Stakeholder meeting on imports of ethanol products from Pakistan for the purpose of Article 30 of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Regulation (EU) 978/2012

Context 

Pursuant to Article 30 of the GSP Regulation, where imports of products included in Annex I to the TFEU cause, or threaten to cause, serious disturbance to Union markets, the Commission, on its own initiative or at the request of a Member State, is to adopt an implementing act in order to suspend the preferential arrangements in respect of the products concerned.

On 15 May 2024, the Commission received a joint request from several EU Member States to adopt measures under Article 30 of the GSP Regulation with regard to ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin (hereinafter ‘ethanol’) originating in Pakistan falling under CN codes 2207 10 and 2207 20. 

The Commission is inviting stakeholders to submit information and data regarding relevant facts and data. The meeting will provide the opportunity for stakeholders planning to provide written submissions to explain their views on the matter in the presence of other stakeholders. 

Lead speaker

• Deputy Head of Unit - Bilateral relations in Trade and Sustainable Development, General Scheme of Preferences Unit, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission

Moderator

• Civil Society Coordination - Transparency, Civil society and Communication Unit, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission

Agenda

1. Welcome and opening remarks
2. State of play and latest developments.
3. Exchange of views with stakeholders.

The meeting will take place via WEBEX. Webex access code and password will be sent to registered participants. We would be grateful if participants could launch their WEBEX connection at least 30 minutes in advance of the meeting so that any technical problems can be arranged in time before the meeting.

Practical information

• Date and time: Thursday 24 October 2024, 10.30-12:00 midday (UTC+01:00), Brussels time
• Venue: Virtual meeting
• Registration is now closed. Attendance is limited to 2 participants per organisation. Registered participants will receive a confirmation e-mail with further information on how to connect in due course. Any change of name should be communicated to no later than Wednesday, 23 October 2024 12:00 CET.