德国外交关系理事会-欧盟贸易政策改革：在新的地缘经济环境中公平竞争（英文）-2020.10-37页_1mb

EU Trade Policy Reform Summary

Core Content

The document outlines a comprehensive analysis of the European Union's trade policy reform in response to a new geo-economic environment marked by rising protectionism, geopolitical competition, and the need for a more resilient and strategic approach to trade. It emphasizes the importance of Open Strategic Autonomy as the EU's new trade paradigm, which aims to protect European interests while maintaining openness and integration in global markets. The reform process includes a review of the EU's trade policy instruments across three dimensions: unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral.

Main Views

• The EU must adapt its trade policy to counter unfair practices and geopolitical pressures, while avoiding excessive protectionism.
• Unilateral measures are essential but should be complemented by bilateral and multilateral approaches.
• Open Strategic Autonomy does not mean self-sufficiency, but rather a proactive and assertive trade policy that aligns with the EU's values and interests.
• The EU should not use trade policy as a primary lever for other political objectives.
• Strengthening the WTO and its dispute settlement system remains a top priority for the EU.

Key Information

Unilateral Dimension

1. Antidumping Measures (AD):

   • The 2018 reform was a positive step.
   • The EU should improve the effectiveness of AD measures by publishing reports on price distortions, streamlining procedures, and implementing them in parallel with countervailing measures.
   • Consider expanding AD instruments to include trade in services.

2. Countervailing Measures (CVM):

   • The WTO's rules on subsidies are weak.
   • The EU should strengthen its CVM framework to address the market-distortive effects of foreign state-owned enterprises.
   • The EU should pursue multilateral, plurilateral, and bilateral efforts to develop better subsidy disciplines.

3. Enforcement Regulation and Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO):

   • The EU needs a strong enforcement mechanism to retaliate against countries that ignore WTO rulings.
   • The CTEO should have a clear mandate and sufficient resources to monitor and enforce trade agreements.

4. Export Controls for Critical Products During Crises:

   • Export controls are not the best way to address shortages in critical goods like medical equipment.
   • The EU should focus on strengthening global supply chains, diversifying sources, and creating strategic reserves.
   • The EU should push for the G20 to eliminate customs duties on pharmaceutical and medical products.

5. International Procurement Instrument (IPI):

   • The IPI is a tool to increase reciprocity in government procurement.
   • It needs to be revised to avoid bureaucratic hurdles and legal uncertainties.
   • The IPI should remain non-protectionist and compatible with WTO rules.

6. Countering Extraterritoriality of Sanctions:

   • The EU must develop tools to counter the extraterritorial reach of US sanctions.
   • A payment mechanism to ensure access to essential export-related services is proposed.
   • Strengthening the role of the euro in international trade is crucial for reducing dependence on the US dollar.

7. Investment Screening:

   • The EU benefits from foreign direct investment (FDI), but must ensure that screening is proportionate and does not infringe on private property rights.
   • Coordination among member states is necessary to avoid fragmentation and to align with global trends.

8. Carbon Border Adjustments (BAM):

   • BAMs should be implemented only if they are WTO-compliant and practically feasible.
   • A careful impact assessment is needed to evaluate alternatives and support the transition to low-carbon industries.

Bilateral Dimension

9. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs):
   • The EU should conclude more comprehensive and ambitious FTAs with strategic partners.
   • FTAs should be ratified and implemented more quickly.
   • Standardized rules of origin and data protection are essential for effective utilization.
   • Deepening chapters on digital trade in existing FTAs is recommended.

Multilateral Dimension

10. Reforming the WTO:
    • A functioning dispute settlement system is a top priority.
    • The MPIA is a temporary solution, and the EU should push for a permanent system.
    • Strengthening subsidy rules and modernizing the WTO rulebook is necessary.
    • The EU should support the graduation of emerging economies, including China, from special and differential treatment.
    • Plurilateral agreements on e-commerce, services, investment, and MSMEs are viable options to advance global trade rules.

Conclusion

The EU's trade policy reform is a response to a more protectionist and geopolitical global landscape. The reform should focus on balancing defensive and proactive measures, ensuring WTO compatibility, and fostering strategic autonomy without resorting to protectionism. The EU must remain open, integrated, and resilient in the face of growing global challenges, while also contributing to shaping the future of international trade rules.