Brussels, 24/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - During the special session of the WTO agriculture committee, which took lace on Tuesday in Geneva, the European Commission presented two documents, one on export competition, the other on the precautionary principal. If the political position remains identical on these two subjects, the new aspects lie especially in the fact that the Community refines its position to answer the criticisms of certain trading partners, which suspect it of wanting to impose "hidden" protectionist measures, under the cover of the precautionary principal. Thus there is an urgent need for clarification over the use of this principal, as on the one side consumers have the right to expect a prudent approach when decisions are taken on food safety, while on the other it is necessary to have a good definition of this principal to avoid abuses, stated David Roberts, the chief negotiator for the Commission. The EU proposed certain safeguard, notably: - each measure must be proportionate and must not lead to trade restrictions beyond an adequate level of protection; - the measures must not be discriminatory; - the cost/benefit relationship of the action must be examined in order not to causes excessive trade disturbances.
Concerning export competition, the EU will once more denounce the use, by the United States, of export credits which, contrary to European subsidies, are not regulated by the WTO and may be increased and modified when desired. The Commission document presents the problems faced by certain developing countries (sudden and significant deterioration of national economy) and which could require "special credits".