26/05/2020 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission confirmed on Tuesday 26 May that the EU export licensing system for personal protective equipment (PPE) would expire. A first version of this scheme was introduced on 15 March in order to guarantee the Union adequate supplies of certain PPE. The scheme thereby ensured a uniform European approach by removing export restrictions and authorisation requirements imposed at Member State level (see EUROPE 12447/7). This version was then replaced on 26 April by a new, less restrictive and less exclusive regime, which remained in force for one month (see EUROPE 12474/6, 12467/7). However, these mechanisms caused concern to proponents of unfettered trade, who were concerned that such measures would continue. “It has served its purpose, so it ceases. Promise kept”, EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan said on Twitter the same day. (HD)