EU Government Notices for June 29-July 3
The European Union issued the following trade-related releases June 29-July 3 (notices of most significance will be given separate headlines):
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- Montenegro accession conference. Negotiations with Montenegro on its accession to the European Union were opened at the first meeting of the Accession Conference at ministerial level. The EU presented its Negotiating Framework. Some of the key issues needing improvement were the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption and organized crime in Montenegro. (here)
- Export credit insurance communication. The Commission laid down the principles for State intervention in the sector of short term export insurance for the first time in 1997, amended several times, the rules expire at the end of this year. The current rules on short term export credit insurance define the criteria under which Member States can support export-credit insurance in line with EU state aid rules. Comments are invited on the EC's draft of the following rule changes: modify the list of 'marketable risks' countries and identifying market gaps to facilitate state aid. (here)
- EC - Japan Joint Customs Cooperation Committee. The fifth EU-Japan Joint Customs Cooperation Committee (JCCC) meeting was in Brussels June 27. The JCCC oversees the implementation of the Agreement between the EU and Japan on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in Customs matters. It was agreed that a more permanent technical solution for the exchange of information. Also discussed was the need for more collaborative projects on risk management and intellectual property and counterfeit protection. (here)
- EU-Central America Association Agreement. EU and Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) signed a comprehensive Association Agreement which also includes an ambitious trade component. European Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht, noted "European exporters will save around €90 million on customs per year and European service providers, such as for telecoms and transport, will get greater market access." (here)
- Trade resolution passed by European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament passed a resolution July 2 saying the EU should expand trade with Eastern Europe. Recommendations were made specifically for the six former Soviet Union countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.The EU is already the main export destination of most eastern partnership countries, but MEPs worry that China's economic presence in the region is growing, and that Russia could undermine the EU's trade. (here