Brussels, 06/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - In its final examination of EU trade policy (9th edition), the WTO praises the EU for its “instrumental role” in strengthening the multilateral trade system and its conduct in Doha Round negotiations. The report, which will be examined on 6-8 April by the WTO body in charge of scrutinising member state trade policies, highlights the efforts made by the EU to integrate developing countries into the international trade system. It also underlines EU progress over the last two years in consolidating its internal market and notes the advantages of its reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). WTO praise is obviously appreciated by the European Commission, which, through the voice of its Commissioner for trade, Catherine Ashton, confirms the EU's leading role against protectionism. In a press release, the Commissioner states, “The European Union will continue to show leadership on global trade and stand firm against protectionism. We need this commitment more than ever to promote trade and overcome the economic downturn. We are committed to multilateralism, to transparency, and to open markets based on rules that benefit developed and developing countries alike".
In its 9th report, the WTO praises the driving force of the EU in Doha negotiations, launched in 2001 but blocked since the July 2008 ministerial meeting. It also praises the EU for integrating developing countries into multilateral trade. These efforts include for example, negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements with the ACP countries, the implementation of the reformed EU's Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, and the fact that the EU is the major sponsor of trade-related technical assistance within the Aid for Trade framework. The EU is also commended for consistently arguing that a swift, ambitious and balanced Doha Round outcome is the best way to prevent trade protectionism and boost the economy in the current economic downturn. The EU is committed to keeping markets open and to fighting protectionism, illustrated by its support for the WTO's initiative to report on trade related developments during the economic and financial crisis (at the request of the G20, the WTO will publish regular quarterly reports: for a look at the 2nd report: EUROPE 9871). In this respect, the Commission highlights the active contribution of the EU (in its quest for transparency) to the 9th WTO report on its trade policy. Its progress in liberalising the internal market was also praised as were the reforms of telecommunications and postal services stand out as significant achievements. The WTO also gives the EU a good report on the significant progress it has made in implementing the reforms of the EU's Common Agriculture Policy. The WTO policeman also recommends pursuing this path further. The comprehensive agricultural offer made by the EU in the Doha Development Agenda negotiations would slash trade-distorting farm subsidies, eliminate all export subsidies and significantly cut its agricultural tariffs. (E.H./trans/rh)