Brussels, 16/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - Although he is calling on Paris to refrain from any protectionist response, the trade commissioner is promising that adequate use will be made of the trade defence instruments.
Targeted in the spring by Arnaud Montebourg as part of the controversy over the EU's increasing opening-up in the field of trade, which the French minister for industrial renewal described as too naive, Karel De Gucht defended his pro-free trade policy before the French Parliament on Wednesday 16 January.
“The competitiveness problems of the French economy cannot be explained by unfair competition [on the part of third countries] or an excessive degree of openness”, de Gucht stressed, defending the pursuit of an “intelligent and targeted, offensive and voluntary” trade strategy “adapted to reality, which there is nothing stupid or naive about” (our translation throughout). A strategy based on the principles of “positive” reciprocity, aiming to bring the EU's partners up to its level of openness, and of a “ realistic and differentiated” reciprocity with the emerging countries, presupposing “a limited dose of asymmetry” in the commitments of the EU and of its partners.
However, the Commissioner pledged that his “ambitious” strategy of bilateral EU commitments would ensure that agreements are implemented, in respect of the rule of law, and will fight unfair commercial practices, guaranteeing adequate use of the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy instruments “wherever necessary and justified”. “The recent opening of an investigation into exports of Chinese solar panels is the best proof of this”, de Gucht stated, nonetheless stressing that it is important that these be used “properly, when the conditions to do so have all been met in full”. “A 'political' management of the trade defence instruments, which will only weaken them, is in nobody's interests”, the commissioner added, pointing out that he has already set up a reform project which will bring them into line with the development of the global economy “without changing the underlying fundamental balances”.
In order to carry out his strategy, de Gucht is counting on the support of all of the member states, particularly France and its Trade Minister Nicole Bricq. “There are many problems and this is to be expected. But certain specific sectorial interests all too often push us to change course, or even backpedal. This is not an option for the EU in the current economic climate. We will only be able to take full advantage of the new world order by shaping it to our advantage, not by turning our back on it”, he concluded. (EH/transl.fl)