EU Commission Green Paper: Europe's Trade Defence Instruments in a Changing Global Economy

On 5 February 2007 the Trade Operations Unit of the Europe and World Trade Directorate organised a seminar on the European Commission's Green Paper on Global Europe - Europe's Trade Defence Instruments in a changing Global Economy.

The event was well attended with participants ranging from business, trade unions and practitioners.

Ian McCartney, then Minister for Trade, Investment & Foreign Affairs gave the opening address and other guest speakers were: Peter Klein, Head of Anti-Dumping Unit at the European Commission, Sheila Page, Overseas Development Institute, Ian Rodgers, UK Steel and Alisdair Gray of the British Retail Consortium.

In his speech, Mr McCartney outlined the broad framework in which, within the UK, trade defence issues are considered and stressed the importance of consistency and coherence in the UK approach in an area in which the complexity and inter-relationship of issues sometimes make this difficult.

In welcoming the Green Paper he said that in the UK's view there was a need for a revision of the EU Trade Defence Instruments and their operation.  He highlighted three broad areas:

  • The need for the fullest possible transparency of process and objectivity of decision making;
  • A more balanced approach to the Community interest and
  • An up-to-date definition of the Community industry.

He said that in making the judgements necessary on the final UK responses to the Green Paper he wanted to be as fully informed as possible of the views of all UK stakeholders.

UK Government Response to EU Green Paper on Trade Defence Instruments:

On 30 March 2007, after consultation with stakeholders, the UK Government issued its final response to the EU Commission's Green Paper on Trade Defence Instruments (to view click on related documents link to the right)

See related documents section to the right of this page for a fuller report or to view any of the speeches and presentations

Contact:

Colin Wray
Trade Policy Unit
Tel: 0207 215 5059
Fax: 0207 215 2234
Email: colin.wray@berr.gsi.gov.uk

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