati on, electronic commerce, investment 
facilitation. We also welcome the EU’s support for MSMEs and women’s economic empowerment and 
were pleased to see these issues reflected in the EU’s Country Report.  
4.168.   We are also pleased to work with the EU on improving ex isting WTO processes. Australia is 
a co-sponsor of the EU’s proposal on addressing Trade Concerns and we were happy to co -sponsor, 
with the EU and others, a proposal to Enhance Transparency and Strengthen Notification 
Requirements. We believe transparency is the bedrock of the WTO and welcome all efforts to help 
to improve Members’ notification performance. In this regard, we note the EU’s record on timely 
notifications and encourage them to build upon this result.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.169.   We also encourage the EU to show strong le adership in achieving strong, credible outcomes 
at MC12 in the important areas of agricultural domestic support and fisheries subsidies.  
4.170.   In this regard, Australia is disappointed that, according to the EU’s budget, the EU has 
trebled its level of subsidie s to the fisheries sector since WTO Members started negotiating disciplines 
in 2001, and is seeking their exclusion from future disciplines currently under negotiation. We call 
on the EU to contribute constructively and flexibly to efforts to find solution s to meet our Ministers’ 
MC12 goal.  
4.171.   We also note the EU’s work on developing a carbon border adjustment mechanism to address 
possible competitiveness effects raised by any strengthening of its climate change policies, including 
emissions targets. We look f orward to receiving further information from the EU on its plans in this 
area, including in relation to: the process governing its development; options being examined and 
possible methodologies being considered; and, in particular, consistency with WTO obl igations.  
4.172.   We welcome improvements to the EU’s internal market outlined in the new Single Market 
Strategy to the extent that these deliver positive impacts for the global trading system. We 
encourage the EU to continue deepening the Single Market in ways t hat reduce, rather that increase, 
barriers for third countries.  
4.173.   Since the last reporting period, we note that the EU has steered the Common Agricultural 
Policy away from trade -distorting measures, and towards market orientation. Based on the ongoing 
positi ve domestic reforms in the EU, we call on the EU to support efforts to reset WTO negotiations 
on reforming domestic support. We welcome the end of the sugar production quotas in 2017, and 
look forward to receiving more information on the impacts this will have on this sector.   
4.174.   We continue to watch closely the EU’s application of hazard -based rather than risk -based 
approaches in areas such as chemical regulation. The EU needs to ensure its sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures are science -based, consider inte rnational standards and are not a disguised 
restriction on trade.  
4.175.   In conclusion, Australia looks forward to continuing to work closely with the EU to support 
the rules based trading system. We encourage the EU to continue to show engagement and 
leadership towards a strengthened, modernised WTO that benefits all Members.  
4.176.   We thank the EU for providing prompt answers to our written questions and wish the EU a 
very successful 14th Trade Policy Review.  
ARGENTINA  
4.177.   La Argentina observa con beneplácito los progresos  realizados en el período bajo examen en 
materia de reducción de la pobreza, de corrección de los desequilibrios macroeconómicos y de 
mejoras en la situación presupuestaria de sus Estados miembros.1 Lo propio cabe decir en relación 
al desempleo, cuyo nivel  es el más bajo en 10 años2 sin perjuicio de las diferencias entre los Estados 
que integran la Unión.  
4.178.   Es satisfactorio ver que en los últimos años la economía de la UE ha superado la fase de 
recuperación al margen de la desaceleración experimentada en el segundo semestre de 2018 por 
motivos que todos conocemos.3 Destacamos que a pesar de los retos a nivel mundial las 
estimaciones indican que la UE mantendrá su senda de crecimiento en los próximos años.4 
4.179.   Si hay algo que los informes evidencian y la práctica  corrobora es que la UE constituye un 
Miembro sumamente activo de esta Organización. En tal sentido, por ejemplo, el informe enuncia 
que desde el examen realizado en 2017 la UE adoptó nueva legislación sobre control de la Inversión 
Extranjera Directa5, mod ificó su normativa básica sobre antidumping y anti subvenciones6, introdujo 
 
1 Párrafo 2 y 1.30.  
2 Párrafo 1.11 . 
3 Párrafo 1.3: tensiones comerciales, Brexit y atonía del sector manufacturero.  
4 Párrafo 1.24.  
5 Párrafo 12, 2.59, 3.78, 3.79.  
6 Párrafo 19.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  una serie de medidas legislativas sobre derecho de autor y derechos conexos7, llevó adelante un 
amplio conjunto de modificaciones en torno a los servicios audiovisuales8 además de cambios 
importantes en el marco legislativo sobre prescripciones técnicas, normas, evaluación de la 
conformidad y acreditación9, entre otras.  
4.180.   Tales ajustes normativos son de particular relevancia tomando en cuenta que la UE 
constituye el mercado único más grande del mundo y el mayor interlocutor comercial de unas 
80 economías10, ocupa el primer lugar en el comercio internacional de productos manufacturados y 
de servicios, es el mayor importador de energía11 y el principal origen y destino de la Inversión 
Extranjera Directa.12 
4.181.   El activismo de la UE se aprecia, asimismo, en las agendas de diversos órganos de esta 
casa… y no solo como solicitante. Compartimos con la UE la importancia de preservar un sistema 
multilateral de comercio abierto y basado en reglas en el  que la OMC ocupe un lugar central.13 
También coincidimos con la UE en la necesidad de mejorar las funciones de negociación, vigilancia 
y solución de diferencias, así como en la urgencia de restaurar el Órgano de Apelación.14 Valoramos 
las iniciativas, propu estas y esfuerzos desplegados por la UE a tales efectos.  
4.182.   Párrafo aparte, mantenemos nuestra inquietud en torno a un elemento bien recogido en el 
informe de la Secretaría: en el análisis arancelario el sector agrícola se destaca por tipos 
considerablemente más elevados, derechos no ad valorem  y contingentes arancelarios.15 A ello cabe 
añadir el enfoque de prorrateo de tales contingentes propuesto por la UE en el marco del Brexit; 
tema largamente debatido tanto en Ginebra como en Bruselas.  
4.183.   Para la UE son igualmente conocidas las preocupaciones de la Argentina en relación a 
cuestiones no arancelarias, tales como las vinculadas a la regulación de sustancias con propiedades 
de disrupción endócrina, al registro de términos tradicionales para vinos, al comercio de quesos y a 
niveles máximos de residuos.  
4.184.   Para dar cierto contexto a  nuestros comentarios, permítanme mencionar que la UE es el 
primer inversor en la Argentina y nuestro segundo socio comercial. De la UE importamos 
fundamentalmente bienes de capital y bienes intermedios en tanto que casi el 90% de nuestras 
exportaciones al  mercado europeo se originan en el sector agrícola y agroindustrial. Esto supone 
una gran vulnerabilidad a las medidas que la UE adopta, siendo crucial que las mismas estén en 
plena conformidad con las normas de esta casa.  
4.185.   Hemos presentado preguntas a la UE sobre diversos aspectos contemplados en los informes 
preparados para este examen. Valoramos las respuestas brindadas, las cuales han sido remitidas a 
nuestra capital para consideración de las autoridades.  
4.186.   Por último, no querríamos dejar de resaltar nuevamente la importancia de este ejercicio de 
transparencia en todos sus aspectos y desear a las autoridades de la UE una la exitosa conclusión 
de este nuevo examen de sus políticas comerciales.  
HONDURAS  
4.187.   En relación con los informes presentados, destacamos que la economía europea siguió 
creciendo durante el período examinado y notamos el ascenso del 35% como porcentaje del PIB en 
el comercio de bienes y servicios extra -UE. 
4.188.   Actualmente, la Unión Europea representa el mayor bloque comercial del mund o, 
representando un 15,7% del total del comercio mundial de bienes y servicios, por lo que la evolución 
 
7 Párrafo 27 . 
8 Párrafo 37 . 
9 Párrafo 23 . 
10 Párrafo 3, 1.2 y 1.33 . 
11 Párrafo 4.122 . 
12 Párrafo 1.41 . 
13 Párrafo 2.26 . 
14 Párrafo 2.26 . 
15 Párrafo 3.39. WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  de sus políticas generales y específicas en su economía tiene impacto en los Miembros de la OMC, 
por lo que continuaremos estudiando sus prácticas, polí ticas y estrategias comerciales.  
4.189.   Honduras comparte la visión de la Unión Europea de preservar un entorno comercial 
internacional estable y previsible fundamentado en normas claras de obligado cumplimiento.  
4.190.   En cuanto al proceso de Brexit, le deseamos un pr oceso fluido y exitoso para ambas partes 
con el fin de que los Miembros tengamos mayor predictibilidad y seguridad con relación al mismo.  
4.191.   Son indudables los fuertes vínculos económicos, culturales, políticos e históricos que unen a 
la Unión Europea con Ho nduras.  
4.192.   En ese sentido, destacamos que las relaciones comerciales de nuestro país con la Unión 
Europea, como parte del Bloque Centroamericano, se rigen por el Acuerdo de Asociación, firmado 
en 2012, en que las partes nos comprometimos a poner en marcha med idas para favorecer el 
desarrollo económico, teniendo en cuenta intereses mutuos como la erradicación de la pobreza, la 
creación de empleo y el desarrollo justo y sostenible.  
4.193.   Por otro lado, no podemos dejar de mencionar el importante aporte de la Unión Eur opea al 
proceso de Integración Económica Regional, en temas tales como:  
• el Desarrollo de la Plataforma Digital de Comercio Centroamericano;  
• el apoyo a la elaboración de la Estrategia Regional para la Facilitación del Comercio;  
• la aprobación del mecanismo d e devolución de los derechos arancelarios en el marco del 
Acuerdo de Asociación;  
• la aprobación de la Declaración Única Centroamericana (DUCA); entre otros.  
 
4.194.   Al amparo de nuestros acuerdos y tal como lo destaca el informe de la Secretaría, la Unión 
Europea y Honduras concluyeron las negociaciones y rubricaron el 15 de junio de 2018, un acuerdo 
de Asociación Voluntaria, siguiendo un proceso cooperativo en el que ambas partes comparten el 
objetivo de impulsar la buena gobernanza forestal a través de la lucha c ontra la tala ilegal.  
4.195.   Honduras, por su situación geográfica, es unos los países del mundo más afectados por el 
cambio climático y desde 1993, la Unión Europea ha prestado valiosa ayuda humanitaria para 
enfrentar y ser más resilientes a este tipo de fenómen os, a través de la colaboración en la 
formulación de medidas de reducción del riesgo y la conservación, así como la protección de los 
bienes de interés público, como el medio ambiente, el clima y la biodiversidad. En particular, 
deseamos reconocer y agrade cer el programa EUROCLIMA plus programa del cual Honduras es uno 
de los países beneficiarios y cuyo objetivo es de promover el desarrollo sostenible para el beneficio 
de poblaciones vulnerables.  
4.196.   En lo que a nuestro comercio bilateral respecta, en el año 2 019, las transacciones 
comerciales con Europa reflejaron para nuestro país un superávit de USD 199 millones, valor inferior 
con el observado para el 2018 de USD 260 millones. Actualmente, Honduras es el cuarto proveedor 
de café a la Unión Europea.  
4.197.   Tal como  lo hemos expresado en los distintos Órganos de la OMC y en los de Administración 
del Acuerdo de Asociación, reiteramos nuestras preocupaciones sobre temas que sin duda pueden 
tener impacto en nuestro comercio. Como exportadores de productos agrícolas a la  Unión Europea, 
nos preocupa la reducción de los LMRs para una serie de agroquímicos que son fundamentales en 
nuestra producción y en el manejo de plagas cuarentenarias en países tropicales como el nuestro.  
4.198.   Sumado a esto nos preocupan la Directiva sobre E nergías Renovable, así como con la 
adopción de la Normativa del etiquetado libre de aceite de palma, y sobre esa base, esperamos que 
la Unión Europea tenga en consideración nuestras preocupaciones al respecto, se nos proporcione 
la información actualizada con el objetivo de alcanzar soluciones mutuas que mitiguen los posibles 
impactos comerciales.  
4.199.   Finalmente, deseamos reconocer el liderazgo desempeñado por la Unión Europea en aras de 
lograr una Duodécima Conferencia Ministerial exitosa. Igualmente, agradecemos las respuestas a WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  nuestras preguntas y felicitamos a la Unión Europea, por sus importantes esfuerzos y logros durante 
el período de examen y les deseamos el mayor de los éxitos.  
COLOMBIA  
4.200.   Para comenzar, queremos resaltar y agradecer el importante papel de la Unión Europea 
como jugador de esta Organización, impulsor del comercio y de la inversión internacional, promotor 
del desarrollo a través de la cooperación en el comercio y activo participante en el sistema 
multilateral de comercio. Con miras a la Conferencia Ministerial de Nur -Sultan destacamos el rol de 
la Unión Europea como actor propositivo  y constructivo que participa activamente, a través de la 
presentación de propuestas, en temas tan diversos como solución de diferencias, servicios y 
comercio electrónico, solo por dar algunos ejemplos.  
4.201.   A partir del informe de la Secretaría, nos es grato observar la evolución económica que ha 
tenido la Unión Europea en los últimos años. Para la economía mundial es crucial que la Unión 
Europea consolide esta senda de crecimiento y su rol como motor para el comercio internacional.  
4.202.   Destacamos que, en su  conjunto, la Unión Europea es el segundo socio comercial de 
Colombia y la primera fuente de inversión extranjera directa en el país. Colombia, por su parte, es 
el cuarto socio comercial de la Unión Europea en Sudamérica. En particular, la Unión Europea es  
actualmente el principal socio para Colombia en materia agrícola.  
4.203.   Adicionalmente, gracias al aprovechamiento del Acuerdo Multipartes entre Colombia, Perú y 
Ecuador, por un lado, y la UE por otro, el cual entró en aplicación provisional en agosto de 2013,  
Colombia ha presenciado un crecimiento de las exportaciones de nuestros productos no mineros 
energéticos, así como una diversificación de las líneas exportadas hacia la Unión Europea. Esperamos 
que esta tendencia se mantenga y fortalezca en los próximos a ños.  
4.204.   Precisamente, esta importancia de la Unión Europea para Colombia hace a nuestro país 
particularmente vulnerable a sus decisiones regulatorias. Quisiéramos entonces aprovechar esta 
oportunidad para mencionar nuestro interés en tres puntos de la evoluc ión de la política comercial 
de la Unión Europea, los cuales fueron abordados en las preguntas que hemos preparado para este 
examen y cuyas oportunas respuestas queremos agradecer a la delegación de la Unión Europea.  
4.205.   El primero de ellos está relacionado co n las competencias de la Unión Europea para firmar y 
concluir acuerdos de inversión. En las respuestas que nos dio la Unión Europea observamos la 
importancia de la revisión y los pasos que ha dado la Comisión hacia la terminación de los acuerdos 
de inversi ón intra -europeos. También hemos sido testigos de los avances ocurridos en el marco del 
Tratado de Inversión con Canadá, así como de las razones para su aceptación por parte del Tribunal 
Europeo de Justicia. Quedamos muy atentos a conocer la evolución cohe rente de las reflexiones de 
la Comisión con respecto a la modernización de los Acuerdos existentes entre la Unión Europea y 
otros terceros países. Este tema suscita especial interés para Colombia por los acuerdos bilaterales 
de inversión vigentes entre dif erentes miembros de la UE y nuestro país, algunos bastante antiguos.  
4.206.   El segundo punto de especial interés está relacionado con la agenda regulatoria adoptada 
por la Unión Europea, especialmente en cuanto a medidas técnicas, sanitarias y fitosanitarias. 
Colombia sigue con cuidadosa atención los desarrollos al respecto, dado el potencial impacto que 
esto puede tener en el desempeño del comercio bilateral. Al respecto, sin perjuicio de las serias 
preocupaciones y los argumentos concretos que hemos expresado en  los distintos Comités de la 
OMC y que compartimos con un creciente número de países, quisiéramos proponer de manera 
constructiva a la Unión Europea un paso que juzgamos en la dirección correcta. Se trata de construir 
un protocolo de información que permit a sostener una discusión informada y efectiva con los 
miembros impactados potencialmente con nuevas disposiciones regulatorias, con anterioridad a que 
todos los Estados miembros de la Unión Europea se hayan puesto de acuerdo. En efecto, notamos 
que las not ificaciones a la OMC, tanto en el Comité OTC como en el Comité MSF, aparentemente 
cumplen con los requisitos de transparencia, pero no resultan efectivas para recoger los comentarios 
de impacto normativo que estas pueden tener en otros miembros de la organ ización. Así, 
respetuosamente hacemos un llamado a la Unión Europea para que en el desarrollo de su política 
comercial, por fuera de contextos particulares y pensando en el futuro, se diseñen procedimientos 
tempranos de información a terceros países, de mo do que se posibilite una discusión real. Un paso 
como este no agotará todas las serias discusiones que están ocurriendo al respecto, pero WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  seguramente traerá beneficios para todos: redundará en mejorar la calidad regulatoria de cualquier 
medida y contribuir á a evitar parte de la litigiosidad posterior.  
4.207.   Por último, en el contexto de las negociaciones de cara a la Conferencia Ministerial, 
disciplinar los subsidios otorgados a la pesca es uno de los principales resultados esperados. Las 
implicaciones que estos  subsidios pueden tener en la sobrepesca y sobrecapacidad pesquera, a nivel 
mundial, reafirman la importancia de lograr en el corto plazo una negociación ambiciosa y exitosa. 
La Unión Europea es uno de los principales jugadores mundiales en las actividades  de pesca 
industrial y esperamos que asuma compromisos de reducción de subsidios conformes con su nivel 
de responsabilidad, en especial, con la eliminación de los subsidios a la pesca en altamar.  
4.208.   De esta forma termino mi intervención, no sin antes agradece r al Embajador Aguiar 
Machado, al DPR Paolo Garzotti y a todo su equipo en Ginebra, por su siempre constructiva 
disposición a trabajar, así como al ponente Embajador Parola y a la Secretaría por sus contribuciones 
y aportes a este Examen. Le deseamos a la Unión Europea un exitoso y constructivo examen de sus 
políticas comerciales.  
MALAYSIA  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.209.   The European Union became an ASEAN help partner in 1977, and together we have seen 
many milestones from the establishment of enhanced ownership under t he Nuremberg Declaration 
in 2007 to the celebration of our 40th anniversary of dialogue -relations in 2017.  
4.210.   ASEAN and the EU have accelerated efforts and achieved much progress in realizing a 
strategic partnership between us, including through the adoption of ASEAN -EU Plan of ASEAN from 
2018 to 2022 by our leaders in 2017.  
4.211.   We both remain committed to working to a future ASEAN -EU Free Trade Agreement to 
increase and strengthen our bilateral relationship, including trade and investment flows between our 
two re gions. And progress has been made on this by joint working group for the ASEAN -EU Free 
Trade Agreement in developing a framework, setting out the parameters of such an agreement.  
4.212.   ASEAN is the EU’s largest trading partner outside the Euro, with more than 23 7 billion euros 
of trade in goods in 2018 and 85.5 billion euros in bilateral trade in services in 2017. The EU is the 
ASEAN’s second largest trading partner accounting for 10.2% of ASEAN trade, and total two -way 
trade in 2018 reached 288 billion dollars.  
4.213.   The EU also remains the largest source of foreign direct investment in the ASEAN, with a 
total inflow of 337 billion euros in 2017, while ASEAN investment in Euro has also grown steadily to 
over 141 billion euros in 2017.  
4.214.   ASEAN appreciates the EU’s continu ed support to our integration efforts, particularly the 
ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and in development cooperation effort as trade -related assistance 
to the regional EU -ASEAN dialogue and the ASEAN regional integration support from the EU which 
are follow -up programmes launched in 2018 in combined budget of 51 million euros.  
4.215.   ASEAN and the EU have shared various and common ??? that bind our two regions as 
longstanding partners in integration and we both believe in the importance of strengthening the 
rules-based multilateral trading system and that regionalism and multilateralism contribute to the 
general and global peace, security, stability and prosperity.  
4.216.   Like other delegations, ASEAN has followed the UK’s withdrawal process closely and remains 
mindful of t he implication of the UK’s withdrawal, particularly to the multilateral trading system. We 
encourage the EU to keep Members informed of the ??? during this transition period to ensure stable, 
transparent and predictable trade.  
4.217.   Some ASEAN member States have  submitted written questions to the EU and we would like 
to express our appreciation to everyone, and look forward to your written responses. We would also 
like to thank the delegation for its constructive engagement and we wish the EU a successful Trade 
Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  MALAYSIA  
4.218.   The EU is the third largest trading partner of Malaysia, accounting for 11.6% of the Malaysia’s 
total trade. In 2018, Malaysia became the EU’s 23rd largest trading partner in goods. Although 
Malaysia has not been a major trading part ner in services so far, Malaysia look forward as new 
opportunities that have already been increasing due to our economic liberalization policies.  
4.219.   In 2018, EU -Malaysia bilateral trade recorded a total amount of USD 45.51 billion. Malaysian 
exports to the EU  increased by 3.5% to USD 24.48 billion, and imports rose by 6.5% to 
USD 21.03  billion as compared to 2017. Malaysia looks forward to work together to increase the 
value of trade between both economies in the future.  
4.220.   Malaysia appreciates the efforts on the  implementation of the EU Environment Action 
Programme which its overall aim is to protect and grow the world’s forest cover to improve public 
health and livelihoods. Malaysia appreciates if EU could share the existing international commitments 
to halt glo bal forest cover lost and EU’s communication plan in supporting other countries to do so.  
4.221.   Malaysia note from EU’s Report on actions taken to overcome climate change which a 
transparent and dynamic governance process has been developed to help deliver the Energy Union, 
including the 2030 climate and energy targets, in an efficient and coherent manner. This approach 
for the period up to 2030 helps ensure regulatory certainty for investors and coordinate EU Member 
States’ efforts. Malaysia hopes that the gove rnance process to carry out the initiative will be 
transparent and will not be influenced and free from any geopolitical situation or any 
trade/country/diplomatic relation.  
4.222.   We refer to the EU’s report on the revised Renewable Energy Sources Directive which  
introduces a new approach to address emissions from indirect land -use change («ILUC») associated 
to the production of biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels. Malaysia note that it includes a binding 
renewable energy target for the European Union for 2030 of 32% with an upwards revision clause 
by 2023. Malaysia would like to reiterate our view that an impact assessment should be done for 
the Delegated Regulation under EU RED II and appreciate if EU could share findings of the said 
assessment.  
4.223.   At the multila teral front, Malaysia echo EU’s stand on the importance of preserving an open, 
rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, and the need for comprehensive 
reform of the WTO. This includes to immediately solve the Dispute Settlement Sy stem issues.  
4.224.   While we welcome the various updates of trade policies by EU, Malaysia seeks further 
information in the some of her economic and trade policies and procedures, as well as investment 
regime and domestic legislation.  
4.225.   To conclude, we thank the E U’s response to our questions, and we shall examine the 
responses with great interest. We wish the EU a productive and successful Trade Policy Review.  
GUATEMALA  
4.226.   Guatemala y la Unión Europea han sostenido estrechas relaciones en una gran variedad de 
ámbitos, tanto a nivel bilateral como regional. Las relaciones institucionales se basan en el diálogo 
de San José iniciado en 1984, que funge como base para el fortalec imiento de la cooperación, los 
vínculos económicos y la integración regional entre la Unión Europea y Centroamérica.   
4.227.   En términos comerciales, Guatemala y la Unión Europea también han sostenido 
históricamente una relación muy cercana. Desde la década de 1 970, Guatemala formó parte de los 
países beneficiarios del Sistema Generalizado de Preferencias comerciales (SGP) otorgado por dicho 
bloque a países en desarrollo. El pasado 1° de diciembre de 2019, se cumplieron 6 años de la entrada 
en vigor del Acuerdo d e Asociación -AdA- firmado entre la Unión Europea y la República de 
Guatemala.  
4.228.   Durante el año 2018, la Unión Europea como bloque para Guatemala, ocupó la posición 
número 3 como socio comercial de las exportaciones y posición número 5 para las importacione s WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  respectivamente. Mientras que Guatemala para la Unión Europea ocupó las posiciones número 116 
como socio comercial de las exportaciones y número 105 para las importaciones respectivamente.  
4.229.   Las principales exportaciones de Guatemala a la Unión Europea son: el azúcar, el café y el 
banano. Sin embargo, en años recientes otros productos no tradicionales han incursionado con gran 
éxito en el mercado europeo, tales como: las plantas ornamentales, las frutas, los mini vegetales y 
el ron entre otros. Por su parte, los principales productos importados de la UE a Guatemala son 
vehículos, maquinaria, agroquímicos, y medicamentos.  
4.230.   En relación con el examen de políticas comerciales que hoy nos concierne,  resaltamos la 
activa participación de la UE en el ámbito multilateral del comercio, así como el establecimiento de 
las diversas estrategias comerciales que le han permitido promover un comercio abierto, equitativo 
y sostenible.  
4.231.    Es importante hacer notar que el mantenimiento de un mercado único se convierte en un 
mecanismo que favorece la creación de empleo, la innovación y la integración ascendente en las 
cadenas de valor mundiales; acciones que permitieron superar los retos establecidos en su anterior 
examen.  
4.232.   Con la publicación de Agenda Estratégica 2019 -2024, la Unión Europea tiene como objetivo 
primordial mejorar la competitividad de las industrias europeas y contribuir a eliminar los obstáculos 
al comercio en el mercado mundial. Para ello el fortaleci miento a las Tecnologías de la Información 
y las Comunicaciones se consolida como una herramienta esencial en este proceso.  
4.233.   En lo concerniente a procedimiento aduaneros la Unión Europea continúa trabajando en la 
transición a un sistema electrónico, lo que  permitirá facilitar y hacer más eficiente el tráfico de 
mercancías.   
4.234.   En el área sanitaria y fitosanitaria, la Unión Europea ha notificado la implementación de una 
serie de medidas que ha causado el planteamiento por parte de los Miembros dentro del Comit é de 
Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias de la OMC de más de 11 preocupaciones específicas.   
4.235.   Guatemala planteó a la Unión Europea dentro del presente examen preguntas con respecto 
a estas medidas, en virtud de ser un tema de principal interés para nuestro  país; de antemano 
agradecemos las respuestas brindadas, las cuales hemos enviado a nuestra capital para su análisis 
respectivo, indicando que de ser necesaria la ampliación de información, se realizarán las respectivas 
consultas de manera bilateral.  
4.236.   Para finalizar, nuestra delegación reconoce los esfuerzos emprendidos por la Unión Europea 
durante el período evaluado en este examen de políticas comerciales. Agradecemos las respuestas 
remitidas a las preguntas que planteamos y deseamos a la delegación que h oy los representa, la 
conclusión exitosa de este ejercicio.  
NORWAY  
4.237.   Norway appreciates our close and longstanding cooperation with the EU in the WTO. The EU 
is a key player in shaping the multilateral trading system. We appreciate the EU’s active engagement  
to strengthen and modernize the WTO through various reform initiatives and in ongoing negotiation 
processes. This is of particular significance in the current situation, when we see tendencies towards 
protectionism and managed trade.  
4.238.   Let me, in this conte xt, highlight and commend the active engagement of the EU in the 
plurilateral negotiations on e -commerce. Updating the rulebook and addressing the opportunities 
and challenges of the digital economy is an important element in our collective effort to ensur e the 
continued relevance of the WTO.   
4.239.   Bilaterally, Norway and the EU enjoy a strong trade relationship that benefits both parties. 
The EU is Norway’s most important trading partner, while Norway is the EU’s 6th most important 
import partner for goods. Th e EEA Agreement is the cornerstone of Norway’s relationship with the 
EU, and ensures that we share a common set of rules with our most important trading partners.   WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.240.   Norway and EU shares the view that trade and environmental policies can and must be 
mutuall y supportive. We commend the EU for being ambitious in addressing the climate challenge 
and taking environmental action, including the European Green Deal. Norway shares the view that 
trade policy can support the transition to a circular and climate resili ent economy. Furthermore, 
Norway supports integrating continuously stronger provisions on trade and sustainable development 
in free trade agreements, as the EU emphasizes.  
4.241.   Norway and the EU share the goals and ambitions of facilitating sustainable growth in both 
new and traditional ocean industries, such as the maritime, petroleum and seafood industries.   
4.242.   Norway and the EU have shared interests in the liberalization of trade in services in general, 
and in particular in maritime transport.   
4.243.   Maritime trans port is an important facilitator of world trade and considered an environmental 
friendly mode of transport. We appreciate the close cooperation with the EU on the issue of further 
greening maritime transport including the development of low and zero emissi on vessels, and the 
important work of the International Maritime Organisation.  
4.244.   Furthermore, our cooperation to promote a fair and transparent global shipbuilding market 
is highly appreciated. The global imbalance in shipbuilding markets is a threat to sus tainable 
employment, the economy and the environment.  
4.245.   Fisheries is another topic of particular interest to Norway. EU is the largest export market 
for Norwegian fish exports, and Norway is the leading supplier of fish and fishery products to the 
EU. Excep t for oil and gas, fish is the single largest export item from Norway to the EU.   
4.246.   With an average tariff of 11.8% for fish and fish products, tariff escalation, broad use of 
bilateral TRQs, autonomous quotas and end -user requirements, we believe there is room for 
improvements in the EU trade regime for seafood.  
4.247.   The EU is an important player in the ongoing fisheries subsidies negotiations. Prohibiting 
certain forms of subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing is the most important part 
of the mandate. These negotiations must lead to real reductions in global fisheries subsidies. Norway 
expects major subsidizers and big fishing nations to make the biggest reductions in their fisheries 
subsidies. We encourage the EU to indicate how it will con tribute accordingly.  
4.248.   In conclusion, Norway is looking forward to continuing the close cooperation on trade related 
issues with the EU, including on how to strengthen and modernize the WTO. In this context, Norway 
and the EU share the view that a functioni ng dispute settlement system is of the utmost importance 
to the rules -based trading system. Norway remains committed to work with the EU and other WTO 
Members to find a lasting solution to the current crisis related to the Appellate Body.   
VIET  NAM 
4.249.   Since the last trade policy review, we are happy to note that as the largest trading bloc as 
well as the largest trader of manufactured goods and services in the world, the EU’s economy 
continues to improve. Despite increasing global uncertainties, trade tension s between major global 
trading entities, together with weakness in the manufacturing sector, the EU has still maintained a 
relatively strong averaged economic growth of more than 2% in the reviewed period. We share the 
same view with the EU that trade has made a vital contribution to the global economy’s growth and 
welcome the EU’s full commitment to reinvigorate the multilateral trading system in the time of 
uncertainties.   
4.250.   The EU has been one of the leading trade and investment partners of Viet Nam in the last 
decade. Two -way trade has increased more than threefold from €14.48 billion in 2009 to 
approximately €51.78 billion in 2019. Viet Nam imports from EU various high tech products, 
including electrical machinery and equipment, aircraft, vehicles, and  pharmaceutical products. 
Regarding investment, the EU is also a leading investor in Viet Nam with a total registered capital of 
over €22.93 billion with 2,300 projects, mostly in industrial processing and manufacturing sectors.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.251.   Cooperation between the two  sides has recently developed to a new stage with the signing 
of a new -generation free trade agreement (EVFTA) and an investment protection agreement 
(EVIPA), which are expected to come into force soon following ratification. These agreements are 
‘mileston es’ for both the bilateral and regional cooperation as they come amid worldwide trade 
turmoil. Being considered as the most ambitious trade agreement that the EU has signed with a 
developing country, these agreements are expected to significantly strengthe n bilateral trade and 
investment, as well as cooperation in other areas such as sustainable development.  
4.252.   The economic cooperation between Viet Nam and the EU are now in the period of healthy 
and comprehensive development. With these agreements, Viet Nam a lso looks forward to paving 
the way for deepening of cooperation between the EU and ASEAN through the creation of a wider 
region -to-region agreement in the coming years. We appreciate and hope the EU continues to play 
a crucial role in strengthening an ope n and rules -based multilateral trading system, to facilitate the 
movement of trade and investment as well as to contribute to the regional and global peace and 
prosperity.  
4.253.   Viet Nam recognizes the EU’s important role in the multilateral trading system, espe cially in 
this critical time. As Viet Nam and the EU celebrate our 30th year of relationship in 2020, Viet Nam 
is willing to strengthen our cooperation with the EU for the mutual benefits as well as for an effective 
and functioning multilateral trading sys tem in the time to come.  
4.254.   In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador João Aguiar 
Machado and his able team for the preparation of this review as well as their constructive and active 
contribution and engagement in WTO activitie s and wish the EU a very successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.255.   We praise the EU’s support of the multilateral trading system and principles of the WTO. 
Russia welcomes the efforts of the new European Commission and its Geneva -based team to 
preserve the operability of the WTO, restore its dispute settlement function and promote negotiating 
role of the Organization. We look forward to the EU’s continued active contributions to the work of 
the WTO, including the Organization’s reform, and leadersh ip in driving the MC -12 to success.   
4.256.   The European Union remains Russia’s largest trading partner. Its member States account 
for about 45 % of the total Russian exports and almost 40% of our imports. In its turn, Russia ranks 
among the 4 top trading partne rs of the EU. We see great potential in our bilateral trade relations 
and hope that liberalization of the EU trade regime will contribute to further growth of mutual trade 
and investment flows.  
4.257.   We have presented a number of questions and specific concerns  with regards to EU trade 
policies in due time, and I would like to voice some of them today.  
4.258.   First, EU’s safeguard measures on the import of steel are particularly illustrative in this 
context. Originally they were presented by the EU as a response to the  corresponding barriers 
imposed by the United States. However, in September 2019 the measures were revised and openly 
qualified as an instrument for protection of the European steel industry from foreign competition. 
Russia’s comments on the violation of W TO rules while adopting and implementing those measures, 
unfortunately, seem to be ignored.  
4.259.   Second, we are troubled by the incorporation of measures, which are not contained in WTO 
agreements, in the EU legislation. Recently adopted amendments to the Europ ean antidumping 
legislation introduced the criteria of «significant market distortions», linked inter alia with a discrete 
application of the «lesser duty rule», which is an evident deviation from the provisions of the WTO 
Antidumping agreement. In 2019 su ch an approach was used against Russian imports of 
carbamide -ammonium mixtures. As a result, the average level of antidumping tariffs for relevant 
Russian goods was significantly higher than for other importers under investigation. This is a clear 
breach o f the non -discrimination principle enshrined in the WTO rules.  
4.260.   Third, of our specific concern is the continued use by the EU of “cost adjustment” 
methodologies for the calculation of dumping margins in anti -dumping investigations. In September WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  2019 these m ethods were applied during the revision of the antidumping measure on imported 
fertilizers containing ammonium nitrate. This measure was repeatedly extended starting from 1995, 
and this time it could be prolonged for up to 30 years. In our view, the EU is deliberately using 
antidumping mechanisms, normally designed as temporary measures, for the constant protection of 
its uncompetitive sectors.  
4.261.   Fourth, Russia joins other Members in encouraging the EU to apply and administer its TRQ 
in fair and adequate mann er, including in the context of Brexit.  
4.262.   Last but not least, we are concerned with the continued application of the restrictions to the 
operation of the OPAL pipeline regarding third party access and tariff regulation, which are 
inconsistent with Article XI :1 of the GATT.  
4.263.   We look forward to reviewing the responses to our comments on the above issues. We 
believe that all those trade irritants will be sooner or later resolved in good faith, as it should be 
between neighbours, and within the legal framework of the WTO. I should say that since the latest 
TPR of the EU, the European Commission managed to settle several Russia’s trade concerns.  
4.264.   In conclusion, we would like to thank you, Mr. Chairman, the delegation of the European 
Union, the Secretariat and the Dis cussant, for the impressive work done so far and wish the EU a 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
ECUADOR  
4.265.   Para el Ecuador, la adhesión al Acuerdo Comercial con la Unión Europea constituyó el proceso 
más importante de los últimos años en el ámbito comercial de l país, considerando que la UE es el 
principal mercado destino de las exportaciones no petroleras del Ecuador, con una participación del 
24%.  
4.266.   El Acuerdo Comercial con la Unión Europea lleva tres años de vigencia, período en el cual se 
han incrementado nues tras exportaciones no petroleras hacia ese bloque, en un 10% en promedio. 
Entre estas exportaciones se destaca el banano, atún, camarón, cacao y rosas, entre los principales.  
4.267.   Además, se han incrementado alrededor de 250 nuevos productos de exportación ent re los 
que se destacan los jugos y derivados de fruta, aceites y grasas de pescado; y, suplementos 
alimenticios, entre otros.  
4.268.   En el caso de las importaciones, la Unión Europea ha sido un importante proveedor de 
materias primas y bienes de capital que ayud an a potenciar nuestra industria nacional.  
4.269.   El Acuerdo permitirá asimismo atraer en mayor cuantía, las inversiones desde el bloque 
europeo, así como también su fundamental apoyo en asistencia y cooperación técnica, aspectos 
importantes para el desarrollo de  la economía del Ecuador.  
4.270.   En lo que respecta a la cooperación técnica europea, ha permitido que las MIPYMES 
aprovechen los beneficios del acuerdo, mediante mayor diversificación de la oferta exportable y 
generando fuentes de empleo en nuestro país.  
4.271.   Las MI PYMES han mejorado sus capacidades, incrementando su presencia en la Unión 
Europea en un 15% luego de la firma del acuerdo comercial.  
4.272.   En el Ecuador, estamos conscientes de la necesaria transición que nuestro planeta requiere 
para todos los ámbitos, para lu char a nivel global y de forma conjunta contra el cambio climático y 
sus efectos potencialmente devastadores, especialmente para las poblaciones más pobres y 
vulnerables del mundo.  
4.273.   Nuestros principales sectores de exportación no petrolera, que son los que sostienen la 
dolarización en gran medida, han hecho grandes esfuerzos por evolucionar. El sector camaronero y 
florícola, por ejemplo, ha invertido fuertemente en procesos de trazabilidad; mientras que el sector 
bananero, que es uno de los principales expor tadores de productos orgánicos en el país, ha invertido 
en tecnología que le ha permitido reducir el número y frecuencia de las aspersiones de los productos WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  de protección fitosanitaria indispensables para que este importante alimento logre llegar a los 
consumidores europeos.  
4.274.   No obstante, nuestros productores han manifestado reiteradamente las dificultades para la 
adaptación en los plazos y tiempos que se han venido estableciendo en la normativa europea en los 
últimos años.  
4.275.   Para el Ecuador es importante trabajar conjuntamente con la Unión Europea para identificar 
mecanismos de colaboración, que permitan a los diferentes sectores productivos del Ecuador mitigar 
los impactos que podrían conllevar las políticas relacionadas a la  futura implementación del Pacto 
Verde Europeo.  
4.276.   El trabajo conjunto debe buscar que las medidas que se adopten no vayan en detrimento de 
los esfuerzos que realizamos los países en desarrollo para permitir a nuestra población, 
especialmente nuestra poblaci ón rural, elevarse de la pobreza a través del comercio.  
4.277.   En este sentido, vemos una urgente necesidad de que la UE incremente el diálogo con sus 
socios comerciales, sobre todo con los más pequeños, que escuche sus retos, los riegos, y se adopten 
las medidas  de manera que permitan mantener, incrementar y consolidar los flujos del comercio 
entre nuestros países.  
4.278.   Para concluir, deseamos agradecer a la Delegación de la Unión Europea por las respuestas 
brindadas a las preguntas que hemos planteado sobre algunos a spectos concretos de su política 
comercial, en los temas que son de mayor interés de mi país, particularmente en facilitación del 
comercio, régimen arancelario, contingentes arancelarios, licencias de importación, medidas 
comerciales correctivas, medidas s anitarias y fitosanitarias, producción orgánica, ayudas internas, 
metodología de cálculo de dumping, entre otros.   
4.279.   Las respuestas ya han sido remitidas a nuestra capital y contribuirán a fortalecer nuestras 
relaciones bilaterales en materia de comercio.  
4.280.   Auguramos a la Unión Europea éxitos en el presente Examen.   
SINGAPORE  
4.281.   This Trade Policy Review is taking place at an interesting and challenging time for the EU 
and the multilateral trading system. But it is heartening that the EU has steadfastly remained an 
influential and constructive player in supporting and strengthening the rules -based multilateral 
trading system. In this context, Singapore and the EU share many similar perspectives and concerns, 
and we will continue to work closely together to uphold and strengthen the WTO. On the bilateral 
front, Singapore’s relationship with the EU has continued to grow from strength to strength. Allow 
me to highlight three points.  
4.282.   3One, the EU and Singapore share longstanding and robust economic ties, which is set to 
strengthen with the entry into force of the EU -Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) in 
November 2019. The EU is Singapore’s 4th largest trading partner in goods, and 2nd largest trading 
partner in services. Singapore is also the EU’s largest trading partner for both goods and services in 
ASEAN. The EU is the largest foreign investor in Singapore, with foreign direct investment (FDI) 
stock amounting to over 332 billion Singapore dollars in 2018. And as of December 2019, there are 
more than 10,000 EU co mpanies in Singapore.  
4.283.   More importantly, the EU -Singapore FTA marks a new milestone in EU -Singapore relations, 
and provides a solid foundation for Singapore and the EU to take our economic partnership to a 
higher plane. The EU -Singapore FTA is an ambitious and forward -looking free trade agreement. In 
addition to providing increased market access and addressing non -tariff barriers, the EU -Singapore 
FTA has progressive provisions to address 21st century trade challenges, such as in the areas of 
trade and susta inable development. Its entry into force is a strong and concrete signal of our shared 
commitment to uphold an open and rules -based multilateral trading system.  
4.284.   Two, Singapore looks forward to the ratification of the EU -Singapore Partnership and 
Cooperatio n Agreement (ESPCA), and the EU -Singapore Investment Protection Agreement WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  (EUSIPA). The EU -Singapore Partnership and Cooperation Agreement will further enhance and 
broaden the bilateral relationship, while the EU -Singapore Investment Protection Agreement w ill 
continue to spur investments between the EU and Singapore by providing greater legal certainty 
and protection.  
4.285.   In particular, the investment agreement provides a single set of rules to protect all 
investments between the EU and Singapore, replacing th e 12 existing bilateral investment treaties 
between Singapore and EU Member States. It also offers enhanced investment protection through 
innovative provisions that are not contained in the existing bilateral investment treaties, such as 
clearer investment  protection standards and new rules for resolving investment disputes.  
4.286.   Three, Singapore will continue to work with the EU to uphold and strengthen an open and 
rules-based multilateral trading system. In this regard, we welcome the EU’s efforts to establish  an 
interim multi -party appeal -arbitration arrangement. This is an important interim measure even as 
WTO Members continue to work towards a permanent solution to the Appellate Body selection 
impasse. Singapore is also happy to support the EU’s initiative i n developing a draft General Council 
decision to improve the functioning of WTO Councils and Committees. Finally, we welcome the EU’s 
active and constructive participation in the Joint Statement Initiative on E -commerce.  
4.287.   To conclude, Singapore looks forwa rd to further strengthening our cooperation with the EU 
on both the multilateral and the bilateral fronts. We wish the EU every success for this TPR.  
TURKEY  
4.288.   The EU member States have managed in recent years to reduce unemployment and poverty 
and demonstrat ed success in improving of macroeconomic imbalances. The Europe 2020 Strategy 
is to be commended for these results with emphasis on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth to 
fight structural weaknesses in the EU -wide economy. It stands out as a good examp le for other 
economies globally.  
4.289.   We also commend the EU for its continued success in maintaining the largest trading block 
in the world, which necessitates not only continuous rule -making and supervision but more 
importantly the political will. The call f or a renewal of political commitment to single market has 
significant importance for a market of over 500 million consumers, in which goods can circulate 
freely.  
4.290.   With open market oriented policies, the EU maintains its position as one of the global leader s 
of trade in goods and services and primary destination for investments.  
4.291.   The economic and political relations between Turkey and the EU have a very special 
character. Turkey’s history with the EU integration goes back more than 50 years. In 1963, Turkey 
established an association relationship with the EU.  
4.292.   In 1996, the EU -Turkey Customs Union became the backbone of the bilateral trade 
framework. A Free Trade Agreement covering most coal and steel products has also been signed 
between Turkey and the EU.   
4.293.   These agreements helped develop our trade and economic relations significantly. The EU is 
Turkey’s single most important trade partner and Turkey ranks fifth in the EU’s foreign trade. Our 
trade volume was €153 billion in 2018. Compared to the trade figures  of 1996, this is a fourfold 
increase in our trade. Almost half of our imports are from the EU and half of the exports are destined 
to the EU countries. In addition, around 70% of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Turkey 
currently originates from the EU countries.  
4.294.   Considering this strong bond of relations between our countries, it is obvious that all 
initiatives taken by the EU both in the multilateral and bilateral platforms have direct impact on 
Turkey both in domestic regulations and in foreign trad e policies. This is exactly why Turkey and the 
EU recently discussed new instruments and areas for better coordination under the Customs Union.  
4.295.   As we mark the 25th year anniversary of the WTO, our customs union with the EU has also 
left behind almost 25 ye ars. And just like the WTO, an update in the Customs Union is also necessary, WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  as it falls behind the pace of the current dynamics of our economic ties. Turkey believes updating 
the Customs Union will provide an opportunity to enhance bilateral economic and  commercial 
relations by resolving the structural problems and extending the preferential trade relations to new 
areas, including services and e -commerce.  
4.296.   Naturally, customs unions inherently require “free movement of goods” within the Union 
without any b arriers. Free movement of goods necessitates not only removal of tariffs but also free 
movement of natural persons.   
4.297.   We hope that this process will be completed smoothly and as expeditiously as possible.  
4.298.   We commend the active role of the EU in supporting  the role of the WTO and preservation 
of the multilateral trading system. As an ardent supporter of multilateralism, we have been 
cooperating with the EU in the Joint Initiatives and under different committees in the WTO. Turkey 
values the work on Interim Mechanism for Appeals and stands ready to contribute to the work on 
this matter.  
4.299.   Our co -sponsorship of the proposal on procedural guidelines for WTO Councils and 
Committees addressing trade concerns is another area of coordination in supporting the multil ateral 
trading system.   
4.300.   Turkey especially acknowledges the EU’s efforts in fisheries subsidies negotiations, which is 
critical not only for its projected results for the negotiation topic itself, but to show WTO’s negotiation 
function works. Turkey, being committed to disciplinin g the fisheries subsidies in line with our 
mandate and SDGs, will continue to work with the EU as well as other members.   
4.301.   As we see from the reports, the review period witnessed a general decline in anti -dumping 
and anti -subsidy activities in the EU. The number of new investigations declined and review 
investigations remained relatively constant in the EU. This is positive in light of the fact that the 
protectionist measures are on rise globally.  
4.302.   The EU has not been a significant user of safeguards in the  WTO framework. However, 
Turkey is seriously concerned about the EU’s safeguard measures on certain steel products since 
February  2019 and the adjustments that are in effect as of October 2019. Despite our close economic 
dialogue, Customs Union and Free Tr ade Agreement on Coal and Steel products with the EU, Turkey 
is specifically impacted by these measures.   
4.303.   Throughout the process, Turkey has communicated its serious concerns regarding the 
incompatibility of the EU measures with the requirements of the WT O Agreement on Safeguards in 
the Committee on Safeguards and to the European Commission.  
4.304.   Although we have explained in detail the nature of our concerns about the negative impact 
of EU safeguard measures on Turkey on several occasions; a solution was not found through 
consultations. I would like to underline that the resolution of this issue constitutes a matter of 
urgency for Turkey.  
4.305.   Global trade architecture is at a crossroads and the need to maintain rules -based multilateral 
trading system has become m ore important than ever. In this critical environment, we expect the 
EU continue to its valuable role in defending multilateral trading system and to strive its efforts 
towards yielding meaningful outcomes in Nur -Sultan Ministerial. We also would like to s ee the EU to 
take into account of the special and differential needs of the developing and LDC members with a 
view to facilitating their integration into global trade.  
4.306.   Before concluding, let me also commend the EU Ambassador João Aguiar Machado and his 
team working in the Geneva Mission for their hard work, strong communication and valuable 
contribution to the activities under this roof.  
4.307.   Turkey will continue its close and fruitful dialogue with the European Union in both bilateral 
and multilateral platform s. 
4.308.   We wish the EU a successful Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  URUGUAY  
4.309.   La Unión Europea desempeña un papel fundamental en la economía mundial y en el sistema 
multilateral de comercio, siendo uno de los tres mayores actores del comercio internacional y el 
socio comerc ial más importante para unas 80 economías alrededor del mundo. Pese a las dificultades 
que ha enfrentado la economía global, en 2017 -2018 el crecimiento del PIB real de dicho Miembro 
fue relativamente fuerte, aun habiendo registrado una cierta desaceleraci ón. Igualmente destacables 
han sido los esfuerzos para reducir el desempleo y la pobreza, corregir los desequilibrios 
macroeconómicos y mejorar la situación presupuestaria de los miembros.  
4.310.   La Unión Europea y Uruguay coinciden en que la única manera de afro ntar los retos actuales 
del comercio mundial es preservando y fortaleciendo el sistema multilateral de comercio, 
herramienta fundamental para asegurar un comercio abierto, equitativo y previsible. En ese marco, 
compartimos la importancia de contar con un s istema de solución de diferencias plenamente 
funcional, con una instancia de apelación independiente e imparcial. Es por ello que hemos decidido 
trabajar juntos en el establecimiento de medidas de contingencia que permitan apelar los informes 
de los panele s de la OMC, en la forma de un Arreglo Multiparte Interino de Arbitraje.  
4.311.   Para Uruguay, las políticas destinadas a la promoción de las MIPYMES constituyen un tema 
de gran relevancia. En este sentido, deseamos resaltar la Iniciativa “Small Business Act” (SBA ) para 
Europa, un marco general para orientar a los Estados miembros de la UE en la formulación de 
políticas relativas a las MIPYMES. Encomiamos a la delegación de la Unión Europea por su activa 
participación en el Grupo de Trabajo Informal sobre las MIPYM ES con miras a lograr un resultado 
sustantivo de cara a la próxima Conferencia Ministerial.  
4.312.   En lo que refiere a la relación bilateral, nuestro comercio osciló entre los USD 2.500 millones 
en 2015 y los USD 1.600 millones en 2019. La Unión Europea fue, el año pasado, el segundo destino 
de nuestras exportaciones, con un 17% del total (contando zonas francas). Las ventas desde nuestro 
país registraron una tendencia a la baja en el último quinquenio, siendo los productos principales 
celulosa, carne bovina, mad era y soja. En cuanto a las importaciones, las procedentes de la UE 
representaron el 12% del total en 2019, y consistieron esencialmente en medicamentos, sangre 
para usos terapéuticos y automóviles.  
4.313.   A pesar de la delicada situación internacional, los flujo s de capitales y de inversión directa 
europea en Uruguay han ido creciendo, y en 2018 la Unión Europea alcanzó el primer lugar entre 
las regiones con mayor inversión en Uruguay, con USD 16.500 millones.  
4.314.   Nuestro país celebra la conclusión de las negociacio nes del Acuerdo de Asociación Estratégica 
entre el MERCOSUR y la Unión Europea, el pasado 28 de junio de 2019, en una apuesta de ambos 
bloques a la cooperación y el comercio como camino para el crecimiento económico, el empleo y las 
inversiones, en un cont exto global crecientemente proteccionista y de cuestionamiento a la 
globalización. Uruguay asigna la mayor prioridad a la pronta entrada en vigor de este Acuerdo, fruto 
de extensas negociaciones conducidas con seriedad y responsabilidad por todas las parte s 
involucradas, y espera que los procedimientos ordinarios para su suscripción y aprobación 
transcurran sin contratiempos.  
4.315.   No es ninguna novedad que mantenemos algunas diferencias en temas de comercio agrícola, 
aunque estas no nos han impedido hacer esfuer zos colaborativos en las negociaciones en el pasado. 
En efecto, como consigna el informe de la Secretaría, el sector agrícola europeo continúa siendo 
sumamente protegido, con altos aranceles y picos arancelarios, aranceles complejos y numerosos 
contingente s arancelarios. Adicionalmente, la Unión Europea mantiene elevados niveles de subsidios 
internos en el marco de la Política Agrícola Común (PAC), que generan distorsiones en la producción 
y el comercio internacional. En ese sentido, consideramos que la Uni ón Europea tiene una gran 
materia pendiente en materia de reforma y liberalización del comercio agrícola.  
4.316.   A Uruguay le preocupa, asimismo, la creciente adopción e implementación, por la Unión 
Europea, de regulaciones en materia sanitaria y fitosanitaria qu e se apartan de los estándares 
internacionalmente acordados, sobre la base de información científica inconcluyente. Esta tendencia 
resulta potencialmente muy negativa para nuestras exportaciones y las de un gran número de países 
en desarrollo, como ha qued ado de manifiesto por el protagonismo que ha tomado el tema en las 
recientes reuniones del Consejo de Mercancías y los Comités de Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  y Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio. Aprovechamos esta oportunidad para invitar a la Comisió n a 
escuchar nuestras preocupaciones y trabajar colectivamente para encontrar una solución 
satisfactoria a este asunto.  
4.317.   Resulta problemático, asimismo, el abordaje empleado por la Unión Europea en materia de 
Indicaciones Geográficas Protegidas, que ha deri vado en la apropiación de términos genéricos y la 
limitación al uso que productores tradicionales de terceros países pueden hacer de los mismos para 
la comercialización de sus productos en el mercado europeo y en otros mercados, sin tomar en 
cuenta la opos ición de varios Miembros ni la existencia de normas internacionales relevantes 
acordadas multilateralmente en ámbitos como el Codex Alimentarius.  
4.318.   Luego de un proceso con idas y venidas, finalmente se confirmó la salida del Reino Unido de 
la Unión Europea, y nos encontramos ahora en un período de transición, que durará hasta fin de 
año, en el cual dichos Miembros deberán resolver cómo se regulará su relación comercial futura. En 
dicho marco, tanto la Unión Europea como el Reino Unido han abierto procesos de negociación para 
la modificación de sus concesiones bajo artículo XXVIII del GATT. Deseamos enfatizar que este 
asunto debe resolverse como resultado de negociaciones bilaterales confidenciales, y no de manera 
unilateral, contemplando los ajustes compensato rios correspondientes para los Miembros afectados. 
Habida cuenta de la importancia de la Unión Europea en el comercio internacional, y la de los 
contingentes arancelarios involucrados como vía de acceso a su mercado, esta se trata de la mayor 
renegociación  de concesiones de la historia. Resolverla de forma apropiada es del mayor interés 
para todos los Miembros y para el sistema multilateral de comercio en general.  
4.319.   Para finalizar, quisiéramos reiterar nuestro reconocimiento por este nuevo ejercicio de 
interc ambio sobre las prácticas comerciales de la Unión Europea, al tiempo de agradecer por las 
respuestas a las preguntas iniciales formuladas por Uruguay. Felicitamos al eficiente equipo de la 
Misión de la Unión Europea, encabezada por el Embajador João Aguiar  Machado, por su trabajo y 
participación activa en la Organización, y deseamos a la delegación europea una exitosa conclusión 
del presente Examen.  
ISRAEL  
4.320.   Israel and the EU has had close economic and trade relations for many decades, including 
Israel’s firs t Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 1975.  
4.321.   The EU is a key economically for many Members, and it is certainly the case for Israel, not 
only due to our strong bilateral ties, but also because of the leading role the EU plays in the MTS 
arena, namely at th e WTO.  
4.322.   Since the last review, has largely maintained a strong economy in the period leading to 
2018, while facing a slight slowdown in real GDP growth since then. This is not a cause for concern, 
since the EU has managed to increase its surplus in services  trade increased during the review period 
and still remains the most important trading partner for around 80 economies, including Israel.  
4.323.   Israeli companies have clearly benefited from strong demand on the EU market.  
4.324.   As Israel’s largest partner in terms of volume of trade, the EU’s imports from Israel 
amounted to USD 17.4 billion in 2019, while the EU’s exports to Israel amounted to USD 27.4 billion 
in 2019. Israel’s exports to the EU have been dominated by chemicals, machinery and transport 
equipment, as we ll as other manufactured goods. But our relationship beyond this, including strong 
cultural, scientific and academic ties. One of many examples of this is Horizon 2020, the largest 
research and innovation program in the world for scientific -research cooper ation with the EU.  
4.325.   A large part of the EU narrative for this period had to do with the withdrawal of the United 
Kingdom from the EU. This certainly was also part of the reasons for the slowdown in real GDP 
growth since mid -2018. Moving forward, Israel is hoping to continue our trade relations with the EU 
with minimum to no disruptions, as it is surely what the EU hopes as well.  
4.326.   Some recent policy developments by the EU aim to simplify and clarify areas such as 
services, energy and the digital eco nomy. These three areas are of great interest to Israel and we 
are watching closely to see how it develops. At the WTO, there is some overlap with these areas, WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  namely across DR and the Joint Statement Initiative on e -commerce. Israel welcomes the EU’s 
leading efforts on these and we look forward to continuing our close collaboration.  
4.327.   During this exercise, Israel submitted various questions to the EU, and we look forward to 
reviewing the replies. Although, I don’t intend to mention the full questions here, I  would like to 
highlight some of the areas we considered relevant during this period.  
4.328.   An area of great interest to Israel relates to member states’ market surveillance, which us, 
as well as our exporters are in the process of better understanding. Israel w elcomes any further 
guidance on this matters by the EU, in order to facilitate the understanding by the Industry.  
4.329.   Israel is also interested in finding out more supplementary protection certificates and the 
EU’s experience with geoblocking. Furthermore, Isr ael has raised questions during the respective 
Committees on the EU’s new concept of «high risk plants, plant products and other objects». We are 
currently trying to understand better the measures as well as any system in place to minimize the 
negative tra de effects following the introduction of Regulation_(EU) 2016/2031  
4.330.   On the multilateral front, the EU’s participation and leadership in the WTO remains vital to 
the future wellbeing of this Organization. Israel appreciates the EU’s constructive role across  the 
ongoing WTO negotiations, such as it is the case with fisheries subsidies. Looking forward, we expect 
the EU to play a major role in its conclusion leading to MC 12.  
4.331.   In addition, we would like to note the positive leadership with which Ambassador Agui ar 
Machado has orchestrated EU trade diplomacy during his brief tenure in Geneva. Israel looks forward 
to continuing our close working relationship with him, as well as with his delegation.  
4.332.   Lastly, we wish the EU a very successful TPR, and best wishes in t he year to come to all of 
you. 
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.333.   The EU is the number one trading block in the world, and I am encouraged by its dedication 
and commendable leadership with regards to promoting an open, fair and sustainable trade 
environment.  
4.334.   During the rev iew period, the EU has begun the operation of a number of trade agreements, 
with Canada, with Japan, and with other members. Many of these agreements go beyond trade, 
striving to support universal values which include environmental, social and labor protec tion. 
4.335.   In particular, it is highly noteworthy that the EU’s FTA with Canada follows through the Joint 
Committee’s recommendation on trade and gender, in an effort to improve the capacity and 
conditions for women’s greater access to trade and economy.  
4.336.   The EU -Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is also remarkable for its progressive 
aspects such as the independent chapter on Small and Medium -sized Enterprises (SMEs).  
4.337.   In parallel, EU is taking a leading role in steering an open and rule -based multilatera l trading 
system embodied by the VVTO, which is currently facing a critical crisis. In this regard, Korea 
applauds the EU’s forward -looking engagements to make WTO more relevant in reflecting the rapid 
changes of the global environment.  
4.338.   We are also pleased  to see the EU’s continued efforts to enhance the procedure and process 
of technical requirements. This covers the introduction of public procurement strategy which offers 
the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) and the implementation of the Digita l Single 
Market (DSM) strategy that address different types of barriers to cross -border electronic commerce.  
4.339.   Since long ago, Korea and the EU have been actively forging a strong bilateral economic 
partnership. The Korea -EU FTA, which went into effect in 20 11, has contributed to strengthening our 
already close economic relations.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.340.   Despite the global economic slowdown, trade between the two has risen steadily thanks to 
the bilateral agreement in place. Between 2012 and 2018, EU exports of goods to Korea increa sed 
by 24% to USD 62.3 billion, while Korean exports also surged by 17% to USD 57.7 billion.  
4.341.   Furthermore, the EU has stepped up as the biggest investor in Korea with over 
USD 100 billion of investment made to date. The EU is also placed as Korea’s third ma jor investment 
destination.  
4.342.   We hope that the FTA continues to help achieve a more balanced expansion of trade and 
investment.  
4.343.   Now, let me take this opportunity to encourage the EU to address some of Korea’s concerns 
on its trade measures.  
4.344.   First, a number o f Korean companies are facing difficulties in entering the EU market due to 
the newly amended regulations whose transition period and clear guidelines are lacking. They include 
measures on medical devices, food products, as well as the C02 emission trading  system. We would 
like to request the EU’s clarification on these items in consideration of the possible impacts on trade 
and investment.  
4.345.   Second, we are concerned that the EU’s plan to revise tariff rate quotas (TRQs) following the 
United Kingdom’s exit ma y shrink access to the EU market by third countries such as Korea.  
4.346.   We, therefore, anticipate that the EU will proceed with this matter on a fair and transparent 
basis in accordance with WTO rules.  
4.347.   Lastly, we would like to engage further with the EU to gai n a better understanding of its key 
trade policy issues. For example, we have a particular interest in the revised mechanism of carbon 
border adjustment, the specific mandate of the newly created Chief Trade Enforcement Officer, and 
the reclassification of  EU General Export Authorizations.  
4.348.   With regards to the issues mentioned, Korea has submitted advance written questions to 
the EU, and we are grateful that the EU was able to provide answers in a timely manner. After 
carefully reviewing what we have receive d, Korea may present some follow -up questions at a later 
stage.  
4.349.   Korea commends the efforts the EU has made since its last review to ensure the efficiency 
of the overall trading environment.  
4.350.   In this regard, we wholeheartedly encourage the EU to persist in p ursuing the direction of 
facilitating trade and investment and improving the overall economic environment in a sustainable 
manner.  
4.351.   Korea looks forward to continuing its cooperation with the EU to enhance opportunities for 
trade and investment which promote mutually beneficial economic growth.  
UKRAINE  
4.352.   The EU is our key strategic partner and the largest trading partner.  
4.353.   As of today, bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union and its member 
States has achieved unprecedented results in  the fields of political, economic and trade relations, 
financing, civil society engagement and humanitarian assistance.  
4.354.   The outcome of EU -Ukraine Association Council held on 29 January 2020 in Brussels clear 
demonstrated deepening of our relations in the framework of the EU -Ukraine Association Agreement 
including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).  
4.355.   The DCFTA provides a framework for modernizing our trade relations by the opening markets 
via the removal of customs tariffs, and by an extensive harmonization of laws, regulations in different WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  trade -related sectors, creating the conditions for aligning key sectors of the Ukrainian economy to 
the EU standards.  
4.356.   Ukraine and the EU countries are benefiting from the DCFTA. Our bilateral trade has const ant 
positive dynamic. Since 2016, turnover between Ukraine and the EU increased by 48.5% (amounting 
to approximately USD 53 billion in 2019), exports rose by 52%, imports by 46%. The share of EU 
trade in goods and services in total turnover of Ukraine has exceeded 40% and has been growing.  
4.357.   Our bilateral trade has great potential and considerable prospects for expansion.  
4.358.   Ukraine advances toward greater economic integration with the EU. We have undertaken 
major reforms, and we appreciate the support and rec ognition of our efforts and improvements by 
the EU.   
4.359.   This Review gives us the opportunity to better analyse the EU trade policy and trade -related 
issues, assess the EU’s considerable achievements and challenges.  
4.360.   We clearly understand the importance of dev eloping global trade, which should be pursued 
on the internationally accepted norms and a multilateral basis under the auspices of the WTO. T  
4.361.   Therefore, being strongly committed to the rule -based trading system, Ukraine highly 
appreciates communications pu t forward by the EU on the WTO reform and strengthening WTO rules.  
4.362.   Within this TPR exercise, Ukraine has submitted a number of questions on a range of the 
following topics:   
• Digital services tax regime;  
• Investment Regime;  
• Customs valuation;  
• Trade facilita tion; 
• Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures;  
• Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements;  
• Intellectual property rights;  
• E-commerce in the context of the Digital Single Market Strategy;  
• Implementation of the EU Environment Action Programme.  
4.363.   I wou ld like to express our gratitude for the responses to our questions and deep appreciation 
to the EU delegation and especially to the team of the EU Mission to the WTO in Geneva for the 
fruitful cooperation on the wide range of the WTO issues.  
4.364.   Finally, we w ish the European Union a successful TPR and look forward to further 
strengthening of our bilateral relations.  
PERÚ  
4.365.   El Perú y la Unión Europea mantienen una larga relación y una estrecha cooperación y 
entendimiento en el ámbito multilateral y bilateral, compartiendo principios y valores a lo largo de 
muchas décadas de excelente vinculación.  
4.366.   El Perú expresa su satisfacc ión por los buenos resultados económicos de la Unión Europea 
en el periodo bajo examen, incluidos el crecimiento económico sostenido, la reducción del desempleo 
y la mejora de la situación fiscal. Igualmente, es destacable en el informe del Miembro bajo ex amen, 
el desarrollo de una política para racionalizar y armonizar los procesos administrativos dentro de la 
Unión, así como la adopción de otras medidas que permiten aumentar la integración comercial de 
bienes y servicios dentro de su mercado único. Confia mos en que las innovaciones de política 
comercial que se vienen implementando, contribuyan no solo al desarrollo económico europeo, sino 
que, en un mundo globalizado, favorezcan también un mejor ambiente y entendimiento comercial 
con los socios fuera de la  región.  
4.367.   La Unión Europea y el Perú compartimos una relación comercial nutrida. Nuestros 
intercambios han aumentado durante los 6 años de vigencia de nuestro Acuerdo Comercial. En este WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  marco, en 2019, las transacciones comerciales alcanzaron cerca de 11 mi l millones de dólares 
estadounidenses, estableciéndose al mismo tiempo diversas cifras históricas en el ámbito comercial 
bilateral, que son motivo de nuestra alta satisfacción.  
4.368.   Para el Perú, el mercado europeo es el destino de 13% de todas sus exportacion es; es decir, 
alrededor de seis mil doscientos millones de dólares estadounidenses en 2019, convirtiéndose en el 
segundo destino de nuestras exportaciones al mundo. De este monto, aproximadamente la mitad 
está representada por productos que el Perú conside ra de exportación no tradicional, por tener un 
mayor valor agregado y porque ayudan a la diversificación y a la resiliencia de nuestra economía, 
que está más ligada históricamente a la exportación de minerales y de otras materias primas. Cerca 
de una terce ra parte de lo que el Perú exporta a la UE son productos agrícolas, que generan muchos 
puestos de trabajo y fomentan la creación de pequeñas y medianas empresas, especialmente en las 
zonas rurales del Perú.  
4.369.   Por otro lado, cabe hacer notar igualmente que c asi el 54% de las inversiones directas en el 
Perú provienen de países miembros de la UE, lo que fortalece de forma sustantiva los lazos 
económicos bilaterales.  
4.370.   La relación comercial entre el Perú y la Unión Europea se sostiene también en otro pilar, que 
es el respaldo al sistema multilateral de comercio, del cual la OMC es el centro. El Perú se satisface 
de coincidir con la UE en la importancia de la preservación y del fortalecimiento del sistema 
multilateral. En años recientes, hemos sostenido la importan cia de mantener un mecanismo de 
solución de diferencias operativo a disposición de todos los Miembros, y hemos participado en 
diversas negociaciones e iniciativas que buscan fomentar la vigencia de la OMC, buscando consensos 
para continuar desarrollando lo s Acuerdos que sirven de base a esta Organización. Así pues, 
colaboramos en las negociaciones sobre subvenciones a la pesca y en el ámbito de la agricultura, y 
en las iniciativas relativas a la reglamentación del comercio electrónico, la reglamentación nac ional 
de servicios, las pequeñas y medianas empresas, y otros importantes temas de actualidad en esta 
Organización. En el marco de la iniciativa de comercio y empoderamiento económico de la mujer, 
quisiera destacar la pertinencia de los numerosos estudios llevados a cabo gracias al apoyo de la 
UE, con miras a comprender mejor el importante papel que desempeña la mujer en la economía 
mundial a través del comercio internacional, y a tener clara consciencia de la necesidad de continuar 
impulsando la participac ión de la mujer en ese campo.  
4.371.   En el marco de esta relación comercial prominente y colaborativa, tenemos también asuntos 
en los que aún no hemos llegado al mismo entendimiento. En este sentido, destacan por la gran 
importancia para el desarrollo económico, comercial y social del Perú, los efectos de ciertas medidas 
sanitarias y fitosanitarias europeas, tales como son los límites máximos de residuos y otros cambios 
en regulaciones fito y zoo sanitarias que no consideran períodos transitorios adecuados. Cabe 
resaltar nuevamente que las exportaciones afectadas por estas medidas son una base del desarrollo 
económico de mi país y, en particular, de una parte importante de su población rural. Por esta razón, 
el Perú aprovecha la ocasión que brinda este examen para exponer nuevamente su preocupación 
por estas medidas. Mi delegación ha planteado preguntas concretas para entender el razonamiento 
de la UE para aplicar estas medidas, y hemos indagado por el sustento científico de las mismas, en 
el marco de un dialogo que  esperamos nos conduzca próximamente a un entendimiento común. El 
Perú agradece a la UE por sus respuestas, las cuales serán analizadas con detenimiento con miras 
a continuar nuestro dialogo en la materia.  
4.372.   Habiendo expresado estos comentarios, solo nos res ta desear a la delegación de la Unión 
Europea, un exitoso Examen de sus Política Comerciales.  
TRINIDAD  AND  TOBAGO  
4.373.   Trinidad and Tobago welcomes this opportunity to participate in the 14th review of the trade 
policies and practices of the EU. Our keenness t o ensure long -term, robust trade relations with the 
EU dictates that Trinidad and Tobago take a keen interest in the health of the economy of the 
European Union. The EU economy has demonstrated resilience in a global context of high 
uncertainty, weakened e conomic growth and trade tensions. It is against this backdrop that we 
recognize the favourable nature of trade relations between Trinidad and Tobago and the EU and 
express optimism about fortifying our trade and development efforts.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.374.   Trade between Trinidad  and Tobago and the EU takes place within the framework of the 
CARIFORUM -EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which has among its aims reduced reliance 
on the export of traditional commodities and the attraction of more investment to the region. While 
Trinidad and Tobago is mindful of the limitations of the EPA, my country also values the platform 
this partnership agreement provides as far as trade, economic growth and development are 
concerned.  
4.375.   It is also fitting for the Trinidad and Tobago delegation  to express gratitude for the many 
benefits Trinidad and Tobago has derived from the European Development Fund (EDF). The 
assistance received through the EDF has bolstered our efforts to achieve competitiveness and 
economic diversification.  
4.376.   On the occasion  of its 14th TPR, Trinidad and Tobago wishes to commend the EU on the 
following achievements highlighted in its Government report:  
• The decision to provide preferential access to its markets as a means of assisting 
developing countries in our efforts toward s poverty reduction, sustainable development 
and good governance;  
• The EU’s continued support for building the trade and productive capacities of developing 
countries by updating its collective Aid for Trade Strategy;  
• Active pursuit of the Sustainable Deve lopment Goals, inclusive of advancing women’s 
participation in the economy;  
• The demonstration of interest not only in creating new trade partnerships but also in 
promoting universal values relating to the environment, social and labour protection and 
funda mental rights; and  
• Implementation of three major legislative acts in the SPS field.  
 
4.377.   In a constructive spirit, and even as we recognize the EU’s efforts to ensure the health and 
safety of its population, Trinidad and Tobago hopes that the EU’s approach on  Sanitary and 
phytosanitary (SPS) measures always takes into account the less -developed regimes in developing 
countries, so that these measures do not become de facto barriers to trade.  
4.378.   I take this opportunity to thank the EU for the continued support and guidance provided to 
the Government of Trinidad and Tobago with respect to the updating of my country’s policies and 
procedures for combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Given the continuous 
efforts undertaken, Trinidad and Tobago lo oks forward to the eventual withdrawal of the Yellow Card 
issued by the EU.  
4.379.   Here at the WTO, the EU has proven to be a bridge builder among Members, firmly 
committed to the WTO as the cornerstone of the multilateral trading system. As the Organization 
continues to grapple with challenging questions in the period ahead, Trinidad and Tobago looks 
forward to the continued pragmatic and constructive engagement of the EU on key issues for 
developing Members of the WTO. While supportive of the reform effort, Tri nidad and Tobago does 
not wish to see the benefits of special and differential treatment (SDT) eroded while they remain 
useful.  
4.380.   In closing, we thank the EU for its written responses to our questions submitted in advance 
of this review, including our many questions relating to gender equality and the economic 
empowerment of women. We look forward to a constructive exchange of views over these two days.  
4.381.   Chair, through you, Trinidad and Tobago wishes the EU a successful Trade Policy Review. I 
thank you.  
THAILAND  
4.382.   Our economic relationship with the EU is immensely valuable to Thailand’s economy. In 
2018, total bilateral trade between th e EU and Thailand amounted to €38 billion. The EU is Thailand’s 
third largest trading partner, accounting for 9.1% of the country’s total trade. Thailand is the EU’s 
25th largest trading partner worldwide. Thailand is one of the most important destinations  of 
European investments within ASEAN with €21.2 billion of outward stocks. The EU is the second WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  largest investor in Thailand. These figures describe a substantial economic relationship, and we will 
continue to foster the Thailand -EU relations on the basis  of mutual benefits.  
4.383.   Although this review covers only two years, there have been significant development during 
the period. We welcome improvements to the EU’s internal market outlined in the Better Regulation 
Agenda and the Digital Single Market initiativ e to the extent that these deliver positive impacts for 
the global trading system. Several initiatives aimed at trade facilitation have been implemented. 
These include the EU’s initiative to expand advance rulings to customs valuation, in addition to tarif fs 
and origin as well as streamlining and improving the procedures in ports and maritime transport.  
4.384.   Like other delegations, we are concerned that Brexit negotiations could have certain impact 
on trade and investment due to increased uncertainties. In this  regard, we encourage the EU to 
ensure that WTO Members’ rights and benefits are not worse off as a result of the changed 
concessions.  
4.385.   Thailand highly values of the very constructive role the EU delegation plays in various WTO 
forums. We commend the EU’s d esire to enhance the efficiency of WTO bodies, including in tackling 
trade concerns, while maintaining the existing balance of rights and obligations of Members. As a 
co-sponsor of the EU’s proposed guidelines, Thailand urges Members to join this initiativ e with a 
view to enhancing the effectiveness of WTO Councils and Committees. In the negotiations leading 
up to the 12th Ministerial Conference, Thailand hopes that the EU will continue to play a leading role 
to make this Ministerial Conference a success.  
4.386.   Chair, in this review, Thailand has sought clarity on a number of measures of our interests 
such as digital services tax, the EU framework for FDI screening, diagonal and full cumulation under 
the EU’s existing PTAs, the Trade Control and Expert System, and  the Common Agricultural Policy. 
We take the opportunity to thank the EU for their timely responses.   
4.387.   In conclusion, Thailand shares excellent working relations with the able team in the EU 
Mission in Geneva. We hope to continue such relations here and be yond. We wish the EU every 
success in its 14th Trade Policy Review.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.388.   The Philippines associates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by Malaysia recognizing 
the robust trade and investment relations between ASEAN and the EU.  
4.389.   The EU is one of the most important economic partners of the Philippines. It is one of the 
largest foreign investors of the Philippines and its 4th largest trading partner with total bilateral 
trade valued at USD 17.50 Billion in 2018. It is the Philippines’ 4th export market and 3rd import 
supplier. The Philippines’ main exports to the EU are office and telecommunication equipment, 
machinery, food products, and optical and photographic instruments. While the main exports of the 
EU to the Philippines are dominated by mac hinery, transport equipment, chemicals, food products, 
and electronic components.  
4.390.   The Philippines is a beneficiary of the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and was 
granted further preferences under the GSP+ in December 2014. This translates into duty-free entry 
for 6,274 tariff lines. Philippine exports benefit from the enhanced access to the EU market under 
GSP+ demonstrating a 22% growth from 2015 to 2018, particularly for products like coconut oil, 
preserved tuna, bicycles, pineapple products, fruit jams, and some garments and footwear. As a 
developmental tool, GSP+ fosters income growth, supports employment creation, and ultimately 
contributes to countryside development and inclusive economic growth.  
4.391.   Negotiations for the Philippines -EU Free Tra de Agreement were also launched in December 
2015, which sought to take advantage of the dynamic economic relationship between the Philippines 
and the EU. The FTA is solidly founded on the Philippines -EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement 
(PCA) which if we recall correctly involved Ambassador MacDonald and Ambassador Machado. Last 
month, the 1st Philippines -EU PCA Joint Committee Meeting was held in Brussels, giving both sides 
a platform to continue dialogue on further strengthening the decades -old bilate ral relations between 
us. The Philippines remains committed to solidifying a long -term economic relation with the EU 
through an FTA and we stand ready to continue our dialogue in this direction.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.392.   The Philippines recognizes the EU’s important role in the mul tilateral trading system as a 
key player in global trade. Its foresight and global openness in engaging vulnerable developing 
countries through the GSP and the Everything But Arms initiatives, as well as through free trade 
agreements and economic partnersh ip agreements, are instrumental in supporting sustainable 
development and good governance in developing countries.  
4.393.   We value the importance given by the EU on the role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 
(MSMEs) in achieving inclusive and sustainable gro wth, and the significance of enhancing their 
participation in global trade. We look forward to continue working together in advancing this initiative 
in the WTO, including the ongoing joint initiatives on electronic commerce and investment facilitation 
for development.  
4.394.   The Philippines submitted some advance written questions on the TPR reports, and we thank 
the delegation of the EU for their preliminary replies. We also look forward to receiving the 
outstanding responses within the TPR prescribed period.  
4.395.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to further enhancing the mutually beneficial 
economic relations with the EU in the bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.396.   Para El Salvador es un honor participar en este ejercicio de transparencia d e un socio 
comercial tan importante como es la Unión Europea con quien nos unen importantes lazos históricos 
de amistad, comerciales y de cooperación.  
4.397.   Entrando en materia, y en específico con respecto al ámbito económico, a pesar del 
importante crecimient o del PIB real de la UE en el período 2017 -2018, durante el segundo semestre 
de 2018 se registró una cierta desaceleración debido a diversos factores entre ellos, las tensiones 
comerciales globales y la perspectiva de la salida del Reino Unido de la UE. Se  prevé que el 
crecimiento promedio para el período 2018 -2020 sea de 1,6%. Es oportuno también destacar los 
esfuerzos realizados por la Unión Europea en los últimos años, los cuales se han traducido en 
reducciones en los montos de desempleo y pobreza, así c omo en mejoras en la situación 
macroeconómica y presupuestaria de los Estados miembros de la UE.  
4.398.   En lo que respecta al ámbito comercial, las medidas implementadas por la Unión Europea 
tienen un impacto significativo en el comercio, dado que, de acuerdo al  informe de la Secretaría, la 
UE sigue siendo el interlocutor comercial más importante de unas 80 economías. Es por ello que en 
las áreas de medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias y de obstáculos técnicos al comercio, continuamos 
dando seguimiento con mucho i nterés a algunos proyectos de reglamentación y medidas de la Unión 
Europea sobre Límites Máximos de Residuos, así como el impacto de las mismas en las exportaciones 
de países en desarrollo y promoviendo que se basen en evidencia científica y que no generen  
restricciones injustificadas al comercio.  
4.399.   Por otra parte, la Unión Europea se destaca también como destino importante y fuente de 
inversiones. En materia de comercio e inversión, la UE se ha seguido rigiendo por la política lanzada 
en 2015 “Comercio para  todos”. En este contexto destacan las medidas adoptadas para la defensa 
de un comercio equitativo, pese a ser una de las economías más abiertas, tales como las adoptadas 
en materia de defensa comercial, inversión extranjera directa, entre otras.  
4.400.   A nivel bilateral y regional, la Unión Europea continúa siendo un socio comercial estratégico 
para El Salvador, y el fortalecimiento continuo de nuestras relaciones es una prioridad para el país. 
El Acuerdo de Asociación entre Centroamérica y la Unión Europea se c onstituye en el primer Acuerdo 
entre dos regiones, suscrito en conjunto con el resto de países de la región centroamericana.  
4.401.   En lo que respecta al comercio bilateral, el monto de las exportaciones salvadoreñas a la 
Unión Europea ascendió a más de USD 168 millones en el año 2019; lo cual representó un 
incremento de 32%, en relación al año 2016. Por su parte, las importaciones pro venientes de la 
Unión Europea ascendieron a USD 778 millones en el año 2019.  
4.402.   En el contexto multilateral, la Unión Europea se ha caracterizado por ser un firme promotor 
de un sistema multilateral de comercio sólido y basado en normas, e impulsor de los pr incipios de WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  libre comercio en los que se basa esta Organización. Es importante resaltar el liderazgo y la 
destacada participación de la Unión Europea en los trabajos ordinarios y de negociación que se llevan 
a cabo en la OMC, lo cual, sumado a la contribuc ión del resto de la membresía, esperamos nos pueda 
conducir hacia una Conferencia Ministerial exitosa en Nursultán, con la obtención de resultados 
concretos, que beneficien a los miembros y contribuyan al fortalecimiento de la Organización.  
4.403.   Igualmente, es de señalar la participación activa de la Unión Europea en diferentes iniciativas 
que se discuten en esta casa sobre temas de actualidad, incluyendo en materia de comercio 
electrónico y facilitación de inversiones. Finalmente, cabe también destacar la impor tante 
contribución de la Unión Europea y sus Estados miembros al fomento de la participación de los países 
en desarrollo en las negociaciones comerciales y al fortalecimiento de sus capacidades a través de 
fondos de cooperación.  
4.404.   Agradecemos a la Unión Europea las respuestas que brindó a las preguntas que realizamos, 
las cuales hemos enviado a nuestra capital para su consideración.  
4.405.   No me queda más que desear los mejores éxitos a la Unión Europea en este ejercicio de 
política comer cial. 
INDIA  
4.406.   The EU is the largest trading block in the world, accounting for 15.7% of total world trade in 
goods and services in 2018. It is also the most important trading partner for about 80 economies 
and thus, a key driver of the global economy.  
4.407.   The E U is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than USD 107 billion 
(€92 billion) worth of trade in goods in 2018. Our combined trade in goods and services was over 
USD 133.8 billion (€117.2 billion) in 2017. India is now the 4th largest service  exporter to the EU 
and has become the 6th largest destination for EU service exports.  
4.408.   The EU continues to be one of the largest sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for 
India with EU FDI stock of USD 81 billion (€73 billion) in 2016. There are over  6000 EU companies 
operating in India. In order to facilitate investment flows from the EU, an Investment Facilitation 
Mechanism was established in July 2017 for close coordination. Negotiations of the Bilateral Trade 
and Investment Agreement (BITA) betwee n India and the EU are at a standstill since 2015. Its early 
finalization will open up even greater opportunities for trade and investment.  
4.409.   Given the status of EU in our external trade, we attach great importance to this TPR. 
Therefore, we had posed over 1 00 questions in advance to the EU delegation. I wish to highlight 
some specific concerns which affect the vast underlying potential of the trade between India and EU.  
4.410.   As noted in the previous Review, we would like to again reiterate our systemic concern 
regarding EU’s trade policy which include the diverse and complex nature of applied tariff rates 
within the EU, non -ad valorem duties mostly in agriculture, tariff quotas and significant tariff 
escalation and peaks in areas such as textiles and agriculture w here developing countries like India 
have interests. Of the non -ad valorem tariffs, about one third are compound, mixed, or other, and 
it is often difficult to determine the duty rate or calculate the real impact of the tariff. Complex tariffs 
act as barri ers to trade and we urge the EU to accelerate the process of shifting towards ad valorem 
tariffs because tariff simplification is important for bringing about greater transparency and 
predictability to global trade rules.  
4.411.   We also note that while the averag e current total AMS for the EU was around 
USD 10.8 billion, the EU continues to have a disproportionately high FBT AMS entitlement of 
approximately USD 80 billion. With only 4.2% of the total population engaged in agriculture, the 
FBT AMS entitlements of t he EU and the consequent domestic support in agriculture remains 
significant. We urge the EU to take the lead in reducing trade -distorting domestic support by 
considering capping, reducing and finally eliminating the most trade -distorting forms of agricult ural 
support.  
4.412.   We remain concerned over the EU’s practice of setting maximum residue level (MRL) limits 
to default levels which are trade -restrictive and have created major barriers for Indian exports of WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  rice, peanuts, chilies and spices, tea, fruits like g rapes, vegetables and sea food. A number of these 
levels are much higher than the limits set by the standard setting agencies such as the CODEX, and 
are defended on grounds other than demonstrated risks to human or animal health or the 
environment. We urge  the EU to reduce and eliminate these non -tariff barriers, including by ensuring 
that sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures follow the objective criteria of scientific assessments 
of risk, as required under the WTO SPS Agreement. We also urge the EU to  set reasonable, 
risk-based limits for regulating endocrine disruptors, which has been raised by India and several 
other WTO Members in the SPS Committee as well as the CTG.  
4.413.   In particular, I wish to raise the issue of tricyclazole in rice. The June 2017 no tification by 
the EU had laid down new MRLs for basmati rice. The EU notification besides giving a limited period 
(of only six months) for transitional measures had also disregarded pertinent information about the 
long history of safe use of tricyclazole i n several rice producing and consuming countries in the 
world. We urge the EU to maintain the MRL at the previous level of 1 mg/kg or 1 pp million.  
4.414.   Similarly, the Anthraquinone limit for tea has been set at 0.02 mg/kg. Since the source of 
Anthraquinone (i .e., anthracene) is environmental, a background level of Anthraquinone higher than 
the Limit of Quantifiability (LOQ) of 0.02 mg/kg in tea should be allowed. I would like to emphasize 
that the Indian tea sector uses no anthraquinone but due to an unfounded  misperception and 
consequent export prohibition, EU consumers are being deprived of some of the most exquisite teas 
in the world from Darjeeling in India.  
4.415.   The EU has also adopted stringent parameters restricting the level of aflatoxins in imported 
food pr oducts, such as, chilies and other spices coming from India. Indian suppliers carry out tests 
on aflatoxin levels before shipment of chilli and other spices. We would urge the EU to revise the 
limit to 10 ppb, with a variance allowance for up to 20 ppb, fo r all spices.  
4.416.   Under the bilateral agreement of 2004 between European Commission and India, incidence 
of import duty on husked Basmati rice imported into EU from India is zero. Subsequent to this 
agreement, several new varieties of Basmati have been notifie d by India under Seeds Act, 1966 and 
as of now, 32 varieties of rice have been notified as Basmati. However, benefit of duty -free import 
is available only to 08 varieties, originally agreed by EU in 2004. The new varieties occupy about 
75% of the area of c ultivation currently and therefore, we urge EU to extend the duty derogation to 
all varieties of basmati rice.  
4.417.   I would also like to express our concern over the withdrawal of equivalence for India’s 
National Programme for Organic Products (NPOP) since 2013  by the EU. NPOP had been recognized 
by the European Commission (EC) since 2006, as per the bilateral recognition agreement between 
India and the EU for export of organic products. The stated grounds for this withdrawal are no longer 
valid and this measure  has subjected our exporters to go through the double certification process. 
Therefore, we request EU for immediate restoration of equivalence.  
4.418.   In November 2018, the EU passed new veterinary medicines legislation to lower the risk of 
antimicrobial resistan ce (AMR). Article 118 of the concerned Regulation (2019/6) is of particular 
concern, as it may directly impact countries exporting animal products to the EU. We urge EU to 
take into consideration the sanitary status/epidemiological situation of developing countries with 
huge livestock population like India, when applying Article 118 for the prohibition of the use of 
antimicrobials.  
4.419.   Another major concern to India relates to the issue of transit of traditional and generic 
medicines for use in Africa and Latin  America through EU ports.  Impounding, delaying or confiscating 
such medicines which are not meant for use in EU, on grounds of violation of EU patents or 
trademarks, not only harms Indian exporters, but also deprives the poor in various countries of 
access to these generic medicines.  
4.420.   Chair, before I conclude let me also acknowledge the important role that EU plays in WTO 
negotiations and their efforts for sustaining the rules -based multilateral trading system. We look 
forward to their active engagement in  implementing the decisions of the past Ministerial Conferences 
and for positive outcomes at the Ministerial in Nursultan.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.421.   We wish the delegation of the European Union a productive and successful TPR and also take 
this opportunity to thank Ambassador Mr. J oao Machado for his dynamic leadership and his team in 
Geneva for their work and cooperation.  
PARAGUAY  
4.422.   Paraguay desea destacar que el crecimiento positivo en términos relativos de la economía 
de la UE y el progreso significativo que este Miembro ha alcanza do en los últimos años respecto a la 
reducción del desempleo y la pobreza, la corrección de desbalances macroeconómicos y el 
mejoramiento de los regímenes fiscales de los Estados Miembros de la UE, como bien señala el 
informe de la Secretaría.  
4.423.   La importan cia de la Unión Europea en el ámbito comercial es indudable, como señalan los 
datos estadísticos de la misma UE, el comercio de la UE con el mundo representa aproximadamente 
el 15,6% de las importaciones y exportaciones mundiales, lo que la convierte en un o de los tres 
mayores actores del comercio internacional.  
4.424.   La Secretaría señala que la UE es el socio comercial más importante para alrededor de 
80 economías, lo cual pone en relieve la escala del impacto que sus políticas y prácticas pueden 
tener en terce ros miembros. En el caso del Paraguay, la UE es su tercer socio comercial más 
importante, y el primero fuera de la región.  
4.425.   La UE representa el 10% del comercio de Paraguay y el 9% de la totalidad de las 
exportaciones del país. Los 10 principales productos  exportados a la Unión Europea desde Paraguay 
son productos agrícolas, representado cerca de 90% de las exportaciones paraguayas a la UE, con 
un valor comercial de alrededor de USD mil millones anuales en promedio, en los últimos 5 años. 
Este comercio se v erá aumentando gracias a la exitosa conclusión de las negociaciones del Acuerdo 
de Asociación Birregional entre la Unión Europea y el MERCOSUR, luego de dos décadas de 
discusiones.  
4.426.   La Unión Europea es además es un importante inversionista en Paraguay, con  un stock de 
inversión de aproximadamente € mil millones. El Paraguay también es beneficiario de la cooperación 
europea en los ámbitos de educación, desarrollo del sector privado, protección social y democracia, 
participación y fortalecimiento instituciona l, por un monto promedio de €28 millones anuales, de 
conformidad al plan de Cooperación técnica y financiera de período 2014 -2020.  
4.427.   En lo que respecta al comercio agrícola, no podemos dejar de notar con preocupación que 
el sector agrícola europeo continúa no sólo sumamente protegido, sino que también altamente 
subsidiado. El informe de la Secretaría indica que la nueva política agrícola común no ha presentado 
cambios sustantivos y es, en este sentido, una oportunidad perdida de reforma real en ese ámbito. 
Además de subsidios por un valor de más de €73 mil millones, de conformidad con su última 
notificación DS1, correspondiente al periodo 2016 -2017, la UE continúa manteniendo aranceles 
complejos, con picos arancelarios y un comercio administrado bajo el régim en de contingentes 
agrícolas.  
4.428.   La implementación de algunas reglamentaciones europeas relativas a medidas sanitarias y 
fitosanitarias, como las relacionadas con la utilización de productos de protección de planta, así como 
el establecimiento de límites máxi mos de residuo (LMRs) que no se ajustan a los estándares del 
Codex Alimentarius, y para cuyo establecimiento la evidencia científica aparenta ser insuficiente o 
inconcluyente; representan un gran desafío para el Paraguay como un pequeño país en desarrollo,  
productor y exportador de alimentos. El Paraguay, junto con otros miembros, ha venido trabajando 
en la OMC en distintos ámbitos y Comités para presentar sus dificultades en el cumplimiento de 
estas normativas.  
4.429.   Invitamos a la Comisión a escuchar nuestras preocupaciones, en especial la de cientos de 
miles de paraguayos que dependen del comercio agrícola para subsistir, y a establecer un 
mecanismo de diálogo permanente, que nos permita encontrar una solución mutuam ente 
satisfactoria en el abordaje de esta problemática.  
4.430.   Reivindicamos el principio de Aid for Trade y que a través de éste los ciudadanos paraguayos 
tengan mejores condiciones de vida a través del comercio.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.431.   En lo que respecta al proceso de reforma de la O MC, el Paraguay coincide plenamente con 
la UE en que la OMC continúa siendo la base central del sistema multilateral del comercio y es 
indispensable para asegurar un comercio libre y justo. Quisiéramos felicitar a la Unión Europea por 
el liderazgo demostra do en las discusiones para la búsqueda de una solución al impasse actual en 
el Órgano de Apelación y el proceso facilitado por el Embajador Walker.  
4.432.   Asimismo, coincidimos también en la necesidad de actualizar el “rulebook” de la 
Organización y fortalecer el  brazo negociador de la misma, para incluir temas del comercio del S 
XXI. En este sentido, valoramos las contribuciones de la UE en los ámbitos de las iniciativas 
conjuntas de comercio electrónico, MIPYMEs y reglamentación nacional en la esfera de los serv icios. 
Respecto al trabajo emprendido en relación con las MIPYMEs, no podemos dejar de destacar la 
colaboración de la UE, a través del ITC, UNCTAD y la OMC, para la implementación del portal Global 
Help Trade Desk Paraguay, único país con este plan piloto de América Latina y de un país en 
desarrollo sin litoral.  
4.433.   En nombre de mi país, reitero mis felicitaciones a quienes tienen a su cargo la conducción 
de este Examen y a los delegados de la Misión Permanente de Unión Europea en Ginebra, por su 
siempre activ a participación en los trabajos de esta Organización.  
ICELAND  
4.434.   It is of particular interest for Iceland to take part in the trade policy review of the European 
Union. Iceland enjoys very deep trade relations with the EU under the Agreement on the European 
Economic Area, the EEA Agreement, and we have a long history of strong economic cooperation. 
Under the EEA Agreement, Iceland is part of the internal market of the European Union and 
participates in the EU’s internal harmonization of rules. We do that while  not being a member of the 
Customs Union of the EU.  
4.435.   Tariffs on industrial products in trade between Iceland and the EU have been abolished. Our 
trade arrangement for agricultural products is quite liberal and has recently been updated. Iceland 
is satisfie d with the current level of market access for such products.  
4.436.   That leaves us with fish. While tariffs have been abolished on most fish products in trade 
between Iceland and the EU, a large number of Icelandic fish products are still subject to tariffs 
arrangements, such as tariff reductions or tariff quotas, upon imports to the EU. Such tariff 
arrangements continue to distort our trade in such products imported from Iceland, while EU enjoys 
tariff free imports for all its fisheries products exported to Icel and.  
4.437.   Iceland would therefore like to reiterate its request to the EU to eliminate all remaining tariffs 
on Icelandic fisheries products into the EU. Our key rationale is the following:  
4.438.   Firstly, non -discrimination: The EU policy has shifted considerably i n recent years towards 
full market access for fisheries products from third countries into the EU. Under the EU’s recent 
FTAs, tariffs have been eliminated of all fish products from Canada, Japan, Vietnam and Mercosur 
and the same has been offered to curre nt negotiating partners such as New Zealand and Australia. 
But still refuses to offer it to one of its closest partner, Iceland, which goes much further than any 
of these partners in harmonizing it rules with the rules of the EU. Another fact that makes Ic eland 
also different from these partners, is that fish is by far the most important goods sector in Iceland’s 
exports.  
4.439.   Secondly, economic interests of the EU: To the EU, Iceland is one of the most important 
trading partner, when it comes to fish imports. T he EU is a major importer of seafood – with 
self-sufficiency rate of only 41% - with future consumption of fish products expected to increase 
substantially (less meat, more fish).  
4.440.   Thirdly, environmental benefits: Iceland’s fisheries are sustainable and the refore 
environmentally friendly. Furthermore, as Iceland in close geographical proximity with the EU 
market, imports of fish products from Iceland have lower carbon footprint than from countries that 
are further away from the EU market.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.441.   Fourthly, the stre amlining of current trade arrangements: Current trade arrangements 
between Iceland and the EU for fish products are not user friendly. They are governed by too many 
instruments and conditions such as tariff reductions and tariff quotas, without fully liber alizing trade 
in these products. These arrangements result in additional tariffs and administrative costs for 
imports of such products.   
4.442.   And finally, Iceland is among the EU’s closest partners. The EEA Agreement is the deepest 
and most comprehensive agree ment the EU has concluded with other countries. The current trade 
regime for fish products is no longer justifiable. Finding a solution is a win -win for both parties.  
4.443.   In closing I would like to turn to a subject that is particularly close to my heart. The European 
Union played an important role in the adoption and implementation of the Buenos Aires Declaration 
of Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment adopted at the MC11. We welcome the focus the EU 
places on gender equality and the economic empowerment of women. We also applaud the EU for 
integrating specific provisions on trade and gender equality in recent trade negotiations.   
4.444.   As mentioned in the report of the Secretariat gender issues have begun to figure more 
prominently in EU trade policy, including a nalysis on how to improve the understanding of the impact 
of international trade agreements on gender equality. Iceland looks forward to further cooperation 
on this matter with the EU.  
4.445.   Finally, allow me to complement the whole EU team for the enormous wor k they have put 
into their TPR and my delegation wishes the EU all the success.  
KAZAKHSTAN  
4.446.   The EU is a significant player of international trade and the EU’s economic recovery and its 
open trade and investment policies are valuable and crucial for all trad e partners.    
4.447.   The EU is the largest trading partner and one of the key investors of Kazakhstan.  
4.448.   Kazakhstan and the European Union signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation 
Agreement on 21 December 2015. The agreement covers 29 areas of cooperation, including 
investments, trade and innovation and infrastructure development, etc. Its special trade section was 
thoroughly negotiated in line with Kazakhstan’s commitments as the WTO Member and as the part 
of the Eurasian Economic Union. The Partnership Agr eement will enter into force on 1 March this 
year and its effective implementation will further enhance economic ties and boost trade between 
Kazakhstan and the EU, attract European technologies and investments.  
4.449.   Mutual trade turnover has increased by almos t 55% and totalled USD 37,7 billion over the 
2016-2018 period.  
4.450.   Since 1991, Kazakhstan overall attracted USD 330 billion of foreign direct investments (FDI) 
and more than half of such investments was made by companies from the EU.  
4.451.   We commend the EU for ad vancing its regulatory policy at the EU level and adoption the 
Better Regulation Agenda in 2015. Indeed, it is important to improve regulatory practice and 
increase transparency. We are confident that this best practice will draw the attention of the WTO 
Members.  
4.452.   Kazakhstan also submitted several questions of its particular interest, regarding:  
- public procurement policy, including the development of electronic procurement system;  
- certain recent TRQ administration practices;  
- initiatives in transport service and professional workers.  
 
4.453.   We are looking forward receiving answers to these questions.  
4.454.   The EU is a strong supporter of multilateral trading system and the WTO. We commend the 
EU for a comprehensive the WTO reform proposals in respect of its negoti ating, monitoring and 
dispute settlement functions.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.455.   In closing, we would like to wish the delegation of the EU a successful Trade Policy Review 
and looking forward for further closer and fruitful cooperation.  
INDONESIA  
4.456.   To begin, Indonesia associate itself  with the statement of ASEAN member States as delivered 
by the representative of Malaysia.  
4.457.   Indonesia economic relationship with the EU is significantly important to Indonesia economy. 
The trade linkage between the two established long before Indonesia’s i ndependence and has 
contributed significantly to the people of both parties.   
4.458.   On trade in goods, total value between the EU and Indonesia reached 26.9 billion US Dollar 
in 2019 or declined around 13.80% compared to previous year of USD 31.2 billion. But t he trend of 
goods trade for period of 2015 –2019 has slightly improved of 2.78%.  
4.459.   In services, we also see slight increase of around 4,6%, or average trade of USD 6.7 billion, 
between 2015 -2017. Regarding investment, the EU direct investment is about USD 2.6  billion, or 
USD 0.9 billion increase from previous year.  
4.460.   These trade and investment performances showed that there are opportunities for the EU 
and Indonesia to increase its full economic potential. As a country with an annual economic growth 
of more than  5%, Indonesia believes there are many things that Indonesia could offer to enhance 
our trade partnership.   
4.461.   Nevertheless, Indonesia observes a number of unjustified and unnecessary barriers to trade 
which impede the achievement of our potential economic g rowth.  
4.462.   At the previous EU TPR in October 2017, Indonesia registered its great concerns over the 
EU Parliament Resolution on Palm Oil and Deforestation and Rainforest. After more than two -year 
since we submitted this concern, Indonesia continues to be frus trated by the EU’s unjustified 
measure to our palm -oil and palm -oil based biodiesel products.  
4.463.   The EU measures in gradually phasing out certain biodiesel by 2030 through Indirect Land 
Use Change (ILUC) measurement is lack of support from international stan dard and undermine the 
legitimate objectives of sustainable development. It is well established that indirect changes to land 
use requires the use of models that make assumptions about future impacts and the interactions 
between different input parameters.  Consequently, the outcomes inherently uncertain and will result 
in discrimination of certain biodiesel product.  
4.464.   As we are now advancing to the consultation process, we thank the EU delegation for its 
readiness to consult promptly and we are hoping to have  an amicable solution on this issue.  
4.465.   We are also seeing the same pattern of expanding potential unnecessary barrier in Product 
Environmental Footprint Category Rule by differentiating obligation of life cycle assessment (LCA) 
that would differentiate Indon esia’s paper against EU domestic product.  
4.466.   Moreover, Indonesia also has serious concern over EU SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) 
measures that lack science and risk - based assessment as we placed in the advance questions. The 
proliferation of trade restri ctions that are based on factors other than the objective criteria offered 
by scientific assessments of risk, and deviate from the internationally recognized standard as set by 
the Codex Alimentarius, are run counter with the SPS Agreement and stigmatize o ur agricultural 
products without proper justification.   
4.467.   The EU measure in targeting certain products from Indonesia is not stopping in non -tariff 
barrier. Unjustified anti -dumping duty to biofuels originated from Indonesia which has been scrapped 
by WTO D SB recently, is now being replace by countervailing duty. Added with an unjustifiable 
measure on phasing out certain biodiesel, the EU is happy to keep shifting the goal post in restricting 
access to palm -oil based biodiesel from Indonesia, in favour for t heir domestic vegetable oil 
producers.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.468.   Moreover, our concern with EU anti -dumping and countervailing measures are not only 
limited to the specific products that my delegation has mentioned. As specified in our advance 
question, we also see another possibl e trade obstacle on EU’s Anti -Dumping and Anti -Subsidy 
Legislation. New calculation methodology is introduced to take into account social and environmental 
costs. Further elaboration and rationale on this is needed, as this will set a new direction to the 
entire dumping and subsidy discipline.  
4.469.   Indonesia greatly value the relationship with the European Union in all front. Bilateral as well 
as region -to-region relationship that have been nurtured, are of paramount important for Indonesia 
to achieve a stronge r economic cooperation with the EU. Indeed, in every relationship, there is no 
constant positive trajectory. However, as a country that embracing and advancing cooperation as 
the pillar of its foreign and trade policy, Indonesia always seek every possibili ty to work together 
with its partners to achieve a mutually beneficial economic relation.  
4.470.   Lastly, Indonesia welcomes the opportunity to review EU trade policies and is hopeful that 
this process could help us identify ways for both parties to work together and reduce trade obstacles 
for the benefit of both parties.  
4.471.   We wish the EU a successful T rade Policy Review.  
ALBANIA  
4.472.   We appreciate the EU’s constructive role in the WTO and its active participation in the work 
of this Organization, as EU plays an important role aiming to make progress on different important 
issues in the multilateral trading s ystem with the WTO at its core.  
4.473.   From the Secretariat report we are pleased to note that EU’s real GDP growth this year is 
expected to reach 1.6%, while significant progress has been made in recent years regarding the 
reduction of unemployment and poverty,  the correction of macroeconomic imbalances, and the 
improvement of the fiscal positions of EU member States. Also, we note with satisfaction that the 
Europe 2020 Strategy, which is the EUS agenda for growth and jobs for the current decade, aims to 
overcom e the structural weaknesses in the economy, improve competitiveness and productivity 
through a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, and underpin a sustainable social market 
economy.  
4.474.   Albania supports the initiatives co -sponsored by the EU in the framewo rk of WTO, such as 
on e-commerce, domestic regulation in services and investment facilitation, the Informal Working 
Group on Micro, Small, and Medium -Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and also the EU’s proposals to 
enhance transparency by improving compliance wit h notification requirements and to provide 
procedural guidelines for WTO Committees and Councils dealing with trade concerns.  
4.475.   The EU remains by far our main trading partner and represents a key source of Foreign 
Direct Investment inflows in the country. Th e trade exchanges during last year with EU member 
states accounted for 68.1% of our overall trade volume. In 2019 the EU accounted for 76.6% of 
Albania’s exports and 63.9% of its imports.  
4.476.   At the same time, the EU is our key development partner. The EU assi stance through its 
long-term, substantive pre -accession financial support has contributed to carry out comprehensive 
reforms towards a sustained economic growth.  
4.477.   Albania’s relationship with the EU remains governed by the Stabilization and Association 
Agree ment. Actually, having the status of the EU’s candidate member, we are looking forward to the 
opening soon of the accession negotiations with the European Union. Obviously, this would mark a 
qualitative step forward, associated with a paramount improving i mpact on all the economic and 
social indicators of the country.  
4.478.   The different aspects regarding the developments of EU macroeconomic, and its recent trade 
and trade -related policies are of special interest for us as the country is on the path of harmonizat ion 
with the EU acquis in all sectors of its economy.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.479.   Therefore, we are following the developments in EU trade policy and those regarding changes 
in the area of customs in recent years, with the implementation of the EUS new Union Customs code 
(UCC) and i ts accompanying legislation.  
4.480.   Regarding the dimension of regional trade, as Albania held last year the Presidency of CEFTA 
(Central European Free Trade Agreement), efforts are made to further facilitate the regional trade 
through a number of initiatives, in cluding the initiative to set up a Regional Trade Facilitation 
Committee, as a long -term platform of cooperation between the public and private sector. In this 
context, we express gratitude for the EU assistance given in the framework of CEFTA, which is a 
building block on the EU integration path of all the Western Balkan region.  
4.481.   Furthermore, it is worth mentioning the positive impact EU support at the regional dimension 
that is channelled through the Multi -Annual Action Plan on Regional Economic Area in th e Westem 
Balkans, with trade being one of its main pillars.  
4.482.   Agriculture is a key economic sector that continues to employ around 40% of the workforce 
of the country, therefore Albania remains especially interested towards the European Commission 
proposals  related to the Common Agricultural Policy, the rural development, veterinary and to the 
food safety.  
4.483.   We highly appreciate that the EU trade policy is soundly based on universal fundamental 
rights and values, standing for an open, fair and sustainable trad e, firmly anchored in a rules -based 
system.  
4.484.   In conclusion, Albania is looking forward to continuing its excellent relations with the EU 
Mission to WTO and wishes to the European Union a successful and productive Trade Policy Review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.485.   My delegation notes with interest the European Union’s continued economic advancements, 
in particular, the comparatively strong real GDP growth, despite increasing trade tensions, which 
also negatively affect the EU’s growth prospects. The EU continues to be an important player in 
global trade both in terms of merchandise trade in goods and trade in services, while also being the 
largest trading partner for over 80 countries, including Sri Lanka.  
4.486.   EU is the number one export destination for Sri Lanka and th e third largest source of supply 
of imports for Sri Lanka. Given this significant stance of the EU in the global trade context, the every 
single trade related policy decision adopted by the European Commission will directly or indirectly 
affect its trading  partners. The small economies like Sri Lanka, whose trade is concentrated on a 
handful of countries, may experience cascading effects of certain policy decisions adopted by big 
players in the global trade!  
4.487.   The consistency of the EU’s applied tariff struct ure is worth mentioning here. Its applied 
tariff rates are much similar to those bound at multilateral level. Agricultural products are an 
exception to this positive trend due to EU’s protectionism approach in terms of high applied duties, 
significant use of non -ad valorem duty rates and tariff quotas. The complex and rigid regulatory 
requirements to reach the EU market would hinder the exporters’ ability to export their products in 
to the EU. This would also nullify the benefit of low tariffs maintained by  the EU for non -agricultural 
products as well as certain non -reciprocal preferences granted for developing countries like mine to 
enter the EU market at low or zero tariff rates.  
4.488.   It is also noteworthy that the EU continues to provide non -reciprocal prefer ences under the 
general GSP arrangement, GSP+ arrangement and the EBA arrangement to over 7,000 tariff lines. 
Sri Lanka is one of the 8 beneficiary countries of the EU’s GSP+ arrangement.  
4.489.   With regard to bilateral relations between EU and Sri Lanka, EU has been a development 
partner for Sri Lanka since signing of the Commercial Cooperation Agreement in 1975, which was 
replaced with the Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development in 1995. The 
EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meets every year to discuss bilateral political, trade and development 
maters of mutual interest, and was last met in February 2019 in Brussels.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.490.   EU continues to be the number one destination for Sri Lankan exports absorbing over 1/3 of 
its total exports. The total trade between Sri Lanka and EU recorded USD 5.5 Billion in 2019, while 
the balance of trade remains in favour of Sri Lanka consecutively and recorded USD 1.6 Billion in 
2019. Apparels are the major export item with a share of 57%.  
4.491.   A one -fifth of total FDI to Sri Lanka come s from the EU. United Kingdom, Netherlands, 
Luxemburg, Sweden, Belgium, Germany and Italy are the major investment partners which have 
invested in diverse sectors of Sri Lanka. Out of total FDI comes from the EU, the share of the UK 
accounts for nearly 40% .  
4.492.   The European Commission has provided over €375 million of assistance to Sri Lanka during 
the period from 2000 to 2013 under the various projects on trade and development, post -tsunami 
reconstruction and rehabilitation, and humanitarian assistance. The m ost recent assistance of 
€8 million for trade related capacity building launched in November 2016 focuses on enhancing the 
overall performance of Sri Lanka’s export sectors, especially, in food, spices and IT/BPO sectors by 
providing assistance to develop business and trade policy; trade facilitation; compliance with quality 
standards and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures; and sector specific value chain 
development and SME’s integration into regional and global value chains. My delegation and the 
Government of Sri Lanka looks forward to the continuous generous support of the European Union 
with an extended phase of the similar project enabling Sri Lanka to continue the work already 
initiated under the current phase and to achieve more sustainable ou tcomes.  
4.493.   Sri Lanka has regained the benefits of EU GSP+ since May 2017. In this regard, I would like 
to take this opportunity to extend my Government’s appreciation to the Trade Directorate of the 
European Commission for its positive consideration for rest oring the GSP+ facility for Sri Lanka.  
4.494.   Exports under the GSP+ scheme have provided direct and indirect employment to 
approximately one million people. It is important to note that the industries that benefit from GSP 
+ concessions draw their employees mos tly from rural areas. In particular, in the post -conflict 
development phase, the GSP+ facility is more important than ever before to realize such sustainable 
economic development targets. Women empowerment, poverty eradication, high protection of 
labour an d child rights, environment and sustainable development, rural economy development and 
SME empowerment are some of the positive aspects of socio -economic development in Sri Lanka, 
as a result of regaining the EU GSP+ facility. In August 2019, the EU has su ccessfully conducted a 
GSP+ monitoring mission in Sri Lanka.  
4.495.   However, judging from Sri Lanka’s two years’ experience, the utilization rate of the GSP+ 
facility by Sri Lankan exporters stand relatively low at 55 -60%, due to several reasons, including 
difficulties of qualifying GSP preferential Rules of Origin Criteria. For instance, more than half of the 
apparel exports of Sri Lanka enter the EU market without availing the GSP+ facility, but paying 
relatively high import duties compared to ot her industrial goods.  
4.496.   Being reached the World Bank GNI Per Capita upper middle threshold in 2019, Sri Lanka is 
in the verge of losing the EU GSP/GSP+ benefits from 1 January 2023, if this Status continues for 
two consecutive years. Sri Lanka has already fl agged this situation and wishes to negotiate an 
alternative bilateral preferential trade mechanism or alternatively, a special scheme of preferential 
market access for small and vulnerable countries in the upper middle -income category.  
4.497.   We also appreciate c onstructive engagement with DG -MARE of European Commission on 
improving the fisheries management in Sri Lanka in particular to improve the monitoring, controlling 
and surveillance systems of Sri Lanka’s fishery sector, while addressing the EU IUU fishing i ssues 
during 2015 –2019 period.  
4.498.   I also recall my Government’s constructive engagements with Food and Veterinary Office of 
the EU, in identifying causes for regular interceptions of fruit and vegetable exports to EU and the 
two recent training missions took place in Sri Lanka in the context of the “Better Training for Safer 
Food” initiative based on the recommendation made after the DG SANTE audits done in 2015. This 
facility will greatly be influenced on better production, processing and trade of safe food, healthy 
animals and plants. Despite all positive measures taken, it is disappointed that we continue to receive 
EUROPHYT and RASFF notifications on our export consignments.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.499.   My Government also works closely with the GI Department of the Commission for regis tering 
Geographical Indication for Ceylon Cinnamon in the EU region. The Commission has proposed certain 
amendments to our initial submission of the GI application and the Government of Sri Lanka is in 
the process of finalizing incorporation of those amend ments. Sri Lanka looks forward to having a 
positive outcome on this pending application.  
4.500.   The new EU organic regulation has a major impact on organic farmers in Sri Lanka, in 
particular the small farmers who continue to be certified as organic group farmers . The new 
regulation poses certain obstacles on this group certification. The Government of Sri Lanka intends 
to take up its concerns with DG/AGRI sooner.  
4.501.   The new EU regulations on MRL/pesticides also create burdensome procedures for small 
scale suppliers  to the EU like Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka questions as to whether the relevant regulations 
do comply with the provisions of the SPS Agreement (i.e. Article 3.5, Article 5 and Article 10.2 of 
the SPS Agreement). These include, inter alia : 
• Compelling the exporter s to obtain test reports from EU laboratories which is time -
consuming and adds additional cost on the producers.  
• Detection of natural occurring substances: certain chemicals that are naturally occurred in 
tropical environment in export crops, such as tea,  herbs and spices, have been listed as 
contaminants according to new EU regulations.  
• Requirement to analyze pesticide residues for more than 500 numbers of pesticides, import 
of most of which to Sri Lanka are even banned at present.  
• Certain new limits of Agrochemical residues, such as 0.001ppm level are impossible to 
adhere, while we are lacking laboratory facilities to test such sensitive and low levels of 
residue limits.  
 
4.502.   The Government of Sri Lanka, through its Permanent Representation to the European 
Commission, is in the process of taking up these practical impediments with DG/AGRI and 
DG/SANTE. We expect the Commission’s continues support towards reaching a mutual agreement 
on these issues, as it has extended in the past.  
4.503.   The EU continues to be a sig nificant user of trade remedies, although the number of new 
anti-dumping and anti -subsidy initiations steadily declined between 2016 and 2018. We are 
somewhat concerned with the implementation of its Anti -circumvention provisions in its relevant 
regulation s, particularly for lack of transparency and inconsistencies in their application.  
4.504.   In concluding, my delegation appreciates the EU’s highly valued contribution to the 
multilateral trading system and its active engagement in the negotiations. The dynamic r ole played 
by Ambassador Machado and his team in Geneva in proactively engaging in ongoing activities of 
WTO, is highly commendable. We sincerely wish the EU delegation a successful deliberation on its 
14th Trade Policy Review.  
MAURITIUS  
4.505.   It is indeed a gre at pleasure to participate in the Trade Policy Review of the European Union 
- a key player in the multilateral trading system.  
4.506.   With 16% of global trade, the EU is the world’s largest exporter of goods and services, while 
itself being the biggest market for  around 80 WTO Members.  
4.507.   We, therefore, welcome the commitment of the EU in preserving an open, rules -based 
multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core. This has become even more important as we 
increasingly face the challenges of rising protectio nism.  
4.508.   Mauritius also commend the EU for its active engagement in strengthening the tenets of the 
multilateral trading system as well as for its efforts in seeking solutions to the current Appellate 
Body impasse.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.509.   As we prepare for the 12th Ministerial Confe rence, Mauritius will remain engaged with the 
EU as a member of the ACP and the African Groups in seeking to conclude the negotiations on 
fisheries subsidies which are these days often qualified as a relevance test of the WTO.  
4.510.   Both aspects of the MC11 mand ate, that is, our commitment to meet SDG 14.6, and the 
provision of special and differential treatment are important for Mauritius, as is the case for all other 
Small Island Developing States, given the economic and social significance of the fisheries sec tor 
and also as we plan to develop our ocean economy.  
4.511.   We also note the pro -active approach of the EU in developing rules in new areas related to 
trade such as investment facilitation, MSMEs, electronic commerce, and domestic regulation in 
services. While actively participating in these initiatives, Mauritius continues to assess their 
implications and looks forward to working with the EU.  
4.512.   Mauritius and the EU enjoy excellent relations which have expanded and deepened over the 
decades. The EU  is a privileged and reliable partner as it has been closely associated to the 
development and diversification of the economy of Mauritius.  
4.513.   Today, our cooperation and exchange covers a wide range of sectors and areas including 
trade, investment, tourism, c limate change and migration.  
4.514.   As Mauritius works towards achieving higher economic growth for a prosperous society, we 
are confident that we can continue to rely on the EU as we work towards an innovation -based 
economy.  
4.515.   Mauritius and the EU are implementing  an Interim Economic Partnership Agreement, which 
was notified to the WTO in 2012. The Agreement has been crucial, to safeguard access on the 
European market and has well served its purpose to enlarge the scope of market access.  
4.516.   As the world economy is fas t changing, it has become crucial to keep up to new trade rules 
to create the appropriate framework for our businesses to thrive. In this context, Mauritius welcomes 
the decision of the EU to deepen the Interim EPA with the Eastern Southern Africa configur ation 
which will give a significant boost to our trade and investment relationship.  
4.517.   We see the EPAs, which the EU is also negotiating with several African countries and the 
Post Cotonou Agreement as instruments to consolidate the trade and economic relatio ns between 
the EU as a bloc and the African continent, particularly in the context of the recently launched African 
Continental Free Trade Area.  
4.518.   While expressing our commitment to further strengthening our relations and cooperation 
with the European Union,  the Mauritius delegation wishes the European Union delegation a successful 
review.  
CAMBODIA  
4.519.   My delegation would like to congratulate the EU for its remarkable economic performance 
and we commence the EU for putting its strong commitments and supports the Multilateral Trading 
System by initiating reforms under this organization. We appreciate Geneva -based delegation led 
by Ambassador Machado for the excellent cooperation and works, particularly the works related to 
LDCs.  
4.520.   Cambodia associates itself with the statements made by Chad on behalf of the LDC Group. 
We would like to express our gratitude to the EU for its implementation of the previous decisions in 
favour of LDCs including DFQF, Preferential Rule of Origin, Services waiver and providing 
development a ssistance through bilateral and multilateral channels such as the Aid for Trade 
programme.  
4.521.   In the context of regional cooperation, Cambodia associates itself with the statements made 
by Malaysia on behalf of ASEAN. Cambodia has worked closely with the EU and other ASEAN 
Members under the framework of the ASEAN -EU Cooperation Agreement to ensure an effective 
atmosphere for trade and investment relations.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.522.   On bilateral cooperation, Cambodia is the EU’s 56th trading partner, accounting for 0.2% of 
the EU’s tot al trade, while the EU is the largest export destination for Cambodia, accounting for 
USD 6.3 billion equalled to 45% of Cambodian exports in 2018. The main products have been 
utilizing the trade preference to export to the EU markets such as prepared food stuffs, vegetable, 
rice, bicycles, footwear and textile represented up to 97% of Cambodia’s overall exports in which 
around 2 million Cambodians, especially women, depend on the textile industry.  
4.523.   The trade preference has played an important role and helped  to keep the economy growing 
at around 7% a year, and to lift one -third of the country’s population out of poverty for decades. 
Cambodia thanks the EU and all other Members for providing the trade preferences.  
4.524.   However, as also mentioned in the report of th e secretariat in paragraph 2.51, the EU had 
made decision to adopt safeguard measures against Cambodia on 18 January 2019 by imposing the 
high duty rates on Cambodia’s Indica Rice with reason of export volumes and prices of like product 
that caused serious  difficulties to the EU rice industry. I would like to take this this opportunity to 
thank Members who have supported Cambodia through the GC held on 7 May 2019, requesting the 
EU to consider about its imposition. We are so disappointed and of the view tha t the imposition is 
discriminatory.  
4.525.   In addition, on 12 February 2020, just last week, we are deeply regretful with the unjust 
decision by the EU Commission on Temporary Partial Withdrawal of some products from the EBA 
scheme under article 19 of the EU GSP regulation with reason of “serious systematic violation on 
human rights and democracy”. We have noted that the withdrawal is on the products that have been 
exporting to the EU including garment and footwear. We consider that the EU’s reason is 
inappropriat e, resulting from misperceptions and misunderstanding about the real situation in 
Cambodia.  
4.526.   Please allow me to say a few words about our real situation. Cambodia is a multi -party liberal 
democracy country. The Government has already done many areas in resp onse to the people needs 
and concerns raised by the EC including the better work condition. Cambodia only used its legal 
actions in accordance with its constitution to keep peace and good environment for businesspersons, 
investors and all people. We would like to emphasize that it is a legitimate right for every sovereign 
Government to take some actions for the country’s prosperity.  
4.527.   We are of the view that the EBA withdrawal would have a great adverse consequence for 
the poor and it is contrary to the EU p olicy to raise standard of living of people in LDCs for achieving 
the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, it is a Double Standard compares to other 
beneficiaries of the EBA, and is unfair for Cambodia as an LDC in which we should have been 
benefiting from the Trade Preferences and striving to achieve MDGs.  
4.528.   My delegation, therefore, would like to take this opportunity to urge the EU to consider about 
the negative impacts and its image from the imposition and withdrawal of the Trade Preferences 
from Cam bodia and other LDCs in the future. We hope that the EU Parliament and Council will have 
common sense and understand the status quo in Cambodia hence reject the adoption of the intention 
to withdraw the EBA in the coming months.  
4.529.   We remain our strong commi tment to further strengthening the relation and cooperation 
with the EU and Geneva -based delegation in the spirit of mutual respect and interests.  
4.530.   Finally, we wish the 14th TPR of the EU a successful conclusion.  
AFGHANISTAN  
4.531.   My delegation commends the Euro pean Union for presenting their comprehensive trade 
policy report and the positive recent growth performance of their economy. We are impressed by 
the significant progress made in recent years regarding the reduction of unemployment and poverty, 
the correc tion of macroeconomic imbalances, and the improvement of the fiscal positions of 
European Union member States. It is impressive to see that the European Union still remains the 
most important trading partner for some 80 economies.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.532.   Afghanistan values its hi storic relationship with European Union member States and we 
acknowledge the very instrumental role of the European Union amongst other friends and allies of 
Afghanistan during the past 19 years.  
4.533.   Afghanistan would like to specifically recognize and appreci ate the commitment that the 
European Union and its individual member states have shown since 2001, in the areas of security, 
institutional building, reconstruction and economic development of Afghanistan. By adopting the 
European Union Strategy for Afghani stan in 2017, our partnership remains strong and aims at 
strengthening Afghanistan’s institutions and its overall economy.  
4.534.   The European Union is currently Afghanistan’s tenth largest trading partner in terms of total 
trade volume and sixth largest export partner. As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Afghanistan 
benefits from the most favourable regime available under the European Union’s Generalized System 
of Preferences (GSP).  
4.535.   Private sector development is a priority in European Union -Afghan relations. Pri vate sector 
development already benefits from a national priority program adopted in 2018 with the support of 
the European Union, the OECD and the ITC. To turn Afghanistan’s economy into an export -driven 
one, the European Union has funded a project on adva ncing Afghan trade, which resulted in 
development of National Export Strategy, that aims to strengthen Afghanistan’s supply side and 
export capacities, and introduces priority trade reforms.  
4.536.   The European Union has been a strong supporter of regional cooperation and economic 
integration as key elements of sustainable inclusive economic development, inter -connectivity and 
stability in Afghanistan.  
4.537.   In partnership with the Asian Development Bank, the European Union promotes CAREC 
(Central Asia Re gional Economic Cooperation) trade and transport facilitation and supports the 
Afghan Railway authority.  
4.538.   Meanwhile, I would like to thank the EU and its member states for supporting Afghanistan 
Accession to the WTO and providing us WTO -related technical as sistance and capacity building.  
4.539.   We also, welcome EU support to provide technical assistance and capacity building 
programme to the developing and least developed countries to further integrate them in the global 
trade and we encourage EU to expand its eff orts and assistance to support tailored technical 
assistance and capacity building demands.  
4.540.   Considering the recent challenges facing the multilateral trading system, Afghanistan, counts 
on the European Union’s role among others in preserving an open, rule s-based multilateral trading 
system, with the WTO at its core.  
4.541.   I conclude my statement by wishing the European Union delegation a very successful and 
productive Trade Policy Review.  
TAJIKISTAN  
4.542.   Within the framework of bilateral economic relations and throug h the implementation of the 
various projects the EU actively provided technical assistance to the Government of the Republic of 
Tajikistan in the process of the country’s accession to the WTO.  
4.543.   Tajikistan’s foreign trade turnover with the EU in 2019 amount ed to USD 244.1 million, a 
decrease of USD 56.9 million, or 18.9%, compared to the 2018. Export of goods to the EU from 
Tajikistan amounted to USD 55.3 million, decreasing by USD 4.9 million compared to 2018. Import 
from the EU to Tajikistan amounted to US D 188.8 million, having decreased by USD 52 million from 
2018. The share of trade with the EU in the total volume of foreign trade of the Republic of Tajikistan 
for 2019 is 5.4%. The expansion of trade cooperation with the EU is in the interests of both si des. 
In this regard it is important to make use of available opportunities for the development of trade 
relations between Tajikistan and the EU.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.544.   The main feature of Tajik -EU partnership is the further expansion of trade relations, 
implementation of joint s ocio-economic projects and deepening cooperation in different areas of the 
economy. The important areas of further cooperation between Tajikistan and the EU include energy, 
particularly the construction of power lines, mini -hydropower plants, processing of  agricultural 
products, raw cotton, information and telecommunication, transport and communication 
infrastructure, and tourism sectors.  
4.545.   The EU’s economy plays a key role in the global economy, as it is a top market for some 80 
economies in the world. The E uropean economy continued expanding during the period under 
review. In 2017, economic growth reached 2.6% compared to 2.0% in 2016. However, economic 
growth slowed to 2.0% during 2018, in particular, due to a less favourable external environment.  
4.546.   The EU is  an active participant in the work of the regular WTO bodies and in several initiatives 
on investment facilitation, micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs), e -commerce, and 
domestic regulation in services launched in December 2017 at MC11. The EU  presented its initial 
ideas on WTO reform in September 2018 and co -sponsored proposals to enhance transparency by 
improving compliance with notification requirements. During the review period, the EU submitted 
numerous notifications to the WTO, was involv ed in one new case as respondent and in five new 
dispute settlement cases as complainant.  
4.547.   Tajikistan acknowledges the EU continued efforts to improve the business environment and 
facilitate international trade. We are confident that by its active particip ation in the ongoing 
discussions of the WTO reform the EU will continue to support the development and advance the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.548.   In conclusion I wish the EU constructive and successful Trade Policy Review.  
JAMAICA  ON BEHALF  OF THE ACP GROUP  
4.549.   The EU continues to be an important player in world trade and the global economy and 
shares a longstanding and special relationship with the ACP Group. In fact, this month marks 
45 years of partnership through the Cotonou Agreement and previous Lomé Conve ntions which 
established a solid framework for the relations. We therefore welcome the fact that the EU has 
continued on a positive trajectory since its last review in 2017. We note that despite challenges over 
the review period, the EU registered three ye ars of unbroken growth averaging 2% and that Growth 
is projected to continue in 2020 at 1.6%.  
4.550.   The ACP Group commends the EU for its continued active role and participation within the 
WTO. Such engagement and leadership are vital to safeguarding the future of the rules based 
multilateral trading system, as well as promoting a sustainable basis on which to engage with the 
countries of the ACP Group. The EU’s continuous support for the Group through the various trade 
instruments, including the trade provisions  of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, Economic 
Partnership Agreements and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) are of significant value 
to the members of our Group.  
4.551.   Even as negotiations advance regarding the post -Cotonou framework, the ACP Group 
congratulates the EU for its continuous efforts in supporting global trade and the reforms undertaken 
in order to support its regional as well as global objectives in pursuing a sustainable future within 
the multilateral trading system. Indeed, the post -Cotonou discussion currently underway is an 
important signal of the continued relevance of the relationship between the EU and the ACP, as well 
as the strong commitment of both sides to multilateralism.  
4.552.   In addition, through the mechanism of the Economic Partne rship Agreements, the EU 
continues to strengthen its collaboration with ACP countries and regions in a mutually beneficial way, 
aimed at promoting trade and economic development through enhanced market access 
opportunities. We look forward to working with the EU to strengthen the development dimension of 
these agreements.  
4.553.   The ACP Group also wishes to register its gratitude for the solidarity and sustained and 
invaluable technical and capacity building support received from the EU for many decades through WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  its European Development Fund (EDF), which has significantly promoted the economic and 
development objectives of ACP countries.  
4.554.   The ACP Group further commends the EU’s efforts in harmonizing systems and regulations 
within the bloc which has positive spill -over effects for third parties, such as members of the ACP 
Group, seeking to participate for example in the EU procurement market.  
4.555.   In a constructive spirit, the ACP Group wishes to refer to the adoption of specific standards 
by the EU on the Maximum Residua l Limits (MRLs) for certain substances cited in the WTO Secretariat 
report, including for bananas. The EUS implementation of these measures will disproportionately 
affect farmers in developing countries and LDCs, and the livelihood of millions of ACP famil ies whose 
income and sustenance depends on agriculture. This, in turn, will also affect Members’ ability to 
achieve goals related to food security and sustainable development.  
4.556.   Therefore, we ask the EU to re -evaluate its hazard -based approach to the approva l and 
renewal of plant protection product authorizations; to confirm that import tolerances will continue 
to be established on the basis of internationally accepted approaches for risk assessment; and to 
cease to implement those measures that unnecessarily  and inappropriately restrict international 
trade. The ACP Group welcomes a fruitful discussion with the EU on the harmonization of these MRLs 
with the norms recommended by the WTO.  
4.557.   While we recognize the rights of all WTO Members to adopt regulations to p rotect their 
market, we remain concerned with implementation of SPS measures that are more trade restrictive, 
including on citrus. We are concerned that these measures are disproportionate to any phytosanitary 
risk. We call on the EU to consider the implic ations of these measures on developing and least 
developed countries that have limited capacity to comply with these standards.  
4.558.   In recognizing the contribution of the EU to global trade and investments, we congratulate 
the EU for remaining the number one t rading block, for continuing to boast significant levels of 
foreign direct investments (FDI) both in terms of inflows and outflows, for its longstanding support 
in terms of market access and development resources.  
JAMAICA  
4.559.   Jamaica attaches great value to th e longstanding relationship which it shares with the EU, 
both at the bilateral and multilateral levels. The EU continues to be one of Jamaica’s closest bilateral 
partners and its second most important trading partner. Trade relations between Jamaica and th e 
EU are governed by the CARIFORUM -EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which is scheduled 
to undergo its second Five Year Review later this year.  
4.560.   In 2018, Jamaica’s total imports from the EU was valued at approximately USD 556 million, 
with exports amounting to USD 301 million for the same period. Jamaica’s main markets within the 
EU are the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and the UK. The main products exported 
to the EU are aluminium oxide and agricultural products.  
4.561.   With service s accounting for approximately 79% of Jamaica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 
work has been ongoing to expand services exports to the EU, particularly the temporary movement 
of natural persons, including entertainers, as well as to address issues relating to domestic 
regulations, including qualification requirements and procedures; technical standards and licensing 
requirements.  
4.562.   In addition, there are ongoing efforts to strengthen the mechanisms for information 
exchange with the EU concerning the regulatory  regimes for services trade.  
4.563.   Importantly, the EU remains the largest provider of grant and development assistance to 
Jamaica, including through project funding provided under the EDF. The provision of this vital 
development support by the EU, including thr ough technical and financial assistance, in alignment 
with the National Development Plan - Vision 2030 Jamaica - has been critical  
4.564.   in bolstering Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to address supply side constraints; improve 
productive capacity and strengthen its qual ity infrastructure. Some of the current areas of priority WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  include support to: Improved forestry management, public financial management reform; the health 
sector and our poverty reduction programme.  
4.565.   In addition to the foregoing, Jamaica is also a beneficia ry of EU support in collaboration with 
other partners provided under the Caribbean Investment Fund for an Energy Management and 
Efficiency Programme and a Multi -Border Security Programme which is funded under the Caribbean 
Regional Project.  
4.566.   Given the immin ent expiry of the Cotonou Agreement, Jamaica has been continuing its active 
engagement with the EU within the context of the post -Cotonou negotiations with the hope that the 
successor Agreement will serve to further deepen the existing partnership and also  include 
predictable and programmed resources for development.  
4.567.   In closing, Jamaica and by extension, the ACP Group, wish to congratulate the EU for the 
strides made since its last review and its continuous efforts to strengthen its participation as a 
dynam ic actor in the multilateral trading system in furtherance of its development objectives, as 
well as that of other countries. We wish the EU every success in this review.  
PAKISTAN  
4.568.   We would like to commend the EU on its various policies and initiatives duri ng the review 
period in the context of improving global trade and encouraging support for multilateral engagement. 
The EU remains an important global player and we keep faith in the EU’s responsible leadership in 
support of multilateralism and upholding th e rules -based system.  
4.569.   We are certain that strong adherence to the fundamental pillars of our trading system will 
show the ways to others in keeping the system intact.  
4.570.   We take note of the EU’s continued commitment to protecting the environment, level 
stand ards and generally promoting universal social values and good governance.  
4.571.   As a beneficiary of EU’s special incentives under the GSP+, Pakistan is fully committed to 
reforms in these areas through the implementation of the various international conventions.  
4.572.   We have not only found the EU’s direct assistance in implementing the various conventions 
extremely useful, but the benefits of the trade incentives have also contributed to sustainable 
development efforts in the country.  
4.573.   The EU is now Pakistan’s largest trading partner with bilateral trade between Pakistan and 
the EU recorded at almost 13 billion euros in 2018. Pakistan exported textiles and garments, as well 
as leather, rice and sports and surgical equipment, and imported machinery, iron and steel, 
chemi cals, plastic and pharmaceutical products. Exports from Pakistan have witnessed an increase 
in the GSP+, with women working in the government industry as the largest beneficiaries of the 
Scheme.  
4.574.   Apart from bilateral trade, Pakistan and the EU share excelle nt cooperation in areas of 
economic and social sector development. Pakistan greatly values the technical assistance received 
under various projects and the FDI inflows from individual EU countries in recent years.  
4.575.   The EU is a crucial trading partner for ma ny developing countries. Like many other countries, 
we continue to watch carefully the developments in the EU on agriculture policies, particularly tariffs, 
and tariff rate quotas, and technical standards, particularly the sanitary and phytosanitary measur es. 
We remain hopeful that these policies will be in accordance with the letter and spirit of WTO laws, 
and non -trade restrictive, especially for developing countries, allowing them to trade openly with 
the EU.  
4.576.   Pakistan also wishes to commend the active ro le of the EU to resolve the crisis faced by this 
Organization. Pakistan supports these efforts, especially in maintaining the two -tiered dispute 
settlement mechanism. Pakistan’s dispute with the EU in DS486 exemplifies the even -handedness 
of the system, wh ere developing countries can bring matters to a dispute while maintaining an 
overall spirit of cooperation. It is for this reason that Pakistan continues to collaborate with the EU WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  under the able leadership of Ambassador João Machado on a range of WTO issu es, and shares the 
aim of strengthening the multilateral system for the fulfilment of sustainable development goals.  
4.577.   We are confident that the EU will stand committed to the cause of development, particularly 
in developing countries, not only through EU’s own trade and economic policies, but while 
contemplating the future of the multilateral system in the years to come.  
4.578.   We wish the EU a very successful and fruitful TPR.  
EGYPT  
4.579.   Egypt welcomes this opportunity to take part in the 14th Trade Policy Review of th e European 
Union, which is our major trading partner. Indeed, Egypt and the EU share historical ties, with trade 
being a central component of this multi -faceted relationship.  
4.580.   Bilateral trade accounted for almost 30% of Egypt’s trade volume in 2017, with a steady 
growth of trade flows. During the first half of 2019, the volume of trade between Egypt and the 
European Union witnessed a 13 increase, compared to the corresponding period of 2018, attributed 
to the increase in Egyptian and European exports by 8.6%  and 15%, respectively.  
4.581.   Moreover, the EU is a major investor in Egypt. European investments exceeded 
USD 15 billion in 2018, through the activities of more than 6,300 companies, mainly concentrated 
in industry, services, and tourism sectors, providing more  than 192,000 job opportunities.  
4.582.   Nonetheless, Egypt believes that there are prospects for further enhancing bilateral trade 
relations with the EU. In this context, Egypt notes with concern the long delay in granting access to 
Egyptian gelatine exports into  the European markets despite the preliminary approval of the 
Egyptian technical file by the European Commission since 2014.  
4.583.   Furthermore, Egypt has expressed in previous occasions the impact on exports of steel 
products for developing countries due to the EU definitive safeguard measures under the form of a 
tariff rate quota. In our view, the granted quota does not fully reflect the growth potential of Egyptian 
exports in this sector.  
4.584.   Additionally, we would like to highlight the concerns expressed by Eg yptian exporters 
regarding the short transitional period provided for by the draft Commission regulation amending 
regulation number 396 for the year 2005 on the MRL for chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos -methyl, which 
is proposed to enter into force in October 2020.  
4.585.   Egypt remains ready to further engage with the EU on these issues, and would like to take 
this opportunity to thank the EU for the constructive bilateral consultations we have had on the post -
Brexit apportionment of TRQs in the framework of Article XXVIII negotiations.  
4.586.   The unprecedented challenges facing the multilateral trading system and the slowdown of 
trade growth rates in recent years require the collaboration of all Members to restore faith in the 
WTO and ensure that development remains  an integral component of all negotiating outcomes.  
4.587.   We acknowledge the EU’s leading role in strengthening the multilateral trading system, its 
active engagement in all negotiations, as well as its dynamic role in discussions reforming the WTO 
to be more re sponsive to today’s global challenges. In our view, such reforms should preserve 
development at its core, and consider the flexibilities, capacity -building and technical cooperation 
needs by developing countries.  
4.588.   We applaud the EU’s stable economic perform ance during the challenging review period and 
the significant progress it achieved in recent years to reduce unemployment and poverty in line with 
the Europe 2020 Strategy.  
4.589.   We also commend the EU’s efforts to streamline and improve procedures in ports and 
maritime transport through the establishment of the European Maritime Single Customs Window.  
4.590.   Finally, Egypt would like to wish the EU delegation a fruitful Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  BARBADOS  
4.591.   Over the review period, the European Union has enjoyed strong growth. During this period, 
the 28 -country trading block advanced from a state of recovery, to a state of sustained growth, 
averaging in excess of 2% of GDP annually. In 2017 and 2018, the European Union and its member 
States accounted for 16.7% of global trade in  goods and services and was the world’s largest market 
for inward and outward foreign direct investment (FDI). The importance of the European Union as a 
major player in the global trading system and global economy continues to be unmatched when one 
conside rs that the trading block is the most important trading partner for 80 economies globally.  
4.592.   Despites these impressive accolades, inhibited global trade growth, rising protectionism and 
geo-political tensions have been listed among the short -term challenges to sustained economic 
growth in the European Union.  
4.593.   Barbados take note of the importance that the European Union places on its climate and 
energy policy framework, particularly its aims to be the attain the targets of the Paris Agreement 
and to become clim ate neutral by 2050. The nexus between trade and climate change, and trade 
and natural disasters is one which is in keeping with the changing times since the establishment of 
the WTO and in light of the fundamental impact that these issues have on current and future trade 
in Barbados and other small island developing states in the WTO, is deserving of in depth discussion 
and policy response. The issue of the impact of trade and natural disasters within the context of the 
Dedicated Session on Small Economies  of the Committee on Trade in Development is one in which 
we should all be in a position to coalesce around.  
4.594.   Barbados maintains excellent trade and political relations with the European Union. The 
European Union and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Region, have endured more than fony years 
of partnership and cooperation. The comprehensive reciprocal trade and development agreement in 
the form of the CARIFORUM -EC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed in 2008 is but one of 
aspect of this relationship.  
4.595.   The current programme of targeted assistance spans the areas of economic cooperation and 
integration; climate change, disaster management and sustainable energy; and crime and security. 
These remain of crucial importance to our island nations as these sector s are reflective of, and 
specific to, a region which is characterised by challenges related to small size and high economic 
and environmental vulnerability. We thank the European Union for their valued partnership and look 
forward to our continued collabor ation on these and other issues of interest to our countries.  
4.596.   The European Union has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the multilateral trading 
system (MTS) and to the WTO. This is evidenced by the European Union’s active participation in the 
fisheri es subsidies negotiations and in the work of the regular bodies in the WTO. It would be remiss 
of us if we did not seize this opportunity to commend H. E. Mr. Joäo Aguiar Machado, Ambassador 
and Head of the European Union Permanent Mission to the WTO and h is Geneva based team for their 
participation at the multilateral level.  
4.597.   We agree with the European Union that if we are to protect the multilateral trading system 
from its eminent demise, we must consider WTO reform. Such reform should not only be open and  
rules-based, but should also be transparent, inclusive, and allow for the inclusion issues of interest 
to, and participation of all WTO Members. It could therefore be useful for us to develop solutions 
which will allow for the necessary policy space withi n WTO rules to effectively rebuild our economies 
in the event of natural disasters and the paralyzing impact of climate change, including for small 
island States (SIDS).  
4.598.   In closing, Barbados wishes the European Union a successful conclusion to its fourteen th 
Trade Policy Review.  
NORTH  MACEDONIA  
4.599.   North Macedonia notes the EU’s exploratory work to participate in the launch of the 
plurilateral WTO negotiations under the joint statement initiative on e -commerce with the aim to 
enhancing global e -commerce and fac ilitating business operations, notably for small and medium 
sized enterprises.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.600.   We also note the active role the EU is taking in the preparation of the Joint Initiatives on 
services, domestic regulation, MSMEs, as well as in advancing the work on the invest ment facilitation 
for development ahead of the Ministerial Conference this year.  
4.601.   Trade relations between the EU and North Macedonia rely on the stabilization ??? agreement 
being applied for 16 years already. EU remains the main trade partner of North Maced onia for more 
than a decade, covering around 70% of the country’s overall trade volume.  
4.602.   In terms of the origin of exchanged trade in goods, the European Union remains by far the 
largest investor in the country, with the share of 76.7% in 2017.  
4.603.   In the light  of the significant progress achieved in advancing the reforms in the EU, we note 
that the EU unemployment rate has decreased from 8.6% in 2016 to 6.8% in 2018, its lowest level 
since 2000.  
4.604.   Other important EU initiatives that should be recognized are the l atest development of a 
regulation of the mutual recognition of goods, the markets union which will contribute to achieving 
the sustainable development goals, new measures for fair taxation, new strategy for circular 
economy, and new developments in bilater al negotiating agenda of concluding FTAs with countries 
from the region of southeast Asia, eastern and southern Africa, Latin America, Pacific region, etc. All 
of these FTAs should one day become part of North Macedonia’s trade policy at the time of our 
accession to the EU.  
4.605.   In that respect, North Macedonia is looking forward to further continue the cooperation with 
the EU, both in the framework of the existing SSA, which has a significant potential, and also at the 
WTO, which provides greater certainty in t rade relations and contributes to trade liberalization, 
global economic growth and job creation.  
4.606.   In conclusion, we wish the delegation of the EU all the best and the outmost success during 
its TPR.  
TCHAD  AU NOM  DES  PMA 
4.607.   Nous saluons l’adoption par l’Union e uropéenne des schémas des préférences généralisées 
(SPG) qui élimine le droit sur les produits entrant sur les marchés de l’Union européenne en 
provenance de pays en développement et vulnérables. Dans le cadre du régime SPG général, l’UE 
accorde des réduct ions tarifaires partielles ou totales pour environ 66% des lignes tarifaires. Le 
régime Tout sauf les armes, qui fait également partie des SPG de l’Union européenne, accorde aux 
PMA un accès en franchise de droits et sans contingents aux marchés de l’Union  européenne pour 
tous les produits, à l’exception donc, des armes et des munitions.  
4.608.   En 2018, la part des importations de l’UE en provenance des PMA s’élevait à 2,26%, soit 
plus du double de la part globale des PMA dans les exportations mondiales, ce qui mo ntre 
effectivement l’importance du partenariat entre l’Union européenne et les PMA qui souhaitent 
développer davantage leurs relations commerciales.  
4.609.   Nous souscrivons également à la vision selon laquelle la préservation de l’environnement 
commercial international stable et prévisible, fondée sur des règles claires et ayant force exécutoire, 
est d’une importance capitale. Un commerce ouvert, équitable et durable mais qui tient compte des 
difficultés des pays en développement et, en particuli er, des Pays les moins avancés.  
4.610.   Sur la question du commerce et de l’environnement, nous saluons la mise en œuvre de 
programmes d’action de l’Union européenne pour l’environnement et les actions entreprises en 
matière de lutte contre le changement climatique. Les PMA sont davantage fragilisés par les 
changements climatiques compte tenu des contraintes importantes qui hypothèquent sérieusement 
leur développement avec des millions de réfugiés climatiques. Et donc, nous considérons que cet 
aspect est é galement important et nous pensons que l’accompagnement de l’Union européenne aux 
micro, petites et moyennes entreprises des PMA vers une économie verte, respectueuse de 
l’environnement, paraît également important.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.611.   Nous saluons la mise en place du système REX qui vise à faciliter les échanges pour les 
exportateurs des PMA et nous aiderait à renforcer notre participation au commerce international. 
Cependant, nous souhaiterions poser une question à l’Union européenne :  quelle évaluation l’Union 
européenne fai t de ce système REX? Est -ce qu’il a apporté des résultats et quel bilan en tire -t-elle 
jusqu’ici ?  
4.612.   Le groupe des PMA estime également que des principes fondamentaux doivent être observés 
dans toute avancée en matière des réformes de l’OMC. Nous avons eu à discuter longtemps avec 
nos collègues de l’Union européenne, toute réforme de l’OMC devrait prendre pleinement en 
considération l’ampleur des contraintes des capacités des PMA pour déterminer les niveaux des 
obligations et exigences de mise en œuvre attend us de nos pays.  
4.613.   Deuxième élément qui nous semble important, on devrait veiller à ce que le processus de 
négociation et des décisions reste à tout moment inclusif et basé sur le consensus.  
4.614.   En conclusion, le groupe des PMA salue les efforts non négligeables de l’Union européenne 
de créer une dynamique importante pour le commerce et le système commercial multilatéral. Notre 
groupe encourage l’Union européenne à poursuivre ses efforts et lui souhaite plein succès pour cet 
Examen des politiques commerciales.  
JORDAN 
4.615.   The reports provide valuable information for the p eriod under review and reveal positive 
indicators in many aspects; also the report highlighted the solid EU trade policy towards global trade 
openness and economic growth, which is translated in the act ive and continuous engagement of the 
EU in the trade negotiations.  
4.616.   Jordan and the EU signed an Association Agreement which entered into force in 2002, also 
Jordan attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and always keen to further expand our 
bilateral economic ties.  
4.617.   Finally, Jordan congratulates the EU and the business society for their efforts and valuable 
contribution in the world trade hand in hand with other trading partners.  
4.618.   We would like to wish you more prosperity and a fruitful and suc cessful Trade Policy Review.  
BÉNIN  
4.619.   La délégation du Bénin salue les bons résultats économiques et commerciaux de l’Union 
européenne et de ses États membres dans la période sous examen. Les résultats traduisent les 
initiatives visant à relever les défis à l ong terme pour soutenir une croissance plus forte et plus 
inclusive en améliorant la productivité au sein de l’Union.  
4.620.   À titre d’illustration, nous mentionnerons, entre autres résultats, ceux -ci-après :  
• une croissance du PIB qui se situe à 2% en 2018;  
• une p art du commerce extra -européen des marchandises et des services dans le PIB estimé 
 à 35% en 2018;  
• une politique commerciale équilibrée et novatrice qui se caractérise par la diversification des 
 produits et services, l’amélioration de la qualité de la com pétitivité à travers la recherche, 
 l’innovation et la réduction des coûts, et l’optimisation;  
• des réformes sectorielles dans divers domaines, notamment en matière d’économie 
 numérique, des capitaux et des investissements  
4.621.   La délégation du Bénin apprécie h autement le rôle très important joué par l’Union 
européenne dans sa coopération internationale et dans les travaux de négociation commerciale 
multilatérale. En effet, principal partenaire commercial d’environ 80 pays, l’Union européenne 
promeut une approch e de négociation et de coopération axée sur les consultations et la richesse du 
consensus et le dialogue, pour la prise en compte des priorités, préoccupations et contraintes 
identifiées par certains Membres de l’OMC.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.622.   C’est le cas pour les pays africains, les pays les moins avancés, les pays d’Afrique, des 
Caraïbes et du Pacifique concernant plusieurs questions telles que les soutiens internes dans 
l’agriculture et le coton, les subventions à la pêche, la réglementation intérieure en matière de 
commerce des  services, la propriété intellectuelle, les enjeux de durabilité liés aux changements 
climatiques, la réforme de l’Organe d’appel de l’OMC, la captation du potentiel qui existe dans le 
secteur du numérique, et le traitement des difficultés et contraintes i dentifiées en cette matière.  
4.623.   Il convient de souligner qu’en matière de climat et d’énergie, l’Union européenne a fait 
l’option d’une politique d’efficacité énergétique à l’horizon 2030 qui vise une part d’énergie 
renouvelable d’au moins 30% d’ici à 2030 da ns sa production d’énergie. Elle souhaite que cet esprit 
de recherche, d’équilibre et de consensus se poursuive afin que la 12ème Conférence ministérielle de 
l’OMC en juin prochain débouche sur des résultats concrets et satisfaisants.  
4.624.   La délégation du Bénin remercie l’Union européenne pour ses actions et sa contribution en 
faveur des pays africains, des pays ACP, des PMA, du C4 et d’autres pays en développement pour le 
renforcement de leurs capacités productives et d’exportations, y compri s l’automatisation 
économique des femmes à travers l’initiative Aide pour le commerce et le Programme du cadre 
intégré renforcé.  
4.625.   La délégation du Bénin remercie le Secrétariat de l’OMC et l’Union européenne pour les 
rapports très informatifs élaborés dans le cadre de la présente session d’Examen de politique 
commerciale. Elle souhaite plein succès à l’Union européenne et un examen réussi de sa politique 
commerciale.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.626.   The bilateral relations between the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic started from concluding the 
Agreement on P artnership and Cooperation between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic in 
1995 that came into force on 1 July 1999. This Agreement laid the background of main areas of 
cooperation in economic, trade, investment, politica l, commercial, financial, legal and cultural 
spheres. Since this moment the sides gain the benefits on the cooperation, particularly in sphere of 
economic cooperation and trade.  
4.627.   Among the latest steps of the sides to expand the cooperation is the 16th meeting of The 
Subcommittee on trade and investment, held on 28 February 2018, focused on bilateral trade 
relations, the business climate and economic cooperation in the region. Special attention was paid 
to the EU -provided General scheme of preferences (G SP+), under which Kyrgyz entrepreneurs can 
export more than 6000 items of goods to the EU market without paying tariff duties. This list mainly 
consists of agricultural goods such as dried fruits and vegetables; cans; juices; nuts, beans, tobacco, 
felt pro duction; textile; leather goods and others.  
4.628.   The intention of the EU to move towards barrier -free trade system along with granting the 
status of the GSP+ to the Kyrgyz Republic opened unique opportunities for domestic producers of 
the Kyrgyz Republic to exp ort products from the Kyrgyz Republic to EU market in compliance with 
sanitary, phytosanitary and technical requirements of the EU.  
4.629.   The granting of GSP+ status by the EU to Kyrgyzstan had positive effects on our country’s 
efforts to expand export destinati ons of the Kyrgyz goods to the markets of country -members of the 
EU. The export volume of the Kyrgyz Republic within the GSP+ status increased from USD 50 million 
as of 2017 till USD 100 million as of beginning of 2019.  
4.630.   This is a unique opportunity is not  only for Kyrgyz exporters but also seems very attractive 
for investing into Kyrgyzstan’s market for further launching of export -oriented enterprises.  
4.631.   For 2018, the EU had a share of 14.9% in trade turnover of the Kyrgyz Republic as of 2018, 
i.e. exports – 41.7%, imports – 5.6%.  
4.632.   In 2018 the volume of foreign trade with EU members compared to 2016 increased for 
3 times from USD 318 million to USD 1 billion. This has occurred due to the increase in exports by 
300% (from USD 246 million to USD 756 million), a nd import of goods increased by 25% (from 
USD 297 million to USD 309 million).  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.633.   As of 2019 the EU had a share of 17.2% in trade turnover of the Kyrgyz Republic, i.e. exports 
– 47.2%, imports – 5.6%.  
4.634.   For 2019, the trade turnover of the Kyrgyz Republic with  EU countries comprised USD 
1193,9  million (an increase by 11.8%), including export – USD 884,9 million (an increase by 16.6%), 
imports –USD 309,1 million (a decrease by 0.01%).  
4.635.   Currently, the largest trading partners of the Kyrgyz Republic among the EU me mbers are: 
Germany, Belgium, Poland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Lithuania and others. And we separately 
notice a Great Britain as one of the former largest traders.  
4.636.   Kyrgyzstan’s export for abovementioned period to EU mainly comprised of precious metals, 
agriculture (raw cotton, tobacco, vegetables, beans, mushrooms, and fruits, gold, transport vehicles 
and parts thereof, engines, facilities, equipment, ferrous and non -ferrous scraps).  
4.637.   EU members import to Kyrgyzstan machinery (industrial equipment, mechani cal devices, 
electrical machinery, and components), transport vehicles and their parts, optical appliances and 
tools, pharmaceuticals, various food products, mineral oils (lubricants), paper, carton and their 
products.  
4.638.   In terms of services, it is worth to note that tourism seems very attractive to strengthen the 
potential of trade relations in services sector.  
4.639.   The Kyrgyz Republic is optimistic on further fruitful economic cooperation and maintaining 
stable trade relations with European Union.  
4.640.   The Kyrgyz Re public wishes a successful Trade Policy Review to the European Union.  
SAINT  LUCIA  ON BEHALF  OF THE WTO  MEMBER  STATES  OF THE OECS  
4.641.   We note that the during the period under review, the European Union has had to grapple 
with high levels of economic uncertainty , in part occasioned by changes to the membership of the 
European Union. This notwithstanding, we commend the EU for having navigated this period of 
uncertainty while maintaining positive growth momentum albeit at a more moderate rate.  
4.642.   Also commendable is its attainment of record high rates of employment which saw 
unemployment levels fall to as low as 6.2%. These performance indicators highlight the resilience 
of the EU market.  
4.643.   The EU continues to be a vital trading partner for the economies of the OECS mem ber States, 
and therefore the economic well -being of all member States is inextricably linked to the economic 
fortunes of the European Union. Indeed, both in relation to trade and development cooperation, the 
EU remains a stalwart partner to the OECS, part icularly as reflected in its EDF contributions.  
4.644.   The EU continues to demonstrate its belief in and support for the WTO and the multilateral 
trading system. Noteworthy in the Secretariat report is the EU’s adherence to the spirit of the Bali 
Ministerial Deci sion on export subsidies.  
4.645.   The EU has also undertaken some additional reductions in its tariff levels, albeit in the 
context of preferential free trade agreements.  
4.646.   The OECS economies are amongst the most vulnerable to climate change and, in that 
context, w e are heartened that the EU places climate action and environmental sustainability at the 
core of its trade policy.  
4.647.   Most specifically, we note its recent adoption of the New Comprehensive Legislation 
Framework for energy and climate change policies, as wel l as its policy directive which speaks to the 
prohibition of imports of single -use plastics and the banning of exports of certain plastic waste to 
non-EU countries by 2021.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  4.648.   In this regard, we also urge similar leadership from the EU in the fisheries subsid ies 
negotiations.  
4.649.   In closing, the OECS member States thank the European Union for participating in this 
important transparency exercise. Allow me to take this opportunity, once more, to wish the EU a 
successful conclusion to its 2020 Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF THE EUR OPEAN UNION AND ADDI TIONAL 
COMMENTS  
5.1.  Let me thank all the 62 Members for their active participation and great interest taken in this 
14th Trade Policy Review of the European Union.  
5.2.  I also thank Ambassador Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola of Brazil for his insightful remarks as 
the Discussant for  this review, as well as our Chair, Ambassador Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the 
Philippines for his efficient management of the long meeting we had on the first day, as well as for 
the concluding remarks he is about to deliver today at the end of this meeting.   
5.3.  The Members’ interest expressed in the 62 statements on Tuesday and today covered not only 
our trade policy in the narrow sense of the word, but a vast array of economic policies and measures 
of the European Union that are relevant to our trade partners.  This kind of heightened interest is 
understandable and taken seriously, given our role as the main trading partner to most of the 
Members here.   
5.4.  We heard numerous expressions of appreciation to the existing Free Trade Agreements or 
Economic Partnership A greements with the European Union and their benefits to the economies of 
our partners, as well as positive references to the EU’s economic growth. Also, we took note of the 
positive remarks with regard to the EU’s SMEs policy, sustainable development and e nvironmental 
policy objectives and measures, initiatives on women’s participation in the international trade, our 
Aid for Trade strategy, the EU’s active role in the Joint Statement Initiatives and fisheries subsidies 
negotiations, as well as our GSP+ poli cy and Everything But Arms initiative. Furthermore, we were 
glad to hear the acknowledgement from most of you in this room of the continued commitment of 
the EU to open markets, despite of the current global challenges. Many of you expressed hope for 
the EU leadership in a run -up to a successful outcome at MC12, to which we remain firmly dedicated. 
But we cannot achieve this alone.  
5.5.  It was very reassuring to hear from the Discussant, as well as numerous Members the wide 
recognition of EU’s commitment to the multilateral trading system and to this Organization. We were 
heartened to hear so many of you supporting the EU in its effort to lead the reform of the WTO. The 
EU can confirm that we will be at the forefront of the defence of the rules -based multilateral  trading 
system, including by continuing to table concrete proposals to revive the Organization across all its 
three functions: negotiating, monitoring and dispute settlement.   
5.6.  Let me take a moment to talk about this Organization, the crisis it finds itse lf in and the 
incredible value it offers to its Members and how they conduct their trading relationships.  
5.7.  The European Union is both the second biggest exporter and the second biggest importer in 
the world. Our trade relations are not a simple calculation of how many goods we import versus how 
many goods we export. Looking at this metric in isolation does not reflect the fundamental 
accounting identity in economics: savings minus consumption and investments equals exports minus 
imports. One needs to look at  consumer behaviour and government spending. One needs to look at 
the various ways our operators now choose to conduct their business in order to maximise their 
potential - by investing abroad, by locating production facilities worldwide, by sourcing input s from 
all over the globe. So one needs to look beyond a crude metric of imports versus exports of goods. 
One also needs to look at activities resulting from sales by entities established in each other’s 
markets. One has to look at services. The same Membe r who laments a goods deficit of $178bn 
should also recall a trade surplus of $55bn in services. One has to look at «related party trade», 
where affiliates import from or export to their headquarters, where the affiliates of that Member in 
the EU sell $400 bn in goods and services more than EU affiliates sales in that Member.  
5.8.  The way trade is conducted today, through global value chains, through entities with world -
wide operations, has allowed for great gains in growth. And what has been necessary for it to thrive 
has been openness and legal certainty, the fundamentals that the WTO provides. These 
fundamentals are now in peril, because the rules have not kept up with the pace of change in how 
trade is conducted. We see increasing recourse to unilateralism, to  managed trade, to protectionism. 
We see a tilting of the playing field, through a slew of market - distorting policies and practices that 
prevent our operators from competing on fair terms.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  5.9.  The only way to restore the fundamentals – non-discrimination, tra nsparency, openness, legal 
certainty - is to reform this Organization, to revitalise its negotiations, restore its enforcement 
capabilities and ensure a robust peer review.  
5.10.   Let me now turn to the specific areas of interest and concern raised by Members on  the first 
day and today. I also invite Members to carefully review our written replies for further details and 
the replies to outstanding questions which were received after the deadline and which we will provide 
replies during the next month.   
5.11.   A lot of Members commented on the EU’s SPS measures and agricultural policies which seem 
to be the areas of biggest interest and concern. The European Union is the second biggest importer 
of agricultural products in the world and our import of these commodities con tinues to grow. Our 
legislative regime is transparent, predictable, based on international standards and the best available 
science. All the EU SPS measures are notified according to our international obligations. Every 
comment received is systematically r eviewed and discussed with the EU member States within the 
framework of our regulatory process. The European Union always provides a reply to all the 
comments received and explains in detail the planned measures and the rationale behind it.  
5.12.   The EU fully su pports the activities of the relevant international standard setting bodies and 
works with them to help reach a comprehensive set of standards at international level.  
5.13.   EU measures on MRLs are regularly and systematically aligned with Codex MRLs, provided 
that they ensure the appropriate level of protection chosen by the European Union. For example, 
the alignment level of the EU to the Codex MRLs was more than 70% in the last 7 years. According 
to the information available to us, this is one of the highest l evels of alignment anywhere.  
5.14.   Our MRLs are systematically reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the 
outcomes of these risk assessments as well as a calendar of upcoming meetings is publicly available 
on their website. In accordance with article 3.3 of the SPS Agreement, the European Union can 
deviate from international standards if a health concern is raised by the risk assessment body. The 
transition periods provided are in line with the SPS Agreement which stipulates 6 months. In practi ce, 
recent concrete cases show that at least two years elapse between our first notification and the 
application of the measure.  
5.15.   All the legislation is applicable equally to domestic and imported products but where there is 
no risk to health, we provide fo r the granting of import tolerances for substances, which are not 
authorised for use in the EU.  
5.16.   We also listen. We are aware of the problems that some measures may pose for operators in 
developing countries and we are proactively working to help address th eir concerns. As many 
speakers noted, the European Union provides financial and technical assistance to support them. 
During 2017 -2018, the EU provided SPS -related technical assistance for more than 80 countries, 
groups of countries, regional organisations , and international organisations within the framework of 
over 500 projects.  
5.17.   Over the review period, the Common Agricultural Policy continued on the path of further 
market orientation and away from trade -distorting support measures, with the abolition of s ugar 
quotas in 2017 being a prime example. This is in stark contrast to other major Members whose 
trade -distorting support levels in both absolute and relative terms are far in excess of those of the 
European Union and are growing. The EU not only respects  its WTO commitments in full, but is 
indeed the leader among the Membership in having reformed its policy towards non -trade distorting 
Green Box measures which now constitute the vast bulk of the Common Agricultural Policy.  
5.18.   In the post -2020 Common Agricul tural Policy review proposal, the total maximum percentage 
of coupled support would be further reduced compared to the 2015 -2020 period. In general, 
decoupling has been a key element of CAP reforms over the last few decades. The EU has gradually 
worked tow ards the present very high share (approximately 90%) of decoupled aid within all direct 
payments.  
5.19.   Concerning the need to ensure transparency in Domestic Support notifications, the EU is one 
of the best performers amongst the membership in submitting Domes tic Support notifications and WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  hopes to submit the 2017/18 notification soon. The deadline laid down in the 25 -year-old document 
G/AG/2 is clearly unrealistic as no member is able to respect it.  
5.20.   Concerning market access, the European Union is an open marke t to agri -food trade. The EU 
is indeed consistently one of the two biggest importers of agri -food products in the world, worth 
USD138 billion in 2018.  
5.21.   The EU import regime for agricultural products is fully transparent and predictable, as agreed 
in the Ur uguay Round and set out in our WTO schedule. During the review period, the apparent 
small increase in the EU’s non -ad valorem tariffs is not due to any changes in the schedule or applied 
tariffs but is in fact due to a change in the nomenclature form HS201 2 to HS2017. The change 
affected specific duties, which are, by the way, just as transparent as ad -valorem tariffs. Naturally, 
like most Members, the EU does not intent to make unilateral market access concessions and in 
general its applied tariff is the s ame as its bound tariff.  
5.22.   The EU seeks the TRQ management method that is most appropriate to ensure smooth trade 
flows and the lowest administrative burden. Most of the EU’s TRQs are managed on a first -come -
first-serve basis. Even so, the EU does not consi der that the management system causes low fill 
rates for any of its TRQs. Fill rates are determined by prevailing economic conditions. The 
apportionment of TRQs in the light of the United Kingdom leaving the EU is based on the respective 
import shares of t he EU27 and the UK in a given TRQ during a recent representative period. The 
overall level of market access available to other WTO Members will thus be maintained. The EU has 
engaged with WTO Members in Geneva and will continue to do so in accordance with the relevant 
WTO rules.  
5.23.   Addressing some specific issues raised by the Members, the EU notes concerns expressed by 
some Members about the potential impact of the EU’s new organic farming regulation. To ensure a 
smooth change -over from the current system, th e regulation provides for a transitional period until 
end-2025 during which the EU will negotiate bilateral agreements on the recognition of organic 
production systems in other countries.  
5.24.   Finally, the EU endorses statements on the importance of the protect ion of geographical 
indications in international trade. Within the EU, GIs are protected under EU legislation and under 
bilateral agreements in accordance with the TRIPS Agreement.  
5.25.   EU imports of fruit and vegetables continue to grow. This is to the benefit  of EU consumers 
but also to the benefit of farming communities in exporting countries, including those partners that 
expressed concerns about the EU policy on Tuesday. Just a few examples. Since 2008, EU imports 
of fruit from Brazil have increased by 23%,  from Costa Rica by 40%, from the Dominican Republic 
by 93%, from Jamaica by 54%, from Peru they have increased 500% and from the USA by 87%.  
5.26.   We heard some strong words as regards the EU’s allegedly discriminatory “TBT policies”. Let 
me address these concerns.  
5.27.   The EU policies in the area of medical devices, chemicals or high tech products are not “TBT 
policies”. These regulations pursue legitim ate policy objectives, such as the protection of human 
health or safety and the environment.  
5.28.   The European Union adopts technical regulations in full respect of WTO principles: they are 
not more trade -restrictive than necessary to fulfil their public polic y goals. At the same time, the EU 
takes into account the risks that non -fulfilment would create. In assessing such risks, the EU 
considers the available scientific evidence and technical information, or intended end -uses of 
products.  
5.29.   The EU is proud of its  internal market system that delivers high levels of protection for our 
citizens while creating an efficient and predictable regulatory environment for economic operators 
that fosters international trade.  
5.30.   The EU internal market system is open and flexible . Unlike in the case of many WTO Members, 
European harmonized standards are voluntary, leaving manufacturers the choice to prove 
compliance with the applicable legislative requirements through alternative means.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  5.31.   In the area of certification, let me underl ine that the EU approach is based on a genuine 
appraisal of risks and relies extensively on self -certification by manufacturers for low and medium 
risk products, resulting in one of the most open systems in the world and reducing overall compliance 
costs a nd time -to-market. Mandatory certification is generally reserved only for high -risk products, 
in line with the objective of providing high -level of protection to our citizens.  
5.32.   Regarding fisheries subsidies, some Members commented on the ongoing legislativ e process 
within the EU in a situation where technical discussions among the EU’s institutions, namely the 
European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament regarding the European Maritime 
and Fisheries Fund have not even started yet.  
5.33.   At any rat e, it is clear that the next European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (MFF) will be fully 
in line with the EU’s commitment to implement SDG 14. The EU is proud that a vast majority of 
fisheries subsidies provided in the EU are positive subsidies that actually improve the sustainability 
of stocks, such as subsidies to develop and implement science -based conservation measures 
(notably through the collection of scientific data) and to improve control and enforcement (e.g. 
through better IT systems, electronic repo rting systems). And fostering investment to ensure that 
fish stocks and marine ecosystems are sustainably and effectively managed and will remain the core 
of the EU’s future funding under any circumstances. Moreover, the departure from harmful to 
positive subsidies some 15 years ago considerably improved the state of our stocks. For example, 
99% of all landings from waters that are exclusively managed by the European Union (Atlantic and 
North Sea) come from sustainable fisheries.  
5.34.   And this positive experienc e led the EU to submit at the WTO its ambitious proposal on 
subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing. Indeed, under the proposal all fisheries 
subsidies would be prohibited apart from those that are clearly positive and those to fishing that is 
subject to strict and objective fisheries management requirements. The proposal would imply 
concrete deliverables on the ground: removal of harmful fisheries subsidies, swap from harmful to 
positive subsidies and implementation of proper fisheries manag ement. Approaches advocated by 
certain Members would only legitimise increased subsidisation and result in an increase in harmful 
subsidies to the detriment of the positive ones.  
5.35.   Some WTO Members also questioned our new foreign direct investment rules. The  European 
Union is welcoming foreign direct investment, which is fundamental for our economic development, 
technological progress and closer integration into the global economy. However, foreign investment 
may also undermine essential interests of the Unio n and its member States, as witnessed by some 
investment trends, which emerged recently. Therefore, strengthening awareness and scrutiny over 
foreign investment likely to affect security or public order in Europe has become our key policy 
objective, which we want to achieve by establishing a first -ever European framework for screening 
of investment into the Union. Let us stress that under new rules, the screening of foreign direct 
investments will be carried out in a transparent and non -discriminatory manne r. Indeed, the new 
rules do not exempt any third country investor from the scope of the Regulation nor favour any 
non-EU country investor.  
5.36.   Several Members raised their concerns on EU trade defence policy, namely increased number 
of anti -dumping measures im posed on their countries, changes of the EU anti -dumping legislation: 
introduction of the new dumping calculation methodology, namely the criteria of “significant market 
distortions” and including in their assessment compliance with core labour and environ mental 
standards.  
5.37.   The European Union does not target any countries in the application of trade defence 
instruments. The EU opens trade defence investigations where it receives duly substantiated 
complaints from industry alleging dumping/subsidization and relating injury. The EU is obliged to 
initiate an investigation if all the evidence is provided, regardless of the country of export. Only after 
the completion of a full investigation confirming the allegations are measures finally imposed.  
5.38.   The introducti on of the new methodology was necessary due to the new challenges in 
international trade. The new methodology is country -neutral and is applied equally to all WTO 
Members. In order to trigger the application of the new methodology the existence of signific ant 
distortions in the exporting country must be established. In determining the existence of distortions, 
several criteria are assessed, such as state policies and influence, the widespread presence of state WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  owned enterprises, discrimination in favour of domestic companies and the lack of independence of 
the financial sector.  
5.39.   In this context, the recitals to the amending legislation explain that relevant international 
standards, including core conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and  relevant 
multilateral environmental conventions, should be taken into account, where appropriate.  
5.40.   To respond to the concerns on EU’s safeguard measures on the import of steel, we would like 
to stress that the EU is far from being a regular user of safegua rds. The EU steel safeguard measures 
were nevertheless justified given the exceptional events causing trade diversion, and threatening to 
seriously injure the EU steel industry. These measures, and their subsequent review in 
September  2019, were taken in f ull conformity with our WTO obligations. They are balanced and 
proportionate as they ensure a duty -free continuation of traditional trade flow. Safeguard measures 
are only introduced beyond specific thresholds.  
5.41.   Some Members have expressed concerns related to the EU’s position on the Digital Services 
Tax. We can confirm that the EU is fully committed to advancing the work which is taking place in 
the OECD and G20 to reach a consensus -based global solution by the end of 2020.  
5.42.   Other Members mentioned some Inte llectual Property Rights (IPR) issues. IPRs are among 
the principal means through which companies, creators and inventors generate returns on their 
investment in innovation and creativity. The EU is therefore committed to providing for an efficient, 
well-designed and balanced IPR system. Ensuring such an IPR system in the EU is the main objective 
of the recently concluded and ongoing reforms, such as the unitary patent package and the 
amendment of the regulation on the supplementary protection certificates.  
5.43.   The EU has a specific focus on IPR enforcement, considering the threat posed by IPR 
infringements not only to innovation and creativity, but to society at large – lost revenues and jobs, 
risks to consumer health and safety as well as the environment. Effi cient customs action is key in 
this respect as one of the main ways to reduce the availability of counterfeit goods.  
5.44.   We also received comments on the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which has been 
revised in 2018 and is a key element of the EU mo dernised regulatory framework for audiovisual 
media, which aims to promote cultural diversity and bring more opportunities for creators.  
5.45.   The member States of the European Union have established a dense network of co -production 
agreements with a large numbe r of third countries. Works produced in the framework of those 
agreements are considered as European works if they comply with the conditions set out in the 
Audiovisual Media Services directive (AVMSD). Furthermore, the quality of European works is 
recogni sed also to works co -produced under agreements related to audiovisual sector concluded 
between the EU and third countries fulfilling the conditions defined in those agreements.  
5.46.   Many Members referred to the European Green Deal. The EU’s trade policy will co ntinue to 
support the EU’s sustainable green transition, which at the same time, is a strategy for growth. The 
European Green Deal is an integral part of the EU strategy to implement the UN 2030 Agenda on 
Sustainable Development. Challenges are complex and  interlinked. This year’s UN Climate Change 
Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November will be an important political moment where countries 
will reflect on the adequacy of ambition.  
5.47.   A Carbon Border Adjustment mechanism, raised by some WTO Members, is not designed to 
protect European industry from open competition but rather to ensure the environmental integrity 
and effectiveness of EU climate policies as they apply to its trade -exposed industries. The internal 
market of the EU will stay open to foreign com petition under applicable rules. Any measures that he 
EU takes will be in compliance with its international obligations, including the rules of the World 
Trade Organization and our trade agreements, in particular.  
5.48.   We will not address, for obvious reasons, Indonesia’s question concerning the amendments 
to the EU renewable energy Directive in this framework in view of the ongoing consultations between 
the EU and the Indonesian Government on this particular issue.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  5.49.   A Member also enquired about the state of play  of the EU Single Window. At the end of 2019, 
the EU Single Window environment for customs core platform was used by nine EU member States 
in pilot mode. The EU targets early 2022 for the entry into force of the legislation on the EU Single 
Window environm ent for customs. We envisage gradual implementation over the next decade with 
the objective of making the use of Single Window mandatory in all EU member States.  
5.50.   Cambodia mentioned indica rice measures. The EU scheme of generalised tariff preferences, 
which foster the sustainable economic, social and environmental development of developing 
countries, contains a safeguard clause by which preferences can be temporary suspended. Following 
a detailed investigation based on a strict application of the relevant r ules, the EU concluded that 
indica rice imports from Cambodia caused difficulties to the EU producers and measures were 
therefore introduced, as of January 2019, for a period of three years.  
5.51.   The EU’s decision to withdraw part of the tariff preferences gran ted to Cambodia under our 
Everything But Arms Initiative is due to violations of human rights principles. In case Cambodia 
shows significant progress, notably on civil and political rights, the EU may review its decision. We 
stand ready to engage with Camb odia. 
5.52.   In conclusion and as already expressed by Director -General Sabine Weyand on the first day 
of the review, the EU has taken very careful note of all the issues of interest, as well as all the 
concerns Members have expressed during this review. The Euro pean Union sees great value in this 
exercise of transparency and peer review and very much appreciates the opportunity to hear the 
honest views of our fellow Members as well as the chance to explain our policies.  
5.53.   Many of you have lauded the EU for its eco nomic openness and transparency as well as its 
efforts in support of the multilateral system and the rules -based order. The European Union has 
continuous interest in market openness, which we consider as a basis for our and global economic 
success and pros perity. Thank you very much for your attention.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.54.   Over these two days, we have seen the Membership’s strong interest in this trade policy 
review for the EU. There were 62 statements delivered and more than 1600 written questions 
submitted by 39 Members. That is 600 more than during the EU’s last TPR in 20 17.  
5.55.   Let me now mention some of the main points that emerged from these statements and 
questions.  
5.56.   Many Members emphasized the vital role the EU plays in the WTO and its contribution to 
uphold and strengthen the multilateral trading system, especially in th e current scenario, marked 
by trade tensions, economic uncertainty and the unprecedented challenges facing our Organization.  
5.57.   In this context, Members underlined the EU’s engagement in the process of revitalizing the 
core functions of the WTO.  
5.58.   With MC12 on the horizon, the EU’s participation in the ongoing multilateral and plurilateral 
negotiations, such as fisheries, e -commerce, domestic regulation for services and investment 
facilitation, was also highlighted. On fisheries, more specifically, some Members stressed the need 
for EU commitment to capacity -enhancing subsidy reduction.  
5.59.   Concerning the Brexit process, Members are very much interested in obtaining more clarity 
on what will happen after the transition period ending next December. Members are paying close 
attention to negotiations under GATT Article XXVIII on the apportionment of the EU’s bound tariff 
rate quotas and expect that this whole process be conducted as transparently as possible.  
5.60.   Regarding agriculture, although the EU has manifested the inte ntion to put its Common 
Agricultural Policy on the path towards further market orientation and away from trade -distorting 
support measures, Members continue to be worried about distorting subsidies, peak tariffs, the 
significant use of non -ad valorem rates  and tariff quotas. Moreover, unjustified barriers to 
agricultural products remain a concern for many Members, especially developing countries.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  5.61.   In TBT and SPS, Members highlighted some specific cases in which the EU adopted measures 
that are more trade re strictive than necessary, without due consideration to international standards 
and scientific justification or benefit to human health. Main concerns include the registration of 
pesticides, the definition of MRLs of chemical residues and the reduced transi tional periods for entry 
into force of new MRLs.  
5.62.   On EU’s trade defence instruments, some changes in legislation since the EU’s last TPR 
generated much interest. Members noted that the EU remains one of the most frequent users of 
trade remedy measures, som e of which are seen as discriminatory.  
5.63.   The completion of the EU’s Digital Single Market during the period under review attracted 
significant interest from many Members. Issues related to copyright, e -commerce, online platforms, 
cybersecurity, measures in the field of electronic communications and taxation regime are among 
the main concerns of WTO Members.  
5.64.   Regarding investment, some Members are closely monitoring the EU’s Regulation on FDI 
screening, which will enter into force next October. Some Members ex pect that these new rules do 
not undermine the Union’s openness for foreign direct investments.  
5.65.   The EU’s Green Deal announced last December is also being carefully observed by the 
membership. Some Members noted that its ambitious carbon border adjustment m echanism must 
be consistent with WTO rules.  
5.66.   Many Members referred to the EU’s work on sustainable development issues, including by 
means of EU trade agreements, and on progress related to fair and ethical trade schemes as well as 
the promotion of gender eq uality through trade.  
5.67.   Some Members also recognized the importance of the EU’s cooperation, technical assistance 
and capacity -building, including of course the EU Generalised System of Preferences, with a view to 
better integrating developing members and es pecially LDCs into the global economy.  
5.68.   Finally, I think we all agree on the value of these reviews. The scrutiny of Members trade 
policies is an essential component of the transparency pillar of this Organization. Our collective 
engagement in this TPR has once again demonstrated the relevance we confer to this mechanism.  
5.69.   In closing, allow me to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for inviting me to act as discussant in this 
14th TPR of the EU. It has been an honour and a privilege. And it has been very gratifying to be a 
part of this exercise. I wish to congratulate again the EU dele gation for their active participation in 
this TPR. Thank you very much for your attention.  
PANAMÁ  
5.70.   De acuerdo con el informe de la Secretaría durante el período objeto de examen la Unión 
Europea hizo algunos cambios importantes en su marco legislativo. Adop tó medidas en materia de 
derecho de autor y derechos conexos. Además, ha comenzado a emplear una estrategia de política 
industrial renovada, conocida como «Invertir en una industria inteligente, innovadora y sostenible». 
Estas reformas les ha permitido gen erar puestos de trabajo y aumentar el valor de las exportaciones 
dentro de una nueva visión de revolución industrial sostenible y de conocimientos.  
5.71.   Por otro lado, nos llama la atención que durante este período se continuó aplicando respecto 
a las importac iones varias prohibiciones y prescripciones en materia de licencias, preocupantes, cuyo 
el número aumentó y sin que ninguna fuera eliminada. A Panamá le preocupa en particular las 
regulaciones sobre pesticidas y disruptores endocrinos, adoptadas sobre la b ase de criterios 
cuestionables que representan restricciones casi insalvables por falta de alternativas. Desde 2017 
hemos elevado con regularidad nuestras preocupaciones en los comités de MSF, OTC y el Consejo 
de Mercancías, y esperamos que la Unión Europe a ponga rápidamente esta reglamentación en 
conformidad con sus compromisos en la OMC.  
5.72.   Panamá, es parte del Acuerdo de Asociación entre los Estados de Centroamérica y la Unión 
Europea (ADA), a través del cual ratificamos la intención de fortalecer las alia nzas en materia WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  comercial y de cooperación para el desarrollo. Esperamos mejorar los índices que actualmente refleja 
la balanza comercial entre ambos mercados.  
5.73.   La Unión Europea es un participante importante en los trabajos de la organización. Tienen 
una p articipación destacada en las negociaciones sobre subvenciones a la pesca, en las iniciativas 
sobre facilitación de las inversiones, MSMEs y comercio electrónico, temas de mucha importancia 
también para Panamá.  
5.74.   Agradecemos los esfuerzos de la Unión Europe a por el trabajo que ha estado realizando junto 
con Panamá y otros, sobre una propuesta para un proceso post panel bajo el Artículo 25 del 
Entendimiento de Solución de Diferencias.  
5.75.   Subrayo los esfuerzos en mejorar la transparencia y notificaciones en el C onsejo de 
Mercancías. Nos complace, igualmente, decir que somos copatrocinadores del documento GC/777 
que busca mejorar el funcionamiento y diálogo en los Comités de esta Organización. Sin embargo, 
es importante que la Unión Europea acote los principios qu e anuncia y cumpla con los plazos 
establecidos para notificaciones de agricultura, en lugar de buscar extenderlas bajo otras 
propuestas.  
5.76.   Resaltamos el compromiso de la Unión Europea con las negociaciones en disciplinar los 
subsidios a la pesca. Hacemos un llamado a la Unión Europea para que continúe con sus esfuerzos 
para alcanzar un resultado en la próxima Conferencia Ministerial sobre la base de propuestas 
realistas, que representen ajustes reales a sus programas pesqueros, nuevos compromisos y que 
genere n un consenso entre los Miembros.  
5.77.   Panamá aprovecha la ocasión para reconocer el compromiso de la Unión Europea con el 
sistema multilateral de comercio, sus iniciativas y el liderazgo mostrado en los últimas Conferencias 
Ministeriales, y la notable activida d de su delegación ante la OMC.  Le deseamos un exitoso examen 
comercial, y anticipamos una reforzada relación comercial bilateral en el futuro.  
NIGERIA  
5.78.   The reports before us today reflects the excellent work of the Secretariat and the European 
Union. Both reports spelt out the key objectives of the European Union’s trade and economic policies, 
and the progress made since the last Review.  
5.79.   Since the last EU Trade Policy Review, we note that services are the major contributors to the 
GDP of the EU and, since 2015, the GDP growth rate of the EU has been on a steady average of 2%. 
However, the EU experienced a decrease in this growth rate as a result of some global and domestic 
trade tensions and a turn of events in the second half of 2018.  
5.80.   Despite th ese challenges, some of the achievements can be observed by the EU’s experience 
of strong economic growth, with all their member States contributing to this economic growth in 
their different proportions.  
5.81.   It is also worthy of note that EU member States wit h lower GDP per capita have achieved a 
more rapid growth rate, giving rise to possibilities of economic convergence. In this regard, the EU 
should be commended for sustaining these characteristics and for achieving a remarkable trade 
surplus in 2017.  
5.82.   This, once again, proves the importance of international trade liberalization and the need to 
increase the economic integration of all countries in global trade, notwithstanding their level of 
development.  
5.83.   We are encouraged to note from the Secretariat report t hat more than two thirds of EU’s total 
trade is mainly intra -EU, and the recorded successes stem from such intra -EU trade is worthy of 
emulation from Nigeria and the African continent as a whole.  
5.84.   We are happy to announce our outmost commitment to the Afric an Continental Free Trade 
Agreement which will underpin our integration through increased regional trade.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  5.85.   We observe from the EU’s policy papers that it takes its rights and obligations in the WTO 
seriously and is committed to preserving a stable and predi ctable international trading environment 
based on clear and enforceable rules. For example, in light of the WTO prices, EU is remarkably 
committed to the modernization of the WTO through its proposals, suggesting effective best 
practices in the conduct of the WTO Body. Nigeria also shares some of these visions, including the 
preservation of the dispute settlement system.  
5.86.   Notwithstanding its achievements, as noted in the Secretariat report, and the EU policy paper, 
the European Union is faced with some compl exities and challenges which contributed to the decline 
of the GDP growth in 2018. Some of the contributory factors are the existence of a downturn in the 
automotive market, partly as a result of the introduction of new emission standards requiring higher 
criteria for reduction of CO 2 emissions. Another contributory factor to the slowness of EU’s recent 
economic growth can be attributed to global trade tensions in 2018.  
5.87.   We are mindful of these challenges. However, we are happy to note that the authorities o f 
the EU are already implementing appropriate measures, as well as taking action necessary to 
address some of these challenges.  
5.88.   The EU’s Europe 2020 strategy for growth and jobs for the current decade will go a long way 
in overcoming many of these challeng es. 
5.89.   In conclusion, my delegation will continue to work closely with the EU and the rest of the 
Membership to achieve a rules -based multilateral trading system that is responsive to the 21st 
century economic realities. We also wish to thank the EU for their support in Nigeria through their 
national quality infrastructure project and other trade -related assistance.  
5.90.   We are confident that the European Union will continue its role as an active pl ayer in the 
multilateral trading system and make its contributions according to its capacity.  
5.91.   We congratulate the entire delegation for their engagement, and we wish the EU a successful 
14th Trade Policy Review exercise and a safe trip back to their variou s destinations after this Trade 
Policy Review.  
GEORGIA  
5.92.   Integration with the European Union remains the mainstay of Georgia’s foreign economic and 
trade policies. In 2014, Georgia signed an Association Agreement with the EU, including a Deep and 
Comprehensi ve Free Trade Area (DCFTA) the effective implementation of which stays high on the 
Government’s agenda. The DCFTA aims at promoting closer harmonization and integration with the 
EU, that includes the complete elimination of tariff and non -tariff barriers o n nearly all goods and 
substantial liberalization of services trade. A wide range of trade regulations are also due to be 
implemented, as the DCFTA provides for wide -ranging approximation of Georgia’s trade -related laws 
and regulations with EU legislation.   
5.93.   It has to be underlined, that DCFTA has contributed to Georgia’s enhanced trade with the 
European Union. According to the trade data of 2019, Georgia’s exports to EU have increased by 
13% and amounted to USD 825 million. While the EU’s share in Georgia’s  total trade turnover 
constituted 24.5%.  
5.94.   European Union and its financial institutions have always been instrumental and have an 
important role in stimulating Georgia’s export potential, regional development, infrastructure, and 
others. In parallel to Gov ernment programmes, the EU assistance under the EU4Business, DCFTA 
Facility, European Neighbourhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Development, ENPARD, have 
played critical role in developing agriculture and strong SME sector in Georgia.  
5.95.   Georgia being an active partner within the EU Eastern Partnership initiative is going to make 
the best use of the EU External Investment Plan in order to take forward the strategic infrastructure 
projects in transport, energy and communications as well as boost investme nts to support economic 
growth by supporting SMEs.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  5.96.   A solid basis of relations that we have built with the European Union creates a much promising 
future for deeper integration. Our endeavours serve seeking deeper and gradual integration in 
sectors to ensur e better institutional, legal and economic convergence with the EU – and in this way, 
prepare our country for next political steps on European integration path.   
5.97.   In conclusion, we would like to thank the European Union for valued partnership and wish a 
very successful trade policy review.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
5.98.   As one of the world’s top trading nations and the largest trading partner for over 80 countries, 
EU plays a leading role in the multilateral trading system. Moreover, by adopting an inclusive 
approach to trade – that is built on gender equality and women empowerment, transparency, 
consideration of social aspects and environment in its regional trade agreements – the EU is setting 
out commendable examples.  
5.99.   In the context of current challenging times, bo th the EU’s and the Secretariat’s report 
reconfirm the EU’s strong commitment to a central and viable multilateral trading system within 
WTO - subject to the reform process. Moldova shares the same objectives and will further support 
any initiatives that w ould preserve the core principles of this house.   
5.100.   The Republic of Moldova and the EU have a close relationship based on common historic, 
cultural, economic ties and geographic proximity. During the years, Moldova has benefited of 
increasingly preferential  trade regimes offered by the EU, namely ATP, ATP+, and DCFTA.  
5.101.   The cornerstone of Moldova’s trade relationship with the EU is the Deep and Comprehensive 
Free Trade Area concluded as part of Association Agreement between the European Union and the 
Republic  of Moldova, applied since September 2014.  
5.102.   Last year marked 5 years of DCFTA implementation, and despite the difficult economic and 
political circumstances during the first years of its implementation, due to common efforts, we 
registered a significant pro gress in priority fields, covered by this Agreement.  
5.103.   As a result, the European Union strengthened its positions as the main trading partner of 
Moldova both, in terms of exports and imports. Moldovan exports reached 66% of total share of our 
exports to EU market and 49.5% of total Moldovan imports originating from EU, during last year. 
This represents an outstanding result. One of the main priorities in this context for Moldova is export 
diversification and the extension of the range of exported products to  the EU including those of 
animal origin.  
5.104.   Another important aspect is the steady increase of the number of Moldovan exporting 
companies to the EU, from 1 548 in 2015 to 1 672 companies at present, which represents a share 
of more than 70% of the total numb er of exporting companies of Moldova.  
5.105.   We do hope that this positive trend will continue and elevate Moldovan -EU economic 
relations to the highest level.  
5.106.   Additionally, we can proudly highlight advancement in our collaboration on the priority areas 
such as energy, transport, quality infrastructure, IT services, competition, customs administration 
and entrepreneurial policy.  
5.107.   Here we would also like to underline the Trade Facilitation side, where Moldovan authorities 
work very closely with the EU. Among some of the basic developments include the creation of the 
Authorized Economic Operator at all crossing points of the border. The European Union Border 
Mission is another important instrument in EU –Moldova customs cooperation, assisting in the 
creation of the l egal framework, institutional infrastructure and administrative capacity to implement 
customs and trade facilitation rules.  
5.108.   At the same time, the EU is the largest foreign investor of Moldova with a share of 83% of 
total Moldova’s FDI, mainly originating f rom The Netherlands, Spain, France, Cyprus, Romania, 
Germany and Italy. EU is also the biggest donor in the Republic of Moldova. The financial assistance WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  from EU countries has steadily increased over the last decade - being mainly aimed at assisting our 
reforms towards sustainable development and inclusive growth.  
5.109.   On services aspect, we commend EUs ongoing efforts in this area, as progress was made 
towards establishing a Digital Single Market, a Banking Union, a Capital Market Union, good quality 
infrastru cture, broadband, energy, transport, and a circular economy, with a view to creating new 
opportunities for inclusive economic growth.  
5.110.   Here, we would like to particularly stress the progress made on the Digital Single Market 
Strategy which aims to create t he right conditions for the development of digital networks and 
services. Seeking to expand its potential, Republic of Moldova also has started its journey towards 
a digitally transformed economy using the timely insights provided by the international comm unity 
and its development support network as a vector for specific policies, programs and flagship projects. 
We have set the development of the ICT sector and electronic commerce as priorities for our work 
and we will follow closely further developments in  this area.  
5.111.   As a general point, the Republic of Moldova appreciates the EU’s constructive role in the 
WTO and its active participation in the work of this Organization, as well as the EU’s leadership 
through the numerous initiatives aimed at making progres s with meaningful results by MC12. In 
particular, I will emphasize the joint initiatives on e -commerce, Domestic Regulation of Services, as 
well as the strong support for Micro, Small and Medium -Sized Enterprises, the Declaration on women 
and economic empo werment, Investment Facilitation for Development, all of which mark important 
milestones for the WTO negotiations in which EU’s contribution is essential and the Republic of 
Moldova is willing to continue our engagement in all of these initiatives.  
5.112.   Before  concluding, allow me to congratulate the European delegation on this successful 
Trade Policy Review and wish them utmost success in continuing the good work and advancing their 
trade policy endeavours.  
MONTENEGRO  
5.113.   Montenegro appreciates the opportunity to participate in the fourteenth Trade Policy Review 
of the EU, we know how big and comprehensive work is behind this report. Montenegro welcomes a 
collaborative approach to examine key themes and questions to enable practical exchanges of 
information on EU t rade policy that are intended to support its security and strengthen its economy.  
5.114.   European Union countries are Montenegro’s second -largest commodity exchange partner 
and we appreciate the opportunity that this review provides to take stock and exchange vie ws where 
EU stands in the multilateral trading system. Moreover, TPR is an opportunity to become more 
familiar with EU trade policies, which is very important from the aspect of our EU membership 
negotiations.  
5.115.   As a small economy, Montenegro is very sensiti ve to the changes affecting multilateralism, 
and we are pleased to share the view with the European Union that the WTO rules need to be 
modified to accompany the modernization of today’s economy.  
5.116.   A large number of questions during this TPR show the importa nce of the European Union 
market, and even though we did not ask any questions, we found the answers that interest us, we 
were particularly interested in answers on questions related to the Energy Sector and the Digital 
Services as well as on the prioritie s of the new European Commission.  
BANGLADESH  
5.117.   EU is the number one trading block in the world and Bangladesh is the number one GSP 
partner of EU under preferential imports and the EU is currently absorbing almost half of its exports. 
The biggest share of Ba ngladesh exports goes to EU which is 61.8%. Bangladesh remains by far the 
most important beneficiary of the EU’s EBA arrangement. EBA has directly contributed to 
Bangladesh’s economic growth and social and economic development. Exports from Bangladesh to 
the EU have more than tripled between 2006 and 2018. EBA has contributed to the generation of 
millions of employment opportunities particularly for women, in the ready -made garment industry. 
In 2018, under EBA, exports from Bangladesh to the EU amounted to €17.4 billion and approximately WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  €2 billion in duties were saved in Bangladesh on an annual basis. Given the unforeseeable and known 
challenges, Bangladesh would like to see a continuation of preferential market access and support 
measure from EU after grad uation from LDC category. Bangladesh continues to attach great 
importance to the multilateral trading system to achieve socioeconomic goals and values it’s in the 
EU. 
5.118.   As a founding Member of WTO, Bangladesh supports in rule based multilateral trading 
system and Bangladesh believes in coming days WTO’s role will be more prominent in the field of 
trade and development and achieving SDG.  
5.119.   Bangladesh once again congratulates the delegation of EU in Geneva, the visiting delegation 
from Brussels.  
MOZAMBIQUE  
5.120.   Our st atement is aligned with the statement presented by Jamaica on behalf of the ACP 
Group and Chad on behalf of the LDC Group.  
5.121.   We would just like to commend the Permanent Representative of the European Union and 
the Geneva team for their commitment to the mult ilateral trading system, as well as their 
engagement in an effort to contribute to the WTO reform through multifaceted interaction.  
5.122.   Mozambique and the European Union enjoy good relationship in bilateral and regional, as 
well as in multilateral trade, which  count for historical, cultural, economic and multi -faceted 
cooperation ties, anchored through different instruments such as ???, EBA?? EPA, GSP, and a 
partnership for development.  
5.123.   Despite challenges faced, our cooperation, trade and investment relations r ank from 
humanitarian affairs, engagement in agriculture, infrastructure projects, tourism, so to mention a 
few. 
5.124.   We also benefit from technical assistance and capacity building through education and on -
the-job training. Under triangular cooperation framewo rk with one of the members of the European 
Union, Mozambique is a beneficiary of the programme of partnership for investment and ??? in 
Africa, together with three more African countries through which there has been a long process 
aiming at strengthening ? ?? capacity, small and medium enterprises, development, job creation, 
there has been under implementation and assistance of the international trade center.  
5.125.   To conclude, we commend the European Union commitment to continue its dynamic role in 
view to reform  that may firmly contribute to safeguard the multilateral trading system and the 
strengthening and reform of WTO, thus contributing to enhance trade, a tool of development.  
5.126.   We wish the European Union a successful Trade Policy Review.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.127.   On behalf of the United States, I’d like to thank Ambassador Lopes Parola and Ambassador 
Teehankee for your guidance of the EU TPR discussions. We’d like to also extend our gratitude to 
the WTO Secretariat for the detailed materials which serve as a founda tion for this week’s discussion.  
5.128.   I’d also like to thank Director General Weyand, Ambassador Machado and the rest of the EU 
team for the time you have taken to prepare for this review and to carefully address our written 
questions.  
5.129.   We greatly appreciate t he informative responses received to our advance written questions. 
The team back in Washington has studied them carefully.  
5.130.   We’d like to again highlight our main concerns raised on Tuesday, many of which were also 
raised by other WTO Members.  WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  5.131.   These inclu de matters relating to the EU’s implementation of SPS and TBT obligations, which 
have been continuously raised at the TPR and in committee meetings. It remains critical that the EU 
continue to engage with the United States and other WTO Members to reduce f riction in these areas.  
5.132.   This will be particularly important as the EU develops policies and legislation under the Green 
Deal. We ask that the EU engage with WTO Members early and often, across the different fora 
available in order to prevent the creation of additional barriers to trade.  
5.133.   More systemic barriers related to the EU’s use of regional standards and restrictions on local 
testing of products also remain a concern, especially those enshrined in EU preferential trade 
agreements with other countries and through technical assistance.  
5.134.   The United States is also concerned about the proliferation of unilateral and discriminatory 
digital services taxes across member States, and the continuing threat of EU -wide legislation.  
5.135.   Finally, we note that many other W TO Members, in addition to the United States, have voiced 
concerns about EU member States’ fisheries subsidy policies.  
5.136.   We look forward to continuing our work with the EU and hope to count on continued EU 
leadership on these difficult issues.  
5.137.   I’d like to co ngratulate the EU team on a successful TPR and wish you a safe journey home 
to Brussels. Thank you.  
CHINA  
5.138.   Let me start by thanking Ambassador Machado for his response to Members’ interventions 
made today and on Tuesday.  
5.139.   We will convey the information back to capital for further study, especially with regards to 
the intensive trade defensive measures, stringent scheme of FDI screen and a protective agriculture 
policy, which are of great concern to our stakeholders.  
5.140.   In the meantime, we sincerely hope that the  concerns expressed by Members in this Review 
will be seriously taken into account and will be addressed by the EU as promised.  
5.141.   As China stated on the first day of the meeting, China applauds the EU’s commitment to the 
multilateral trading system and. in p articular, its leadership in addressing current challenges facing 
the WTO.  
5.142.   We are encouraged by EU’s commitments to continue to play the leading role in upholding 
the rules -based multilateral trading system, and we will work together with the EU and others  to 
fight against unilateralism, protectionism and trade bullying??, which we believe are threatening the 
multilateral trading system.  
5.143.   I would also like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to the EU’s delegation 
for their replies to our wri tten questions, and we will study them further.  
5.144.   As a Member who always receives a large number of questions during our own Trade Policy 
Review, we can imagine the hard time EU had this time to answer all those more than 1,600 
questions.  
5.145.   However, since EU i s China’s one of the most important trading partners, China has further 
submitted quite a few follow -up questions, and looks forward to receiving the replies in due time.  
5.146.   Finally, I would like to congratulate the EU for its successful TPR and wish those wh o go back 
to Brussels a safe journey.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This fourteenth Trade Policy Review of the European Union (EU) has allowed Members to take 
a close look at the economic, trade, and investment policies of the world’s biggest trader of goods 
and services during the period up until September 2019. I would l ike to thank both Mrs. Sabine 
Weyand, Director -General of DG Trade, and Ambassador João Aguiar Machado for their forthright 
and active engagement. My gratitude also goes to our discussant, Ambassador Alexandre Guido 
Lopes Parola, for his thoughtful comment s and remarks and of course last, but not least, to the 
62 delegations that took the floor during these two days and all the delegations for their kind 
attendance.  
6.2.  Members noted that the EU economy had performed well in 2017 -18, but slowed somewhat in 
the second half of 2018 due to several factors, including escalating trade tensions and global 
uncertainties. It was also noted that many recent EU policy initiatives aimed to further harmonize 
the EU’s single market, which was a welcome development, but that  certain areas, such as fiscal 
policies, remained divergent among member States. The EU remains the largest market in the world, 
and the most important trading partner for some 80 economies.  
6.3.  The EU was complimented for being a strong supporter and defende r of the rules -based 
multilateral trading system; its leadership role was particularly commended. Many Members looked 
to the EU at this difficult juncture to help resolve the situation with respect to the Appellate Body, 
lead reform efforts, help re -launch  the negotiating function, and propel the WTO to a successful 
outcome at MC12. Members were further appreciative of the EU’s leadership and engagement in the 
Joint Statement Initiatives on e -commerce, investment facilitation, MSMEs, and domestic regulation  
in services. The EU had led by example in many areas including by complying with WTO notification 
requirements and incorporating gender equality in its trade agreements and policies.  
6.4.  In general, Members were of the view that the EU trade and investment re gime remained 
oriented towards open markets. The EU had also taken measures to further facilitate trade, and its 
single window initiative continues to be gradually implemented. The EU’s applied tariff structure did 
not change significantly since the last R eview, and its simple average MFN tariff rate remains at 
6.3%. MFN applied rates are generally identical, or close, to the WTO bound rates.  
6.5.  While many Members recognised the importance of trade with the EU under the multilateral 
trading system, they noted  with appreciation the advantageous trade regimes in place between them 
and the EU to further liberalize trade, such as Free Trade Agreements and Economic Partnership 
Agreements and other regional arrangements. Many developing and LDC Members were particul arly 
appreciative of the preferences granted through the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), 
the Everything But Arms (EBA) special arrangement, as well as other forms of development support, 
technical assistance and capacity building they receive d from the EU and its member States.  
6.6.  Many Members did pose questions and raised concerns regarding certain EU sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures which in their view were not based on science nor on international standards 
and did not provide adequate oppo rtunity to take into account views of third countries. Measures 
regarding the setting of maximum residue levels were often mentioned in this respect. Similar 
concerns were expressed about EU technical regulations and standards, for example with respect to 
rules on medical devices and chemicals. We thank and take note of Ambassador Aguiar Machado’s 
remarks on these issues.  
6.7.  While noting that the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) had not undergone revision during 
the review period, there had been a few not able developments such as the movement towards 
market orientation and away from trade -distorting measures and the elimination of sugar production 
quotas. The elimination of EU export subsidies pursuant to the Nairobi Ministerial Declaration was 
also praise d. However, these developments were seen as not enough by many Members who 
reiterated several of their longstanding concerns in the agricultural sector, including high tariff rates, 
the use of non -ad valorem or other complex duties, high levels of domestic  support, and 
management of TRQs.  
6.8.  As a key market and source of supply of fish and fisheries products, the EU has been an 
important player in the current negotiations to eliminate fisheries subsidies. The EU was urged by 
Members to reduce its level of subs idies, avoid reintroducing subsidies for purchase, renovation, and WT/TPR/W/ 176 • European Union  
 
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  new fishing vessels, and contribute constructively to reach an agreement at MC12. It was also 
pointed out that significant barriers to market access existed as a result of high tariffs and 
preferential regimes.  
6.9.  It was noted that the EU continued to be a significant user of trade remedies although there 
was a trend of fewer initiations which was seen as a positive sign. The EU had introduced new 
regulations during the review period with a vi ew to modernising and updating rules to keep pace 
with global challenges; however, these raised a number of questions such as how environmental 
and social considerations would be taken into account. Members also raised some concerns with 
regard to the cont inued application of the safeguard measure on steel products including its 
compatibility with WTO rules, the creation of new terminologies, and the new methodologies 
employed in the calculation of dumping margins.  
6.10.   Many delegations mentioned the importance  of their trade and investment relationship with 
the EU, as quite often the EU was a top source or destination for these investment flows contributing 
to further growth and development. Recent policy developments, such as the new EU cooperation 
mechanism f or the screening of FDI, were viewed by some Members as creating uncertainties 
regarding the future direction and openness of the EU’s investment regime. Clarification was also 
sought on the re -negotiation of bilateral investment treaties at the EU level, and the decoupling of 
investment protection provisions from trade agreements.  
6.11.   Regarding energy and climate change policies, the EU was praised for its goal of becoming 
the first carbon neutral continent by 2050 and for the recent call by the EU Commission to end fossil 
fuel subsidies. Members expressed interest in the EU’s Green Deal policy recently announced and 
the possible introduction of a carbon border adjustment mechanism. Concerns were expressed 
regarding certain aspects of EU rules on renewable ener gy.  
6.12.   Naturally the impact on the EU and the world economy of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal 
from the EU is being observed carefully by Members. The EU indicated that the UK remains covered 
by the EU’s commitments and concessions on goods and services duri ng the transition period 
planned to last until 31 December 2020. Members expressed great interest in the negotiations under 
GATT Article XXVIII on the apportionment of the EU’s bound tariff rate quotas. In this regard, 
Members expected the process to be in clusive and provide compensation, where necessary, to 
maintain access. The point was also made that negotiations between the UK and the EU on their 
future trade relationship should not adversely affect interests of third countries.  
6.13.   The EU received more th an 1,600 written questions prior to this Trade Policy Review, and it 
has already responded to most of them. In a month’s time, Members should receive replies to late 
submissions and follow -up questions that are still outstanding, which will then mark the s uccessful 
conclusion of this TPR. 
__________  