On Wednesday 19 February, Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan reminded MEPs on the Trade parliamentary committee of the main priorities of his mandate, which he had previously outlined at his parliamentary hearing (see EUROPE 12338/1).
He thereby recalled that the EU intended to take the initiative and reform the World Trade Organization (WTO), with the continuous idea of finding “a collective solution to a collective challenge”. Within this context, he invited MEPs to share their ideas on these multiple challenges: there is also the issue of adapting rules that are now ineffective, as well as creating new ones, notably regarding industrial support and forced technology transfers.
He also emphasised the need to reform the dispute settlement mechanism and to facilitate plurilateral negotiations within the multilateral organisation. Finally, he stressed the need to review agricultural support so that it is more in line with development and sustainability objectives.
The Commissioner also confirmed that the EU—within the limits of the existing mandates—remains engaged in a constructive dialogue with the US. He told MEPs that the package of measures envisaged for this purpose covers the three areas of trade, technology (5G, digital economy) and energy (LNG imports).
Mr Hogan also intends to commit himself to the climate efforts led by the 'von der Leyen' Commission, in particular by developing new trade policy instruments intended to facilitate trade in so-called “green” goods or by working on a carbon adjustment measure at borders.
Finally, he confirmed that the position of Chief trade enforcement officer (CTEO) would soon be filled. The CTEO will have their own dedicated organisation and staff. As a new dimension to their portfolio, the CTEO will also be responsible for monitoring the impact any changes in the commercial relationship with London are bound to have on European economic operators. A policy paper is being prepared, to which Members of Parliament will be asked to respond. (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)