News

The current world health crisis will result in a decline of 9.2% in EU exports and 8.8% in EU imports from third countries in 2020, according to the EU Chief Economist note, based on the estimated decline in GDP worldwide.

Today, EU Trade Ministers held an informal videoconference to exchange views on the impact of COVID-19 on trade.

Today the European Commission started consultations with EU Member States on a draft regulation to adjust the export authorisation scheme set up on 15 March as an emergency measure that elapses on 25 April 2020.

The European Union, together with 21 other Members of the World Trade Organization, yesterday committed to open and predictable trade in agricultural and food products during the current global health crisis.

Today, the EU notified to the World Trade Organization steps it has taken aimed at supporting the fight against coronavirus. This notification follows a recent commitment by G20 members to provide full transparency of all policies that affect international trade.

Both Parties and the Panel have agreed that under the current restrictions in view of limiting the spread of Covid-19, the hearing will be postponed.

The EU and 15 other members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) today decided on an arrangement that will allow them to bring appeals and solve trade disputes among them despite the current paralysis of the WTO Appellate Body.

The European Commission today issued guidelines to ensure a strong EU-wide approach to foreign investment screening in a time of public health crisis and related economic vulnerability.

On 15 March, the Commission introduced export authorisation requirements for exports of personal protective equipment outside of the European Union. This is a measure of temporary nature and not an export ban and is in line with all of the EU’s international obligations.