WT/TPR/M/357  
13 October  2017 
(17-5483) Page: 1/90 
Trade Policy Review Body  
5 and 7 July 2017   
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
EUROPEAN UNION 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Colombia)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE EUROPEAN UNION  ...............  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  15 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION  AND 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ...............................  73 
6  CONCLUDING  REMARKS BY THE CHAIR PERSON  ................................ .........................  89 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by the European Union  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 357/Add.1  and w ill be 
available online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The 13th Trade Policy Review of the European Union was held on 5 and 7 July 2017. The 
Chairperson, H.E.  Mr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Co lombia) welcomed the delegation of the European 
Union headed by Deputy Director -General Joost Korte, Directorate -General for Trade, European 
Commission; the rest of the delegation ; and the discussant, Ambassador Roberto Zapata Barradas 
(Mexico).  
1.2.  The Chairp erson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by the European Union  was co ntained in document 
WT/TPR/G/357  and that of the  WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/357 . 
1.3.  Questions by the follow ing delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Colombia; Singapore; Republic of Korea; China; Switzerland; United States; Ukraine; Argentina: 
Brazil; Indonesia; Norway; Mexico; Australia; Republic of Moldova; Russian Federation; Hong 
Kong, China; Kazakhstan; Chile; Viet Nam; Dominican Republic; Canada; Costa Rica; India; 
Chinese Taipei ; and Peru. The following delegations submitted written questions after the 
deadline: Ecuador; Japan; El Salvador; Trinidad and Tobago; Iceland; Guatemala;  New Zealand; 
Malaysia; Thailand; Turkey; Montenegro;  and Israel.  
1.4.  In 2015, Members had recognized the importance of the EU to the world economy, to world 
trade, and to the multilateral trading system. The low rate of growth in the EU as a whole and 
continu ed weakness in some Member S tates had been  a concern for the wider WTO membership, 
particularly because the EU had been , and still was, the first or second biggest trading partner for 
most WTO Members. Therefore, economic and policy developments in the EU affect ed other 
countries.  
1.5.  Unfortunately,  since 2015, economic growth had remained weak and had  varied significantly 
from one Member  State to another.  
1.6.  As noted at the last TPR, the trade and investment regime was generally open and 
transparent with common rules and procedures applying throughout the EU. Furthermore, 
technical requirements and SPS measures were, to a large extent harmonized. Although some 
countries found  the EU 's rules and requirements excessively strict, Members recognized that 
harmonizatio n had the benefit of creating a common system where compliance gave access to a 
market of over 500 million people. Furthermore, the process of harmonization had continued and 
there had  been some significant changes intended to simplify and streamline custo ms 
administration and make  it easier to do business.  
1.7.  Along with the EU 's consistent emphasis on t he importance of the WTO, it had  also developed 
a comprehensive network of bilateral trade agreements as well as offering non -reciprocal 
preferences through th e Everything -but-Arms, GPS, GSP, and GSP plus systems. The EU 's bilateral 
agreements tend ed to cover much more than just tariff concessions, as had that year's 
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada. While noting the EU position that 
bilate ral trade agreements could  complement the multilateral system, during the last Review there 
had been  concerns about the complexity this brought  to world trade as well as possible distortions 
it could  cause to trade and investment.  
1.8.  Government procurement, w hich was the equivalent of over 13% of GDP in the EU, had also 
been a concern raised by some delegations in the last TPR about access for enterprises outside the 
EU, particularly small and medium sized enterprises. Several important changes had come into 
effect over the previous  two years which were intended to improve transparency and access. 
Howev er, detailed EU rules only applied  above thresholds and Members welcome d further 
information about procurement below these thresholds.  
1.9.  While the EU might  be gene rally open to trade and investment, agriculture still stood out as 
being subsidized and protected. At the time of the last review, the average tariff on agricultural 
goods had been  more than three times the average rate for other products and total support  for 
agriculture had been  estimated to be nearly €100 billion. Furthermore, although the Common 
Agricultural Policy had been  substantially reformed in 2013/14, the changes had not directly WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  affected market access which remained  difficult for many countries due to high and complex tariffs 
and many tariff quotas, sometimes with complicated allocation and administration systems.  
1.10.   The last TPR had also noted that the EU had been  one of the biggest users of anti -dumping 
and countervailing measures in the WTO and t his situation had not appear ed to have changed over 
the previous  two years. In addition, while harmonized technical requirements and SPS measures 
might  simplify trade there had been  concerns about their development, adoption and application 
and that in som e cases they were not scientifically justified. From the advanced written questi ons 
for this meeting, it appeared  that Members continue d to have questions and sought  clarifications 
on these matters as well as on IP related issues.  
1.11.   For services, which remai ned the biggest part of GDP, Members were also concerned about 
how the EU was addressing regulation of financial servi ces as well as regulations on e -commerce, 
including audio -visual services.  
1.12.   As a critical player in world trade, all delegations were interested in hearing about how the 
EU was dealing with current issues including overall low economic growth, differences in 
performance among member States, EU action on climate change, migration flows, and, of course, 
Brexit.  
1.13.   The meeting might  not provide ans wers to all questions Members had raised, but the 
Chairperson hoped  it would give Members  an opportunity to reflect more deeply on issues of 
interest and relevance to th e multilateral trading system. The Chairperson  looked forward to a n 
active and fruitful  exchange.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE EUROPEAN UNION (DEPU TY 
DIRECTOR -GENERAL JOOST KORTE ) 
2.1.  It is an honour for me to lead the EU delegation for its 13th Trade Policy Review. On behalf of 
the EU, I would like to thank Ambassador Roberto  Zapata Barradas of Mexico who volunteered to 
be the Discussant for our TPR and the Chair of this meeting, Ambassador Juan Carlos Gonzalez, of 
Colombia for his introductory words. I would also like to pay tribute to the team of the WTO 
Secretariat, led by John Finn, for their commitment and dedication to produce quality reports and 
for the excellent cooperation that we had.  
2.2.  My statement today will be quite lengthy. This is because the European Union treats these 
TPR exercises extremely seriously. I would li ke to use this opportunity to respond up front to many 
of the questions and concerns that have been raised during the written part of the process.  
2.3.  The EU 's TPR provides an excellent opportunity for a frank exchange about the EU 's trade 
policy. It , however , also provides an opportunity for us to present a few reflections regarding 
global trade over the last two years and the functioning of the WTO as they are intimately linked 
with EU trade policy.  
2.4.  The EU remains a firm believer in the multilateral trading system a nd in the principles that 
this Organiz ation represents. This was most recently showcased by the EU 's Heads of State and 
Government, who concluded the meeting of the European Council on 22 -23 June by saying: "The 
EU will pursue a robust trade policy  upholding an open and rules -based multilateral trading 
system, with a central role for the WTO ". The same conclusions also state that "the EU will keep 
markets open and fight protectionism ". 
2.5.  Our dedication and support for the multilateral system has been thus confirmed at the 
highest level and held steadfast over the years and has remained a core pillar of our trade policy. 
Developments in the WTO have both influenced and been influenced by the EU.  
2.6.  Before moving on to addressing some of the key questions M embers raised over the last few 
weeks, let me start by saying a few words about broader developments in the EU since the last 
TPR in 2015.  
2.7.  The economic situation in the EU has improved markedly since our last meeting as shown in 
the Secretariat and our Go vernment reports. The Euro crisis is now behind us. The EU is continuing 
our efforts to consolidate the European Monetary Union. We have continued on our path towards 
recovery which was facilitated by a number of factors, including low oil prices. GDP grow th in the 
EU as a whole is expected to remain constant at 1.9% this year and in 2018. We have also seen 
important improvements in our labour market with the unemploym ent rate falling to 7.8% in 
May 2017. There are, however, important differences in unemplo yment levels of EU Member 
States, as mentioned by the Chair. We have created over 10 million jobs since 2013.  
2.8.  In order to improve our response to structural problems, the European Semester (which is an 
annual cycle of coordination and surveillance of the E U's economic policies) has been 
strengthened;  we have enhanced the coordination of the EU Members ' economic policies at EU  
level. The top priority is to boost jobs and growth and to address the social dimension of the 
European Union.  
2.9.  The deepening of the single market and the achievement of the digital single market are top 
priorities. A deep and integrated EU single market is not just good for the EU and our Member 
States; it provides tremendous benefits to third countries, to our trading partners. Our ef forts to 
operate as much as possible as an integrated economic entity have all been well recognised 
throughout the previous TPRs. While perhaps not always perfect, these measures provide our 
trading partners with access to a single market of over 500 milli on consumers in which goods can 
circulate freely.  
2.10.   Research and innovation are fundamental ingredients to ensuring that EU companies remain 
competitive and respond to consumers ' needs. The EU is responsible for about a quarter of global 
expenditure on rese arch and one third of global patents. Since launching the very first Europe wide 
framework programme for research, the Europ ean Union has invested nearly € 200 billion towards WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  funding research technologies and products that improve our lives. Of course this  goes hand in 
hand with IPR protection and we got many detailed and technical questions on these issues.  
2.11.   Certain important political developments have also occurred since July 2015. Many 
questions were asked over the last few weeks regarding the UK 's refe rendum on leaving the EU. 
There have been some developments in this area: on 29 March 2017, the UK Government formally 
notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the EU. On 29 April 2017, the 
European Council adopted guidelines for neg otiations. Negotiations have now started and the first 
round wa s held in the week of 19 June. Nevertheless, until its withdrawal, the UK remains a 
Member State of the European Union with all rights and obligations of a Member State.  
2.12.   Let me now turn to the questions.  
2.13.   A very broad range of issues was raised in the 1053 writt en questions we received from 
38 Members as preparation for today. We have replied on 28 June in writing to all the questions 
sent to us by the deadline of 7 June (849 questions). These wr itten replies were made available to 
you by the WTO Secretariat in the document RD/TPR/806. We will reply to the rest by end of 
August but I can already mention that many of the other questions are similar to the questions we 
already replied to in writing.   
2.14.   Let me now go into the main themes raised by Members. For the sake of clarity the 
questions can be summarised in 10 blocks:  
2.15.   First, regarding agriculture, the EU has a strong track record on reform of its Common 
Agricultural Policy (CAP). EU use of export  subsidies stopped in July 2013 and EU leadership was 
key in reaching the MC10 outcome on export competition. EU domestic support notification show 
the major shift away from trade distorting Amber Box measures and most EU spending is now 
non-trade distorti ng Green Box. We regret to say that only a few Members have followed in our 
footsteps to date.  
2.16.   Similar reforms have been undertaken with regard to our Common Fisheries Policy, which is 
geared toward ensuring greater sustainability and science based managem ent of resources. Our 
positive track record in this area is mirrored in our efforts to lead this organisation toward a 
positive outcome on fisheries subsidies at the next Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires , MC11 .  
2.17.   Secondly, regarding the EU 's bilateral  trade deals, we received many questions in particular 
on the recent rulings of the European Court of Justice on EU competences with regards to trade 
and investment. You have certainly noted in our replies that the Court determined the following 
areas that  are under the Union 's exclusive competence: trade in goods and services; protection of 
foreign direct investment; IPR; public procurement; competition; trade and sustainable 
development; transparency; State -to-State Dispute Settlement when applied to thes e areas. The 
opinion of the court gave in the case of the free trade area that we negotiated with Singapore is 
indeed a land mark judgement that will lead us into clarifying the distribution of competence 
between the Member States and the EU.  
2.18.   Thirdly, many  questions have also been raised regarding trade defence.  Trade defence is a 
legitimate and WTO compliant way of protecting ourselves against unfair trade practices. In a 
world where a level playing field is a distant dream, where dumping is more common th at we 
would like, and where massive amount of subsidies are threatening the competitiveness of our 
businesses and leading to overcapacity, trade defence will remain an integral and necessary part 
of our trade policy. I am happy to answer further questions on this issue and our modernization 
efforts while underlining the basic truth: such tools will remain in place and will continue to be 
used until ot hers reign in their policies.  
2.19.   Fourth, regarding FDI, as was the case during the last TPRs, the division of t he roles 
between the EU and the Member States in the management of investment treaties has been an 
issue on which you have asked many clarifications. We hope that our answers provided the 
necessary clarifications. I would just like to recall that foreign d irect investment policy is now an 
integral part of the common commercial policy, which remains an exclusive competence of the EU 
and has been now confirmed by ECJ. Therefore, new investment negotiations with third countries 
can only be carried out at the E U level. The existing BITs between EU Member States and third WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  countries will be preserved until they are replaced by EU agreements. In this respect, EU law 
grants legal security to existing BITs between the EU Member States and third countries until they 
are replaced by EU -wide investment agreements. Under certain conditions, the EU Member States 
may negotiate or re -negotiate existing bilateral investment agreements. However,  EU law does not 
provide for the co -existence of Member States and Union investment  agreements with the same 
third country and Member States ' agreements will cease to apply when the EU agreement with the 
same countries enters into force.  
2.20.   Fifthly, many of you requested clarifications on the Investment Court System which is part 
of the EU 's reformed approach to investment protection. It is proposed as a reformed mechanism 
for investment dispute settlement in all negotiations which include investment protection rules. 
However, we consider that the better approach in the medium term is the es tablishment of a 
proper multilateral investment court. This will require building consensus and we, together with 
Canada, have kicked off discussions on that project with a view to having a broad and inclusive 
process. The multilateral court would need to be a legal entity under international law but it is too 
early today to say whether it would be a new stand -alone body, or be docked into an existing 
international organisation. We will work with all interested parties to identify the best way forward.  
2.21.   Sixth, the EU has noted the continued interest of Members in its sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures. I would like to start by pointing out that in the European Union SPS measures are to a 
very large extent harmonized at EU level. Consistency of implementation  of these measures is 
overseen and audited by the European Commission. Only very few areas remain non -harmonized 
which relate to less commonly consumed or traded commodities. In these areas, Member States 
have the possibility to adopt national provisions i n conformity with the provisions of the Treaty on 
the Functioning of the European Union and in compliance with WTO obligations.  
2.22.   Seventh, on TBT, we have received some comments regarding our stakeholder consultation 
processes when developing regulatory meas ures. Let me just say that we are convinced that the 
EU's legislative process is highly transparent. It gives today numerous possibilities for stakeholder 
to express their positions which is sadly not the case yet in some WTO Members.   
2.23.   Eight, we have also  been asked questions as to what the EU will do now that the  States has 
indicated its wish to withdraw from the Paris Climate Convention. The EU 's Foreign Affairs Council 
bringing together our foreign ministers clearly set out the EU 's position at its mee ting on 19 June: 
"The Council deeply regrets the unilateral decision by the United States Administration to withdraw 
from the Paris Agreement (…). The Paris Agreement brought us together in very challenging times. 
It demonstrates, along with the 2030 Agend a for Sustainable Development, our collective 
responsibility towards the entire planet, for this and future generations, and our commitment to 
act accordingly (…).The Council reaffirms that the Paris Agreement is fit for purpose and cannot be 
renegotiated (…). The European Union and its Member States remain united and absolutely 
committed to full and swift implementation of the Paris Agreement (…). " Regarding the 
implications in the WTO, it means that we will continue to play our role and develop actions th at 
promote sustainable trade and the implementation of the UN goals in that respect. In this spirit, 
we will continue to seek progress regarding Environmental Goods Agreement negotiations. Let me 
add that between 2010 and 2015 the EU invested more in devel oping renewables than any other 
energy.  
2.24.   Nine, with regard to sustainability, this remains a top priority for EU trade policy. The EU will 
continue to reinforce its agenda to promote sustainable development, human rights and good 
governance, in the spirit o f the UN 's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our attention to 
environmental and climate priorities, the support we provide via the EU 's GSP scheme, and our 
continued focus on values have been core elements of our trade policy. And they will continue  to 
be in the future.  
2.25.   In this light, we attach great importance to the issue of gender equality and women 's 
empowerment. Just a few days ago, the EU 's Commissioner for Trade – Ms Cecilia Malmström, 
hosted an important international conference on women and  trade with the participation of 
Roberto Azevêdo as well as a number of other important panellists. This discussion will be 
continued at next week 's Aid for Trade Global Review.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  2.26.   Finally, ten, more broadly regarding development aid, the EU remains the bigge st provider 
of financial and technical assistance. The EU last June reached a new consensus on aid as part of 
its response to the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development 
Goals. Poverty eradication remains the primary objective  of development policy under the new 
Consensus. However, it integrates the economic, social and environmental dimensions of 
sustainable development and underlines the links between development and other policies, notably 
trade.  
2.27.   And more specifically on aid  for trade, which will be in the spotlight next week during the 
Global Review, I will say that the EU remains the first donor as was correctly detailed in the WTO 
Secretariat report.  The EU contributed around € 13.16 billion (2015 figures) to projects in 
developing countries. In line with priorities set by the partner countries, trade facilitation and in 
particular supporting the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement will be a priority in 
coming years. Over the period 2016 to 2018, in addition t o significant support provided by EU 
Member States, the European Commission expects to commit another half a billion to trade 
facilitation alone.  
2.28.   This brings me to the end of the initial reactions to the most frequently asked questions. We 
are obviously r eady to elaborate further on these questions on Friday in the light of today 's 
statements.  
2.29.   To conclude my statement, some reflections on trade in general and on the WTO. 
Unfortunately, the period since our last TPR has shown that all is not well in the mul tilateral 
system. A serious and concerted effort is needed to strengthen it. We are concerned that there is a 
growing disconnect between the principles underpinning the system – which the EU is strongly 
supporting - and reality, between theory and practice , and between what this organisation does 
(as a Member driven organisation) and what it should actually be doing.  
2.30.   The practical reality of the problems EU traders face were set out in quite some detail in the 
7th Trade and Investment Barriers Report publis hed by the European Commission a few days ago. 
The report noted a 10% increase in 2016 of recorded trade and investment barriers bringing the 
total up to 372. The trade barriers potentially af fected EU exports worth up to € 27.17 billion which 
corresponds to 1.6% of all EU exports globally. These trends were confirmed in the recent WTO 
Report on G20 Trade Measures, published on 30 June 2017.  
2.31.   Since our last TPR in 2015 , there have of course been positive developments. We had a 
successful 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi which took the long awaited decision to discipline 
agriculture export competition measures, including export subsidies and credits, and reached 
agreement on the expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). The wording of the 
Ministerial Declaration suggested that change was now finally upon us and that we were moving 
toward more efficient and effective work. While there has been some positive movement, the 
overall picture is not encouraging.  
2.32.   The WTO 's deliberative function has continued to be challenged. Just a few weeks ago, the 
work of the General Council was blocked for several weeks because of differences of view on how 
to discuss (not negotiate, but discuss) in vestment facilitation. Other discussions on issues, 
including domestic regulation and e -commerce, continue to be stalled by endless procedural points 
and unjustified concerns. At the same time, there are constant demands for work in specific areas, 
often c oming from those who prevent broader discussions.   
2.33.   The WTO 's regular work is also not as effective as it should be. While some efforts have 
been made over the last two years to improve the level of discussion in the regular bodies of this 
organisation, li ttle substantive progress has been made on key questions. A major part of this is 
the lack of compliance with notification obligations and the ensuing lack of transparency. While 
TPRs can go a certain way in alleviating the situation, nothing can solve the  problem better than 
actually ensuring that proper and complete notifications are made on time.  
2.34.   To illustrate: this Organiz ation has an immensely important role to play on the issue of 
subsidies, which is intimately linked to the problem of overcapacity w hich is pervading a number of 
industrial sectors. While article 25 of the SCM Agreement requires Members to notify their 
subsidies, the level of compliance with this basic obligation remains highly unsatisfactory. In fact, WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  it has deteriorated significantly  since 1995 as the share of Members that notified subsidies 
decreased from 50% to 38%. As regards the notification cycle in 2015, out of the entire 
membership, a mere 62 Members notified subsidies despite the obligation to do so. This leaves 
aside the addi tional problem of the quality of the actual notifications made.  
2.35.   And finally, although the dispute settlement function is universally recognized as the crown 
jewel of this Organiz ation, it too is under strain.  
2.36.   It is this overall context that has continued to shape the EU 's trade policy over the last two 
years and which has led to a stronger focus on trade liberalisation through bilateral FTAs. And it 
has strengthened our unease about the situation in this organisation and about the persisting 
problems facin g the multilateral trading system and its inability to effectively ensure a level 
playing field.  
2.37.   Despite these shortcomings, the EU remains committed to maintaining and strengthening 
the multilateral trading system, and has continued to exercise leadershi p over the last two years. 
To recall: the EU was in 2016 the bigges t trading entity in this Organiz ation with 16.8% of world 
trade in goods and services (followed by the U nited States (15%) and China (13.4%)). The EU was 
the first trading partner for 84 co untries, the second for 40  countries and the third for 
22 countries. In short, the EU ranks among the first three trading partners of 146 countries.  
2.38.   And, in terms of foreign direct investments, the EU in 2015 ranked first in terms of both 
inward and outwa rd FDI stocks with a share of 38% and 48% of the world total , respectively.  
2.39.   The EU has a very open trade policy as confirmed by data and as set out in our Trade for All 
strategy. This is a reflection of our strategic and long term interest in market openne ss since no 
less than 90% of future growth will be generated outside of our borders. In essence we 
increasingly need to import to export – and our trade policy reflects that.  
2.40.   Our MFN bound and applied rates are very low, averaging 6.4% and 6.3% , respectiv ely. We 
have multiple bilateral trade agreements in place and we are negotiating even more, reflecting our 
interest to develop and deepen trade relations. On top of this, we have very generous unilateral 
schemes in place in the form of our GSP and GSP+ pro grammes, and our "Everything but Arms " 
initiative which provides duty free and quota free market access for LDC goods to the EU market. 
As an  illustration, in 2016 almost € 62.6 billion of imports entered the EU under GS P preferences 
[this included: € 31.6 billion of imports from coun tries under the Standard GSP; € 7.5 billion of 
imports  from GSP+ beneficiaries; and € 23.5 billion under the EBA ini tiative (up 38% from 2014)].  
2.41.   The EU 's openness has not stopped there however. We have continued to be the largest 
provider of technical and financial assistance, including Aid for Trade, helping those in need to 
better integrate into global trade.  
2.42.   Size is  not everything, however, and individual action is not enough to push this 
organisation forward and safeguard the multilateral trading system. This realisation is particularly 
important today, at a time of challenges to the system, a rise in protectionist tendencies and a 
popular backlash against trade, which somehow tries to suggest that a world where nations trade 
less would be better than one in which nations would trade more. The EU, and all other Members, 
have every interest  in ensuring a multilateral trading system that contributes to predictable, and 
enforceable rules that can be subject to disputes that are resolved peacefully. This has been a 
fundamental truth which underpinned the work of those who established the GATT; and it has 
never been more t rue than today.  
2.43.   Major challenges remain, however. In the EU, we have experienced that citizens are far 
from unanimously convinced of the benefits of free trade and do not all directly benefit from trade. 
Indeed, even within the EU there are disparities bet ween the economic situations of our Member 
States. This is also why we continue to review and adjust internal policies to mitigate to the 
maximum extent  the adverse effects of globaliz ation; this is why we make a serious effort to 
provide clear evidence of  the benefits of trade; and this is why we are working to increase 
transparency in our negotiations.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  2.44.   In the EU, 31 million jo bs depend on trade. For every € 1 billion in net exports, 14 000 jobs 
are created across the EU. EU SMEs are at the origin of 80% of  EU exports. The EU is well 
integrated in the global supply chains: 80% of EU imports are raw materials, capital goods and 
components.  
2.45.   Conscious of the weight of the EU in global exchanges and of the importance on trade and 
investment for the EU economy at  large, we are well aware of the responsibilities that this entails. 
This is why we have continued to actively contribute to all WTO activities. At the same time, we 
are not naïve.  
2.46.   The most pressing concern is to ensure a level the playing field for trade rs by establishing 
new and much needed global trade rules. While the successes of Bali and Nairobi remain beyond 
doubt, much more remains to be done in order to create the conditions for fair trade to flourish. In 
the immediate perspective of preparing MC1 1, we need to collectively advance on the following 
three issues:  
2.47.   Various forms of subsidies that distort trade and affect its sustainability. This includes the 
need to advance on domestic support in agriculture as well as on fisheries subsidies. But other  
areas, such as industrial subsidies, also need to be properly tackled in the future as they lie at the 
heart of today 's backlash against trade.  
2.48.   Creating an enabling environment for online transactions and helping Members reap the 
benefits of e -commerce. The debates on these issues have been too politicised while disregarding 
the obvious benefits for traders from each and every WTO Member who wants to be able to buy 
and sell more easily.  
2.49.   Supporting SMEs and making it easier for them to participate in inter national trade. This 
should include improving transparency and making information about trade requirements more 
accessible.  
2.50.   These and other areas of work need to be flanked by measures and initiatives that cater to 
the needs of the most vulnerable Members.  The EU has supported development -friendly outcomes 
in the past and will definitely continue doing so.  
2.51.   This brings an end to my statement, I hope I have answered most of your questions. Let me 
conclude by saying that we are very glad to be here presenting the EU trade policy review and are 
looking forward to your interventions. I also hope I have made clear that the EU is and will remain 
a staunch defender of the multilateral system and the WTO but we cannot do this on our own. 
Thank you for your attention.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  Mr Chairperson, Ambassador Juan Carlos González; Mr  Joost Korte, Deputy Director -General 
for Trade in the European Commission; Ambassador Marc Vanheukelen; distinguished colleagues.  
3.2.  I should like to take this opportunity, as d iscussant for this review, to highlight the work 
accomplished by the European Union (EU), whose Mission, under the outstanding stewardship of 
its Ambassador, has demonstrated a high degree of commitment and leadership in the WTO.  
3.3.  Taking the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957 as the starting point, this year in 2017 we 
are commemorating the 60th anniversary of the EU. If we draw a parallel with the life of a human 
being, this is an age at which people enter a mature stage of their existence; yet the EU, i n the 
face of changes and challenges, is showing signs of renewed strength and vitality and, even more 
importantly, its prospects look promising even with the challenges that lie ahead. One of the 
EU's founding fathers, Jean Monnet, did indeed say that "Eu rope will be forged in crises, and will 
be the sum of the solutions adopted for those crises".  
3.4.  To participate as discussant in this 13th trade policy review of the EU, as well as being a great 
honour, is a privilege at this time in what is an especially in teresting international context for the 
WTO Membership, featuring, among other factors, the EU's ongoing reform processes and also the 
many upcoming challenges the Union will be confronting.  
3.5.  Among these, the standout challenge is perhaps the most unexpecte d event: the so -called 
Brexit. Whereas in its previous trade policy review the EU was welcoming Croatia into its fold, now 
it is moving into new territory with the departure of the United Kingdom. The impact of this 
situation raises many questions and rema ins somewhat unclear, in particular in terms of the 
UK's relationship with the EU, the WTO Members and its trading partners under the Regional Trade 
Agreements, and there is much uncertainty as to how long it will take to make the adjustments. 
This topic w ill doubtless be of particular interest for the WTO Membership, as reflected in various 
questions from the Members on the subject.  
3.6.  Even though the short -term effects of Brexit have been contained, according to OECD 
calculations for 2020 the impact of this scenario on the EU's GDP could be up to -1 percentage 
point, and -3.5 percentage points for the United Kingdom.  
Economic environment  
3.7.  The EU, taken as a whole, boasts the world's second largest GDP. The Secretariat report 
indicates that, while the EU has co ntinued its gradual economic recovery since the financial crisis, 
the recovery has been uneven, punctuated by periods of recession (2015), and at a slower pace 
than global GDP growth.  
3.8.  For 2016 and 2017, a GDP growth of around 1.7% is foreseen, after a high er rate of 2.55% 
in 2015. This growth was driven by an increase in private consumption, stemming from greater 
disposable income generated by lower energy prices and a significant improvement in 
employment.  
3.9.  It is worth highlighting in this connection that u nemployment fell from around 11% in 
April 2013 to 8.2% in December  2016, which is the lowest rate since February  2009. According to 
the Government report, it is anticipated that unemployment will continue to decline in 2018, down 
to 7.8%. However, some mem ber States still exhibit unemployment rates well above the mean.  
3.10.   Likewise, some EU member States have displayed high rates of economic growth, while 
others are still battling to emerge from the economic recession.  
3.11.   Thus, the EU still has a number of challen ges to address, such as diminishing demand in the 
emerging economies; high levels of public and private debt; limited public investment; a decline in 
the amount of foreign direct investment it captures; the liabilities of some state -owned 
enterprises, whic h in some member States are in excess of GDP; and, in particular, an aging 
population.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  Reforms  
 
3.12.   The EU has pressed on with its reforms, some of which were initiated during the previous 
review period and are now at various stages of implementation, as well as launching new reforms. 
Notably:  
3.13.   The Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, which sets 
three  economic priorities: investment, fiscal responsibility and structural reforms. The Secretariat 
report states that progress on structur al reforms remains slow in general, and more recently the 
overall reform process has lost momentum. Areas where reforms are sluggish relate to 
strengthening the business environment, employment, female labour market participation, and 
reducing barriers to competition in services.  
3.14.   In 2015, a new policy was issued entitled  Trade for all: Towards a more responsible trade 
and investment policy , which supports global value chains since it recognizes that increasing the 
cost of imports undermines the ability of b usinesses to sell and establish themselves in global 
markets. It also stresses the importance of trade in services and of e -commerce, the latter being 
seen as a means for small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) to expand their markets.  
3.15.   In 2015, a program me of regulatory improvement was approved in order to reduce the 
unnecessary costs of EU legislation.  
3.16.   In 2016, a Services Directive was implemented in order to bolster and simplify the 
establishment of service providers, stimulate cross -border trade within  the EU, and strengthen the 
regulatory framework to protect consumer rights. The directive is further supplemented with 
measures to strengthen the regulatory framework for creating a digital single market, such as the 
recent elimination of roaming charges that will serve to remove barriers to digital services.  
3.17.   It is also important to note other actions which the EU is about to undertake:  
3.18.   In the area of investment, a reform of the dispute settlement procedures in response to 
questions raised by civil society . 
3.19.   Strengthening and enhancing the participation of SMEs, by ensuring that new regional trade 
agreements include specific provisions relating to standardization through the "Start -Up and 
Scale -Up Initiative" and support for the use of IP rights.  
WTO 
 
3.20.   A feat ure of the EU in support of the multilateral trading system has been its commitment to 
more open trade, and it has sought various ways of achieving this, including most notably 
plurilateral initiatives on trade in services, information technology and envir onmental goods, as 
well as stepping up its schedule of bilateral negotiations.  
3.21.   In seeking other routes to free trade, the EU is pursuing ways to complement the 
multilateral trading system. In my opinion, we are not at a "fork in the road", where we have to  
choose between multilateralism and plurilateralism; but rather in a situation where initiatives can 
be mutually reinforcing for the sake of a common good, the WTO.  
3.22.   It must be said that the EU has literally "shouldered the burden" of work on a series of id eas 
that are fuelling discussion for possible deliverables at the 11th Ministerial Conference and beyond, 
in various areas of the negotiations. This commitment to the WTO is explicitly affirmed in its 
Government report, which reiterates that "the multilate ral trading system has to be at the centre 
of the global governance framework that WTO Members should collectively nurture and develop".  
3.23.   As regards the so -called "jewel in the crown", i.e. the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, 
by virtue of its contribution  to world trade the EU is a major user, ranking second as a 
complainant; second as a defendant; second on aggregate as a complainant and defendant; and 
also second overall for all aspects. It would certainly be desirable if the EU could move away from 
the top complainant Member positions.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  3.24.   Special mention should be made of the aid for trade which the EU and its member States 
provide to the Organization, making it the world's largest provider in six categories, as was also 
observed in the previous review. Afr ica is the region that received the biggest share of this aid.  
Trade policy  
Agriculture  
 
3.25.   The EU has continued reforming its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 
2014-2020, so as to reduce the number of trade -distorting supports. Today, around 50 % of 
support to producers is contingent on environmental obligations. Nevertheless, in agreement with 
the OECD, support coupled with production increased in 2015 and 2016. In line with the Nairobi 
Ministerial Decision, the EU has eliminated export subsidie s, although, as some questions from the 
Members show, notification of the adjustment to its schedule of commitments is still pending.  
3.26.   While agricultural tariffs have fallen marginally, from 14.4% in 2014 to 14.1% in 2016, they 
are more than three times the  average industrial tariff (4.3%). Looking at tariff peaks, the 
maximum applied rate of almost 700% relates to a single line, which has more or less wiped out 
imports of the product. Other peaks relate to live animals (132%), fruits, vegetables and plants 
(169%), and sugar (172%).  
3.27.   Furthermore, many agricultural products are subject to non -ad valorem  duties, ranging from 
simple specific duties to more complex forms, such as those in the Meursing Table. On top of this, 
there are a large number of products tha t are subject to import and export licences, and tariff 
quotas. Some Members have asked the reasons why some of the latter were not filled.  
Customs  
 
3.28.   The EU can boast a series of significant advances in the area of customs. Practically all 
customs procedure s are electronic, and import declarations are cleared in less than one hour. The 
EU has an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme based on the World Customs Organization 
system. Of late, significant steps are being taken to implement the single window. However, the 
EU faces major challenges such as the lack of a central customs authority, which could lead to 
non-uniform customs application, a concern that has been expressed by several Members.  
Transparency  
 
3.29.   Transparency is a highly relevant factor for th e EU. Nevertheless, according to the 
Secretariat report, the EU has yet to fulfil this obligation in terms of amendments to its legislation 
or regulations on safeguards, customs valuation, rules of origin and state -trading enterprises.  
Standardization  
 
3.30.   It is important to highlight in regard to standardization that SMEs and non -governmental 
organizations (NGOs) participate in the standardization process. Attention should be drawn to the 
Joint Initiative on Standardization, signed in June of last year, which aims to streamline 
standardization and set priorities. For technical regulations, a period of three months is allowed as 
from the notification of a technical regulation before the measure can be applied. Here, it should 
be recalled that, according to the A ppellate Body's interpretation, the Doha Ministerial Decision 
establishes that, between the publication and entry into force of a technical regulation, at least 
six months must elapse before it is applied. Members might be interested in knowing the reasons  
for this difference.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
 
3.31.   The EU is to be congratulated on the new legislation on SPS measures, which condenses 
nearly 70 different legislative acts into just four. Nonetheless, some Members still harbour 
concerns about cer tain specific cases, in particular regarding the approach based on risk 
management and the best available scientific evidence in adopting and applying measures relating 
to endocrine disrupters.  
Public procurement  
3.32.   The cost of public procurement rose to over  13% of GDP in 2015. Contracts are published 
on the Tenders Electronic Daily (TED); however, barely 17% of the total value of contracts was 
published on this medium, with significant variations ranging from 6% in Germany to 65% in 
Latvia. This is despite t he fact that e -procurement has been becoming mandatory. It should be 
noted that, under the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), the EU undertook significant 
market access commitments, by including new sectors and entities in its schedules, both at the 
level of the Union and of central and sub -central governments of its member States.  
Intellectual property  
3.33.   In 2013, imports of counterfeit and pirated goods represented some 5% of the EU's total 
imports. The internet was the largest distribution channel for counterfeit goods. In these 
circumstances, the European Commission has put forward legislative proposals to modernize the 
Union's regime of IPR enforcement, with particular attention to commercial -scale infringements 
and applicability across borders.  
Environment  
3.34.   Turning to the environment, the EU has adopted a series of measures to protect the 
environment and pursue the Sustainable Development Goals under the 2030 Agenda through a 
new circular economy package. In the same vein, it has maintained efforts to combat climate 
change, giving prominence to the Paris Agreement, which entered into force in November  2016 
after being ratified by the EU.  
3.35.   Regarding the waste shipment trade regime, it is worrying that the cost of waste treatment 
and disposal constitutes a n incentive for illegal shipment. The Secretariat report suggests that 
400,000 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) could be being illegally 
exported out of the EU annually, even though it was recognized in the previous review that th e 
relevant EU regulation bans exports of hazardous waste to non -OECD countries.  
Closing remarks  
3.36.   The EU is integrated at various levels. All the Member States belong to a common market; 
26 are part of the banking union; 21 are in the Schengen area; and 19 s hare the euro as their 
currency. Geographically, the European continent stretches beyond the current member States. 
Five States are candidate countries for membership of the Union, and another two potential 
candidates, such that the EU's diversity is and w ill continue to constitute both a challenge and an 
opportunity.  
3.37.   Given the vital role the EU plays in the multilateral trading system, we all have a vested 
interest in developments within the Union. Any action or emission, positive or negative, has 
widespre ad impact. The WTO Members need the EU to stay strong, stable, transparent and open, 
constantly reform itself, and make solid strides towards greater intra -EU integration and 
liberalization with third countries.  
3.38.   We congratulate the EU on all it has accompl ished to date. For the good of the multilateral 
system, we wish it success in tackling the challenges to come, and encourage it to work in the 
windows of opportunity that the Members themselves have identified in this review. Last but not 
least, I also com mend the Membership for the interest shown in this review, as reflected by the 
over 1,000 questions put to the EU by yesterday.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  3.39.   I call upon delegations to ensure that this review elicits substantive debate, and wish the EU 
a very successful trade policy re view. WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
COLOMBIA  
4.1.  First of all, we wish to highlight and acknowledge the important role of the European Union as 
a key player in the WTO, a driver of trade and international investment, a promoter of 
development through trade cooperatio n, and a dynamic participant that supports the 
strengthening of the multilateral trading system. With a view to the Buenos Aires Ministerial 
Conference, we underscore the EU's role as a proactive and constructive player making an active 
contribution throug h the submission of proposals in a wide range of areas such as agriculture, 
services, e -commerce and fisheries.  
4.2.  We also wish to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the significant support that 
Colombia has received from the EU in the peace p rocess and in the new post -conflict political, 
economic and social consolidation phase we have now embarked upon.  
4.3.  The EU is currently Colombia's principal partner in agriculture, thanks to the application of the 
multipartite FTA between Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, on one side, and the EU on the other. It is 
also a key partner for fostering social development through economic and commercial growth.  
4.4.  From the Secretariat report, we are pleased to note the positive economic trend in the EU in 
recent years, grad ually recovering from the 2008 crisis, as shown by both the performance of real 
GDP and the declining unemployment rate. It is vital for the world economy that the EU continues 
on this growth path and consolidates its role as a driver of international trad e. 
4.5.  We thus note with satisfaction that the EU is the world's top importer of goods, worth  more 
than €1.72 trillion, and the world's principal importer and exporter of services. In addition, the 
euro remains the second most used currency in the international economic system, accounting for 
approximately 30% of payments worldwide in 2016.  
4.6.  At the  bilateral level, our trade agreement with the European Union, which came into force in 
August  2013, has paved the way for significant growth in exports of our non -mining energy 
products, as well as diversification of the range of exports. We hope that thi s trend will accelerate 
in the coming years. The EU as a whole is Colombia's second -biggest trading partner and the top 
source of foreign direct investment in the country. Colombia, for its part, is the EU's fifth -largest 
trading partner in Latin America a nd the fourth -largest in South America.  
4.7.  In this context, we wish to thank the European Union, and through it DG Santé, the European 
sanitary authority, for the technical assistance and all the work carried out in recent years in 
collaboration with our sani tary authorities with the aim of resuming our exports of composite 
products, which have been suspended for several years.  
4.8.  We should also like to take this opportunity to mention a few items of interest regarding the 
evolution of the EU's trade policy, some  of which are reflected in the questions we drew up for this 
review, while thanking the EU delegation for the prompt answers received.  
4.9.  The first relates to the implementation of the community customs policy, by the different 
customs authorities of its memb er States, without there necessarily being any uniform or 
standardized approach. In this regard, the existence of standardized approaches to customs 
operations across the EU member countries and the opportunity to challenge at community level 
the decisions  adopted by national customs authorities are of vital importance for ensuring 
predictability and legal certainty for small and large exporters alike.  
4.10.   Our authorities are also very keen to ascertain how the procedure for the register of 
geographical indicat ions in the EU works, and the terms for granting such indications. We observe 
that the EU is an avid applicant for protection of many of its most emblematic products through 
geographical indications, and it is in our interest that the greatest possible dil igence also be shown 
in delivering protection for products coming from third countries, such as Colombia.  
4.11.   In the area of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, Colombia follows with keen attention 
any regulations that the EU envisages adopting, including the  criteria for defining endocrine WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  disrupters. We trust that these criteria will be evaluated with a scientific and risk -based approach, 
so as to avoid potential unjustified trade restrictions.  
4.12.   Turning to trade agreements and arrangements, the Secretariat re port states that the EU is 
currently reviewing its competences to sign and conclude investment agreements. In the replies 
received from the EU, we note the importance of the review that is being conducted with a view to 
regulating the operations of investm ent arbiters. This topic is of special interest to Colombia, on 
account of the current bilateral investment agreements between our country and various 
EU members.  
4.13.   In the negotiations leading up to the Ministerial Conference, managing fisheries subsidies is  
one of the major expected outcomes. With that in mind, the Secretariat report on the European 
funds to subsidize fisheries is a matter of particular attention and concern to us. The potential 
implications of these subsidies in terms of overfishing and ove rcapacity worldwide again highlight 
the importance of achieving rapid success in the negotiation.  
4.14.   Another subject of particular relevance is the possible measures the EU plans to adopt to 
control the export of waste to third countries. The answers provided  by the EU illustrate the work 
carried out by the authorities to combat this scourge and thereby protect the global environment. 
We are alert to the actions that the European authorities take in this area.  
4.15.   Lastly, we wish to express our interest in the pot ential effects that the United Kingdom's exit 
from the European Union may have for third countries, both in the multilateral framework and in 
terms of bilateral relations; and the procedures that will be followed to avoid adverse 
consequences for third par ties. 
4.16.   Before closing my statement, I must first thank Ambassador Marc Vanheukelen and his 
team in Geneva for their consistently constructive willingness to work for the good of the 
multilateral system. We wish the European Union a successful and constructi ve trade policy 
review.  
SINGAPORE  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.17.   2017 is an important year as it marks the 40th anniversary of ASEAN -EU dialogue relations. 
Two-way trade and investment ties have been steadily growing since our dialogue was formalized.  
4.18.   The EU is ASEAN 's third trading partner and total trade stood at € 208 billion in 2016. The EU 
remains ASEAN 's largest source  of FDI with a total value of € 23.3 billion in 2015.  
4.19.   We are confident that ASEAN -EU partnership will continue to be strengthened over the years 
as we advance in our economic integration efforts. Notably, ASEAN and the EU took an important 
step this year towards an ASEAN -EU FTA. Our Ministers have agreed to the formulation of a 
framework setting out the parameters of our future FTA.  
4.20.   ASEAN is confident that we will be able to come up with a clear framework that will guide us 
forward for the negotiations and towards deeper region -to-region economic integration.  
4.21.   We appreciate the EU 's commitment in contributing to ASEAN 's efforts in realizing the 
ASEAN Eco nomic Community through various programmes and initiatives under the ASEAN 
Regional Integration Support from the EU, the EU -ASEAN Capacity Building Programme for 
Monitoring Integration P rogress and Statistics and also the ASEAN -EU Trade and Investment Work  
Programme.  
4.22.   ASEAN is confident that these efforts will help us to meet our long term vision as envisaged 
in the Nuremberg Declaration on an ASEAN -EU Advanced Partnership.  
4.23.   ASEAN commends the EU 's active engagement in this House and commitment to 
multilatera lism. We look forward to working closely with the EU to achieve meaningful outcomes at 
MC11.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.24.   Some of us have submitted written questions to the EU and we would like to express our 
appreciation to the EU in advance for their written responses.  
4.25.   ASEAN wishes  the EU a successful Trade Policy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.26.   Singapore and the EU enjoy strong economic ties. The EU is Singapore 's third largest 
trading partner and largest foreign investor. Last year, bilateral trade amounted to S$93 billion, 
accounting for 11% o f Singapore 's total trade. Foreign Direct Investment from the EU has 
increased six -fold from 2005 to 2015, reaching an FDI stock value of S$288 billion in 2015. 
Singapore is home to over 13,000 EU companies, reflecting Singapore 's role as a gateway to Asia  
for these companies. Singapore also enjoys warm and robust bilateral economic relations with 
respective EU Member States.  
4.27.   EU-Singapore bilateral ties will be further enhanced with the ratification of the EU -Singapore 
Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA). We are glad that there have been developments on this front 
since the EU 's last TPR. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has delivered its Opinion on the issue 
of EU competence. Singapore is working closely with the EU for the EUSFTA to be ratified as soon 
as pos sible. The EUSFTA will expand market access and commercial opportunities for Singapore 
and EU companies. As the first FTA between the EU and an ASEAN Member State, the EUSFTA is 
testament to the EU 's commitment to greater economic engagement with ASEAN and  will serve as 
a building block towards an eventual EU -ASEAN FTA.  
4.28.   Whilst it has been a mere two years since the EU 's last TPR, much has changed. Grievances 
of job displacements and anti -trade sentiments globally have grown stronger. Brexit is before us. 
As a major player in international trade, it is incumbent upon the EU to lead by example and stay 
the course of trade liberalisation and open markets. We appreciate the EU 's efforts to do so in the 
face of incre asing pressures to turn inward.  Several initia tives aimed at trade facilitation have been 
implemented. These include the EU 's ratification of the WTO TFA, the "EU: Trade for All " policy, the 
new Union Customs Code which will simplify and modernise customs procedures, the full 
implementation of the EU 's Common Agricultural Policy and reforms in the maritime and transport 
sectors.  
4.29.   However, the EU 's ability to maintain trade and investment openness cannot be taken for 
granted. Economic recovery across the EU continues to be uneven. There is uncertainty as  the EU 
engages the UK on the latter 's terms of exit from the EU, which will have a significant impact on 
the EU 's trading partners. We urge the EU to work closely with its trading partners and the UK to 
ensure that trade disruptions as a result of Brexit are minimal.  
4.30.   We continue to have some concerns with the EU 's trade policy, namely i n the following 
areas:  (i) the EU 's complex decision making process on trad e and investment measures; 
(ii) challenges in interpreting implementing regulations in light of E U Directives; and (iii) the rise of 
trade remedy actions. We also encourage the EU to continue to look into areas of possible reform 
in its Agriculture sector as it remains one of the most protected sectors of the EU. We have sought 
clarity on some of thes e issues through our written questions to the EU and take the opportunity 
to thank the EU for their responses.  
4.31.   On the multilateral front, we are encouraged by Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom 's 
commitment "to maintain and strengthen the multilateral trading  system ", which is the very basis 
of global trade. Regional and bilateral initiatives are complementary to the multilateral track. We 
are glad to have the EU as a partner in upholding an open, rules -based and inclusive global trading 
system. We look forwar d to the EU 's continued active contributions to the work of the WTO, 
including in promoting trade facilitation and liberalisation.  
4.32.   Finally, my delegation shares excellent working relations with the able team in the EU 
Mission in Geneva, headed by Ambassado r Marc Vanheukelen. We hope to continue such relations 
here and beyond. We wish the EU every success in its 13th Trade Policy Review.   WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.33.   We welcome that the EU plays a leading role in the WTO and continues to pursue trade 
liberalization t hrough bilateral free trade agreements. During the review period, the EU helped 
conclude the ITA expansion and constructively engaged in the EGA and the TISA negotiations. The 
EU signed the CETA with Canada last year and has a number of free trade agreemen ts under 
negotiation.  
4.34.   We also note that the EU is simplifying and improving its customs procedures with the new 
Union Customs Code. We are pleased that the EU is making efforts for the harmonization of 
technical requirements across the EU and provides non -reciprocal preferential tariff regimes for 
developing countries through the GSP, GSP plus and Everything But Arms programs.  
4.35.   Over the years, Korea and the EU have enjoyed a stable and healthy economic partnership. 
Last year, the EU was Korea 's third - larges t trading partner and the EU remains Korea 's largest 
source of foreign direct investment.  
4.36.   In particular, we are pleased to note that the Korea -EU FTA marked its 6th anniversary on 
1 July 2017. We believe that the FTA has served as a critical building bloc k in strengthening the 
economic ties between Korea and the EU. We hope that the FTA continues to help achieve a more 
balanced expansion of trade and investment.  
4.37.   At this TPR, my delegation submitted advance written questions on the SME policy and 
Copyright Directive of the EU. We are very grateful that the EU delegation provided detailed replies 
in a timely manner, and we will study them very carefully.  
4.38.   My delegation also would like to submit additional follow -up questions, in particular 
regarding some inve stment related issues, including the concept of the multilateral investment 
court, the internal process for bilateral FTAs of the EU and the Radio Equipment Directive. We hope 
that proper answers will be given in due course.  
4.39.   In addition, I would like to ta ke this opportunity to point out some of our interests regarding 
the trade policies of the EU.  
4.40.   First, it is our hope that the EU will continue to demonstrate its leadership in fighting against 
protectionism and promoting free trade. Korea looks forward to working closely together in this 
area with the EU at various international forums to this end in the WTO as well as G20 and ASEM.  
4.41.   Second, we note the EU has initiated a number of new anti -dumping and anti -subsidy 
investigations especially for iron and stee l, and chemical products since 2014. Those are our main 
exporting products to the EU. We would like to express our concern on this trend and we hope the 
EU will take trade remedy measures consistent with the relevant WTO disciplines.  
4.42.   Third, we are concerne d that Brexit negotiations between the EU and the U.K. could have 
certain impacts on trade and investment due to increased uncertainties. We would appreciate if 
such concerns could be addressed properly during the negotiations and relevant information coul d 
be shared with WTO members in a transparent manner.  
4.43.   We welcome that the EU is making serious efforts in many areas to seek convergence on 
possible substantive outcomes of MC 11. Korea appreciates the EU 's efforts, and we would like to 
continue to coopera te with the EU before and at MC 11 and also beyond to strengthen the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.44.   We would like to express our warm thanks once again to the EU delegation for their hard 
work and wish them every success in their TPR.  
CHINA  
4.45.   The EU is the world 's second largest importer and exporter in goods and the largest trader 
in services. The EU 's trade policies, measures and economic development have significant impact 
on the world trade and other WTO Members, since it has become th e largest trading partne r of WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  80 countries and regions. During the review period, the EU 's economy continued to grow. Trade 
has been one of the most important engines for such growth, as the EU Trade Commissioner 
Cecilia Malmström pointed out, "Trade makes a vital contribution to the EU 's economic and 
external policy and we must make sure that it continues to deliver real benefits for citizens. " China 
applauds the EU for its support for trade liberalization, and hopes that taking the stance like EU 
can effectively reverse the surgi ng emotional backlash against trade, globalization and the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.46.   Multilaterally, the EU is a key player in the WTO, and has long been a staunch advocate of 
globalization and a strong supporter of multilateralism. I am pleased to not e that there are two 
ONLYs in the EU 's Government report, "It is only the multilateral trading system that can 
guarantee inclusive growth and can ensure the expansion of real development opportunities for 
the poorest and most -vulnerable WTO Members. And it  is only the WTO which has the tools and 
geographic scope to create a level playing field for traders. " China and the EU share the same 
understanding on promoting inclusive growth and establishing rules favorable for development, 
and especially advancing t rade and investment liberalization and facilitation. China stands ready to 
intensify cooperation with the EU, so as to uphold the multilateral trading system and safeguard 
WTO core principles, to strive for positive outcomes at the MC11, ultimately ensurin g the 
multilateral trading system to play an increasingly important role in the process of globalization 
and global economic governance.  
4.47.   Bilaterally, China and the EU are important trading and investment partners. At present, the 
EU is China 's largest trad ing partner, largest source of imports and technology import, second 
largest export market, and third largest source of real investment. China is the EU 's largest source 
of imports, second largest trading partner and export market. China applauds the compr ehensive 
ties in Sino -EU economic and trade relations.  
4.48.   Having said that, I would express some of our concerns over the EU 's trade policies.  
4.49.   First, China urges the EU to fulfill its obligations under Article 15 of the Protocol on China 's 
Accession to the W TO. According to Article 15, the provisions on "analogue country " expired  on 
11 December 2016. Therefore, all WTO Members shall terminate the methodology in anti -dumping 
investigations against Chinese products. All Members must, in accordance with the WTO rules, use 
the prices or costs of enterprises in the exporting country to determine the dumping margin. Pacta 
sunt servanda is a basic principle of international law. Failure to meet international obligations will 
undermine the foundation of the multilater al trading system as well as the healthy development of 
international trade.   
4.50.   China deeply regrets that the EU failed to complete the legislative amendment process 
before the expiry of the Article 15. China notes the fact that EU has proposed amendments 
abolishing the current inappropriate list of non -market economy countries. However, the EU 's 
proposed amendment has introduced the concept of so -called "significant distortion " of the 
market, a basis for its continued use of the analogue country methodology  against Members. 
China is highly concerned with the inconsistency of this concept with the WTO rules. And we urge 
the EU to complete the amendment process promptly and ensure the relevant revisions be in line 
with the WTO rules.  
4.51.   Second, China calls on the  EU to use trade remedy measures in a prudent way. Over the 
past two years, the EU has launched 12 anti -dumping and countervailing investigations against 
Chinese products, among which 9 investigations involve iron and steel products. The intense use of 
trade remedy measures has negative effects on the normal trade in iron and steel products 
between China and the EU. More recently, the European Commission has frequently launched 
investigations on the grounds of threats of injury, intentionally accelerated in vestigation processes, 
and abused the best information available in order to raise the anti -dumping duty rate. All these 
actions signaled the trend of protectionism. China calls on the EU to strictly comply with WTO rules 
in the investigations. And we are willing to fight against protectionism through concerted efforts 
with the EU.  
4.52.   Third, China urges the EU to relax its restrictions on high -tech exports to China. The EU has 
persistently imposed strict export control policies on China, which has considerably  restricted the 
export of EU 's high -tech products to China. The strict restrictions both weakened the advantages WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  and competitiveness of the EU in the high -tech field, and impaired the interest of enterprises in 
China and the EU. We hope that the EU will ta ke concrete actions and relax export restrictions on 
China in the spirit of mutual trust and benefit as well as win -win cooperation, so as to build a more 
favorable environment for bilateral high -tech trade and cooperation.  
4.53.   Fourth, China expects the EU to optimize the investment environment. Investment 
cooperation is an important pillar of China -EU economic and trade relations. China always 
welcomes EU enterprises to invest in China, and encourages Chinese enterprises to do business in 
the EU. We are willin g to accelerate negotiations with the EU on a high level and balanced BIT, in 
order to create a more transparent, open and stable investment environment. We also hope that 
the EU will give fair treatment to the Chinese enterprises more fairly, facilitate v isa application, 
and remove restrictions on foreign capital mergers and acquisitions, etc . 
4.54.   China is a staunch supporter for the unity and prosperity of the European continent, and 
attaches great importance to developing bilateral relations and cooperation with the EU. A month 
ago, Premier Li Keqiang stated that, during his visit in Europe, no matter how the situation in 
Europe and the world evolves, China will always be ready to deepen its comprehensive strategic 
partnership with the EU. We will continue to  give firm support to the European integration process, 
and are willing to work with the EU to promote consensus, increase mutual trust and inject vitality 
into world economic development.  
4.55.   Last but not the least , I would like to thank the EU d elegation for  their responses to China 's 
written questions, which we will study carefully.  
4.56.   I wish this trade policy review a complete success.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.57.   The European Union remains by far Switzerland's main trading partner, even if other 
channels, for example in emer ging countries, are gaining ground. Last year, over half of 
Switzerland's merchandise exports went to the EU. In addition, more than two thirds of Swiss 
imports came from the EU. The European Union is thus a key component in Switzerland's trade 
relations. Having said that, Switzerland is also an important outlet for the EU.  
4.58.   Indeed, as the excellent Secretariat report reveals, Switzerland is the third -biggest market 
for European producers and exporters, right behind the economic giants of the United States a nd 
China.  
4.59.   Our dynamic, close and mutually beneficial relationship with the EU is linked in part with the 
benefits afforded by the WTO rules. It also stems from Switzerland's geographical position. But it 
is above all the fruit of an edifice of bilateral ag reements built with the European Union since 1972. 
The EU and Switzerland have concluded nearly 120 agreements that offer extensive and reciprocal 
access to their respective markets. The smooth functioning of these agreements is thus 
paramount. It is with this in mind that the Swiss government recently asserted its wish to 
strengthen its relations with the EU.  
4.60.   Switzerland truly appreciates the value of the very constructive role the EU delegation plays 
in the various WTO forums, not least in the context of preparations for the forthcoming Ministerial 
Conference. The Union fervently defends the WTO system. It constantly strives to expand 
multilateral trade cooperation and is at the source of numerous innovative initiatives. We welcome 
this commitment, which c arries all the more weight since it is displayed by a large trading power.  
4.61.   The EU has deployed significant efforts to improve its economic governance by instituting 
the "European Semester" as well as a Stability and Growth Pact. Switzerland encourages the Union 
to pursue and deepen these structural reforms. The economic problems of some of its member 
States and the resulting insecurity exert an immediate and often adverse impact on its main 
partners, including Switzerland.  
4.62.   With this in mind, Switzerland sin cerely hopes that the imminent exit of an important 
member of the Union takes place in an orderly fashion and with least disruption. An abrupt 
separation is in no -one's interest. We very much hope that the new relations that will have to be WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  established wil l be governed by a predictable and transparent regulatory framework and that the 
transition to the new regime will be a smooth one, including for third countries.  
4.63.   The European Union has understood that a greener economy that makes less intensive use 
of nat ural resources opens up new trade prospects. The policies it has adopted support the 
implementation of the global climate objectives endorsed in the Paris Agreement and in the SDGs 
of the 2030 Agenda. We congratulate the EU and its member States for their commitments and 
their action in these areas. We are particularly gratified by the active role that the Union is playing 
in the negotiations towards an agreement on environmental goods, and within the G -20 and the 
G-7 in favour of the gradual elimination of  subsidies for fossil fuels and associated policy reforms.  
4.64.   Lastly, allow me to raise a specific point. Swiss producers of certain steel products have 
been significantly affected by the application of the "prior -surveillance system" introduced on 
30 April 2016. Switzerland has expressed its strong concerns in this regard on several occasions to 
the European Commission. Our concerns relate both to the restrictive trade effects of the system 
and to the shortcomings associated with its implementation by the EU member States. We thank 
the Union for the information provided in answer to our written questions on adjustment of these 
measures. We are currently reviewing these adjustments.  
4.65.   Switzerland is grateful to the European Union for the detailed replies provided  to all its 
written questions. We wish the European delegation a successful continuation of its review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.66.   Our economic relationship with the EU is immensely valuable to the U.S. economy, and is 
indeed a critical  pillar of the global economy. Our economies together account for nearly half of 
global GDP (46.5 %) and 32 % of global trade. Each day, goods and services worth nearly 
US$3  billion a re traded across the Atlantic. At the end of 2015, the value of our direct investment 
in each other 's econom ies total led nearly US$4.5 trillion.  
4.67.   These figures describe a substantial economic relationship, but we believe this relationship 
has not yet fulfilled its potential to promote growth in our respective economies, nor in the 
economies of many other Members that engage in significant trade with each of us.  
4.68.   As we noted during the EU 's last trade policy review, in 2015, most of our trade with the EU 
proceeds without complication, unaffected by significant trade barriers. Nonetheless, we have 
growing concerns ab out EU policies in a number of areas that create unjustified or unnecessary 
barriers to trade.  
4.69.   Over the past three years, as we negotiated the Transatlantic Trade and Investment 
Partnership agreement, or T -TIP, we worked to eliminate some of those trade ba rriers, including 
existing measures that ea ch side believes impede trade. Let me flag a few of our more prominent 
concerns this morning.  
4.70.   The United States continues to be frustrated by EU barrie rs to our agricultural exports.  High 
tariffs present a signifi cant obstacle to the capacity of our producers to succeed in the important 
EU market.  
4.71.   Another critical trade policy priority is to reduce and eliminate non -tariff barriers to our 
agricultural exports, including by ensuring that sanitary and phytosanitary m easures  are based on 
science and risk.  A number of EU SPS measures are not supported by the scientific opinions of EU 
institutions, and are defended on grounds other than demonstrated risks to human or ani mal 
health or the environment. Given the EU 's impor tance in the global trading system, both as a 
commercial power and as a supporter of a rules -based system for regulating trade, we are 
concerned about the proliferation of trade restrictions that are based on factors other than the 
objective criteria offer ed by scientific assessments of risk, as required under the WTO SPS 
Agreement.  
4.72.   Other EU non -tariff measures continue to pose significant barriers  to U.S. manufactured 
exports. As we regularly note in the WTO TBT Committee, the United States has broad conce rns 
about EU policies and procedures to develop and implement technical regulations, standards, and WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  conformity assessment procedures, as well as concerns about specific measures that affect U.S. 
exporters in a wide range of sectors, including chemicals and  wine.  We also continue to be 
concerned about EU policies that generate barriers to U.S. trade in third countries, such as 
requiring certain EU trading partners to automatically protect EU geographical indications without 
adequate consideration of prior t rademark rights and generic terms and to eliminate standards 
that other countries rely on in selling products in those markets, or making technical assistance 
contingent upon the elimination of such standards.  
4.73.   While we are encouraged that the EU has begun taking steps to reform its fisheries 
subsidies policies, we urge the EU to increase transparency and continue its efforts to reduce 
subsidies to its fishing fleet, which may contribute to excess capacity and depletion of fish stocks.  
4.74.   Finally, a word about our engagemen t with the EU here in the WTO. We deeply value the 
exceptional maturity of the U.S. -EU dialogue on all matters affecting the work of the WTO. We 
frequently disagree on big and small issues, including questions of strategy, tactics, individual 
substantive issues, and even on important systemic issues such as those surrounding the WTO 's 
dispute settlement functions.  Just as often, we see eye -to-eye. And in all instances, we are able to 
engage with each other in a respectful, straightfo rward, and good-humoured  manner.  The United 
States will continue to place great value on this aspect of our trade relationship with the EU as we 
work to make the WTO work better for all Members in the future.  
4.75.   In closing, the United States welcomes this opportunity to  review EU trade policies and is 
hopeful that our exchanges will help us identify ways that those policies can help increase the 
benefits of our trade with the EU.  
UKRAINE  
4.76.   Ukraine advances but still faces severe challenges on the path toward greater econom ic 
integration with the EU. Despite all, we have undertaken major reforms, and we truly appreciate 
the support and recognition of our efforts and improvements by the EU, the closest partner of 
Ukraine.   
4.77.   At the bilateral level our countries have enjoyed st rong trade, economic and technical 
partnership relations. Since 2014 and 2016 respectively, Ukraine and the EU countries are 
benefiting from the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It has comprehensive 
coverage, including trade in goods and ser vices, and was concluded as part of the Association  
Agreement. We consider Ukraine –EU DCFTA as the most powerful instrument of support of the 
Ukrainian economy, offering the access to the vast European internal market to the Ukrainian 
producers. It is inte nded to provide substantial liberalization of trade and investment conditions 
and is leading to further improvement of trade conditions and investment climate through greater 
convergence with EU trade -related laws and practice.  
4.78.   The DCFTA provides a framewo rk for modernizing the trade relations and economic 
development by opening up markets and harmonizing laws, standards and regulations in various 
sectors. The DCFTA was successfully examined at the CRTA meeting on 30th of June.  
4.79.   The EU is Ukraine 's largest t rading partner and its role in foreign -economic relations of 
Ukraine has been constantly growing and it is the only partner with whom the trade turnover was 
increasing last year. The share of EU trade in goods and services of Ukraine has exceeded 40% 
and h as been growing.  
4.80.   In 2016 , the trade turnover between Ukraine and the EU has increased by 8.1% and 
amounted to US$30.6 billion. The exports of goods have  risen by 3.7% (amounted to 
US$13.5  billion) and imports of goods by 11.8% (amounted to US$17.1 billion ). Within 
January -March 2017 the total trade increased by 21.6%, export  by 24.5%, imports by 19.2%.  
4.81.   EU accounted for 34% of Ukraine 's total exports and 41% of its imports (2015). EU -Ukraine 
trade in goods reached more than €20 billion. The main products imported by the EU from Ukraine 
are metals, minerals, agriculture, and machinery, and Ukraine imports mainly machinery, 
chemicals, veh icles, minerals and plastics from the EU.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.82.   Concerning trade in services, the EU 's main export and import categories are transport and 
travel services, accounting respectively for 60% and 65% of its exports and imports. For Ukraine, 
its main export categori es are transports, telecommunication, IT services and manufacturing 
services, its main import categories are: transports, financial and business services.  
4.83.   The EU is the largest foreign investor and donor in Ukraine. Foreign direct investment (FDI) 
by the E U countries has steadily increased over the past decade. The EU 's financial assistance is 
mainly aimed at supporting reforms and European integration of Ukraine.  
4.84.   Our country highly appreciates the partnership cooperation with the EU across the bodies of 
the World Trade Organization on different issues. Being strongly committed to the rule -based 
multilateral trading system, Ukraine highly welcomes the efforts of the EU and its contribution to 
further development of the system and trade liberalization and del ivering meaningful outcomes for 
MC11. 
4.85.   In particular , we would like to underline our appreciation to the principal approach of the EU 
countries to their import regime measures covering some import prohibitions and restrictions of 
goods not accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by the Ukrainian authorities, compliant 
with the relevant international decisions and commitments on the issue.   
4.86.   Within this TPR exercise , Ukraine has submitted a  number of specific questions  with the aim 
of speeding up an int egration to the EU value added chains, and is seeking clarification on a range 
of the following topics:  
 customs procedures and requirements,  
 tariff quotas and administration,  
 non-automatic import licensing procedure for ozone -depleting substances,  
 trade  promotion organizations,  
 developments in the sugar industry,  
 operation and legal policy framework of National Trade Facilitation Committee,  
 Action Plan for improvement of forest governance,  
 the Export Helpdesk and the Market Access Database,  
 electron ic contracts and online consumer protection,  
 endocrine disruptors ' regulation etc.  
4.87.   We would like to express our gratitude for the responses, which we are reviewing 
thoroughly.  
4.88.   Finally, I would like to manifest our deep appreciation to the EU delegation a nd especially to 
the team of the EU Mission to the WTO in Geneva for their great efforts in preparing this TPR and 
for the fruitful cooperation on the wide range of WTO issues.  
4.89.   We wish the European Union a successful TPR and look forward to further strengt hening our 
bilateral relations.  
ARGENTINA  
4.90.   The European Union, as a bloc, is our second -largest trading partner, accounting for 16% of 
total Argentine trade in 2016. However, the relative share of trade with the EU in Argentina's 
foreign trade has been decl ining, on both the export and import side. As from 2012, the trade 
balance was affected by lower prices for "commodities" and minerals, and by the application of 
anti-dumping duties to Argentine exports of bio -diesel, which effectively closed off the EU ma rket 
for this product.  
4.91.   No less than 88% of our exports to the European market come from the agricultural and 
agro-industry sector (60% are manufactured products of agricultural origin and 28% primary 
products). It is thus vital for Argentina's trade that t he measures taken by the EU in this sector be 
consistent with the WTO rules.  
4.92.   The EU as a bloc is the principal foreign investor in Argentina. In 2015, investment stock 
came to US$35  billion. We are optimistic that European investment in Argentina may start  to grow WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  again. The implementation of new domestic policies aimed at attracting investment and the recent 
improvement that has been made in the business climate in Argentina will contribute to this 
objective.  
4.93.   The EU and Argentina share the goal of trade ba sed on values that promotes sustainable, 
free and fair development and is underpinned by clear rules. We know there is potential for 
developing our trade relations further, taking into account greater complementarity in agricultural, 
fishery and industrial  products.  
4.94.   We are sure that the work under way to progress towards the conclusion of an economic 
Association Agreement between the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) and the European Union 
will bear fruit in the near future. The agreement will serve to expa nd markets, generating 
economies of scale and global value chains, boosting competitiveness, and creating new jobs, 
wealth and opportunities. It is important to highlight that, in a climate where some calls for 
protectionism and unilateralism are being hea rd, two large economic blocs are aiming to integrate 
their production chains.  
4.95.   We must voice our concern that tariffs on agricultural products in the EU, averaging 14.1%, 
remain higher than those on non -agricultural products, where the average is 4.3%.  
4.96.   We a re also closely following some developments in the European Union on non -tariff 
issues. In particular, we consider that the European Commission's proposed legislation for the 
categorization of compounds as endocrine disrupters must be consistent with the 
WTO Agreements. Against the backdrop of the growing demand for food and the challenge of food 
security, we view with concern the developments in the EU in regard to genetically modified 
organisms. Similarly, the regulation of issues relating to the environm ental footprint and to trade 
in wine and geographical indications should not result in unnecessary barriers to trade.  
4.97.   It is important to underscore the European Union's active role in the WTO, its notable 
contribution to the multilateral trading system, an d in particular its work in the run -up to the 
11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires.  
4.98.   In this context, we emphasize the need to progress in the ongoing negotiations on 
agriculture, focusing on the core issue of domestic support. We concur with the EU in the efforts to 
advance the negotiations on disciplines relating to fishery subsidies. Like the EU, we see the need 
for the WTO to tackle methodically the question of micro, small and medium enterprises and to 
make progress in discussions on e -commerce a nd facilitating investment.  
4.99.   To conclude, in reiterating our appreciation of this renewed opportunity to exchange 
information and ideas concerning the trade policies and practices of the EU, we should like to draw 
attention once again to the importance of t his exercise in transparency from every point of view 
and to wish the EU authorities success in this, the 13th review of its trade policy.  
BRAZIL  
4.100.   The EU is a staunch supporter of multilateralism. This is much appreciated. We value the 
EU's commitment to a positive outcome in the MC -11.  
4.101.   Today, the opportunity to review its trade policies highlights the relevance of the WTO 's 
monitoring pillar.  
4.102.   At the outset, Brazil would like to mention some specific concerns with regard to the EU 's 
trade policies. Agricult ure, in particular, remains an exception to its overall openness.  
4.103.   The average tariff rate on agricultural goods, at 14.1%, is more than three times higher 
than that for manufactures, with a tariff peak of almost 700% and a number of tariff peaks above 
100%. Tariff escalation, specific duties, and 124 TRQs with high out -of-quota tariffs also continue 
to be significant import barriers. Products such as dairy, sugar, ethanol and meat are particularly 
protected. On a positive note, the abolition of milk quotas  in 2015 and the sugar reform in the 
near future will bring more market orientation to both sectors.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.104.   Despite the positive direction of successive reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy, 
domestic support remains high. PSE, as measured by the OECD, stood within the range of 18 -20% 
in the period under review. Price support measures almost doubled, according to t he Secretariat 's 
report, from € 11 billio n in 2011 to € 21 billion in 2015.  
4.105.   Even after a careful reading of the Secretariat 's report, forming a clear picture of the 
complex array of agricultural support policies of the EU and its Member States remains extremely 
challenging. We also note that the last EU DS notification to the WTO covers the marketing year 
2013/14. In light of our shared commitment to th e importance of transparency in the multilateral 
trade system, we encourage the EU to promptly notify more recent years.  
4.106.   In SPS and TBT, the EU has in some specific cases adopted measures that are more trade 
restrictive than necessary, without due conside ration, in our view, to international standards and 
scientific justification. Concerns include the registration of pesticides, the definition of maximum 
level of chemical residues and the approval of GMOs, as well as the uncertainties inherent to the 
propo sed "hazard " approach for endocrine disruptors. The organic labelling of maté, a traditional 
staple of Southern Brazil, has also been denied without clear reasons.  
4.107.   We also encourage the EU to ensure that Brexit negotiations do not entail negative impacts 
to third parties and to the multilateral trading system.  
4.108.   The EU is B razil's largest trade partner,  first origin of our imports and second export 
market. Aft er peaking at around US$100 billion/year between 2011 and 2013, our bilateral trade 
declined to US$ 70.6 billion in 2015, with an additional slight fall in 2016. With the economic 
recovery underway in Brazil, we expect our bilateral trade to regain momentum. Diversification of 
our exports, still concentrated on basic products, remains a priority for Brazil . 
4.109.   FDI is a crucial component of our bilateral relations. The EU is the major invest or in Brazil, 
with a stock of € 329.9 billion in 2015. In the opposite direction, the stock of Br azilian FDI in the EU 
reached € 127.6 billion in that same year. Brazil is the  fifth largest investor in the EU. These figures 
speak for themselves.  
4.110.   Bilateral ties go much beyond trade and investment. This year, we celebrate the 10th 
anniversary of the Brazil -EU Strategic Partnership. Yesterday, we issued a joint statement to 
celebr ate this date.  
4.111.   This partnership is set to grow even deeper as we accelerate the negotiations of an 
Association Agreement between MERCOSUR and the EU. Our teams are now meeting in Brussels, 
as we speak. The conclusion of the Association Agreement will provi de a boost to the integration of 
our two regions.  
4.112.   Let me conclude  by thanking the EU delegation for the answers to Brazil 's questions, which 
were forwarded to capital for examination and follow -up. We wish the EU a most successful Trade 
Policy Review.  
INDONESIA  
4.113.   Indonesia associates itself with the ASEAN statement made by the Permanent 
Representative of Singapore.  
4.114.   For many years, the EU has played significant roles in the multilateral trading system. We 
also acknowledge that the EU - through the EU new trade  and investment policy "Trade for All "- 
continuously advances its trade and investment agenda with partners around the world. Currently, 
Indonesia and the EU are at the second round of negotiation of the Indonesia -European Union 
Comprehensive Economic Part nership Agreement, also known as IEU -CEPA. We look forward to 
advancing our work in this partnership.  
4.115.   In light  of the trade policy review which is commencing today, we note with positivity that 
the EU functions as a single economy with common trade policie s, including import duties, import 
and export procedures, and rules on investment. We believe that this arrangement has facilitated 
access to the EU market. However, we also note that in some cases, EU requirements may add to WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  the cost of doing business and  create non -tariff barriers. Therefore, we hope that, through this 
Trade Policy Review, those issues can be addressed.  
4.116.   The EU has constantly become one of Indonesia 's most important trading partners for 
many years. There are rooms for improvement in our tr ade and investment relations. With 
advancement in the IEU -CEPA negotiations, we foresee our bilateral economic relations to reach its 
true potential - beyond the c urrent trade performance at US$ 25.2 billion (which is a reduction of 
3.4% from the previous ye ar). 
4.117.   Indonesian export to  EU in 2016 was recorded at US$ 14.5 billion or a 2% decrease from 
the previous year, with the trend during the period of 2012 -2016 declined by 5.6%. Indonesia 
main export destinations in the EU are the Netherlands, Germany, Italy a nd Spain.  
4.118.   Meanwhile, Indonesian imports from the  EU in 2016 was recorded at US$ 10.7 billion or a 
5.3% decrease from the previous year, with the trend during the period of 2012 -2016 declined by 
7.2%.  
4.119.   Looking at our investment relation, EU 's total investment  in Indonesia was recorded at 
US$2.6 billion in 2016. The investment was allocated in over 2800 projects. We highly appreciate 
the EU 's contribution to the increase of foreign investment, as well as to the development of 
infrastructure and industry in Indo nesia.  
4.120.   Highlighting the trade relations between the two countries, the EU is the second largest 
market for Indonesia 's palm oil export, amounting 3.5 million MT, valuing for US$ 2.4 billion in 
2015. In this case, Indonesia is the largest palm oil supplier f or the EU. Indonesia, however, also 
takes note of the growing impediments towards Indonesia 's palm oil export to the EU.  
4.121.   Additionally, Indonesia registers its great concerns on the EU Parliament Resolution on 
Palm Oil and Deforestation and Rainforest that was approved in April 2017. We strongly encourage 
that EU takes into account the importance of palm oil to Indonesia, and acknowledges the efforts 
of Government of Indonesia in implanting and promoting the sustainability of palm oil.  
4.122.   In this regard, we hav e submitted a number of written questions related to our concerns 
on the EU trade and trade related policies and practices. We thank the EU for the responses 
provided to these advanced questions. We look forward to a follow -up communications with the 
EU, to seek further clarification to the answers provided.  
4.123.   Finally, we would like to conclude our remarks by expressing, once again, our profound 
appreciation to the delegation of the European Union, for their hard work. Our appreciation also 
goes to Ambassador  Marc Vanheukelen, Head of the European Union Permanent Mission to the 
WTO. Indonesia wishes the EU every success in its thirteenth Trade Policy Review.  
NORWAY  
4.124.   These are challenging times in global trade. Protectionism and anti -trade sentiments are on 
the rise. The benefits of trade need to be more widely shared. More inclusive and job creating 
international trade must thus be given priority.  
4.125.   An unwavering commitment to the WTO is more important than ever, which is why the 
EU's strong support of the Multila teral Trading System and its further development is crucial. We 
appreciate the engagement and leadership of the EU in the WTO, even if we do not always agree 
on substance, and we appreciate the EU 's efforts to make the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference a 
success. 
4.126.   Norway welcomes the active participation of the EU in the negotiations on fisheries 
subsidies, with the objective to implement Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6 in the WTO.  
4.127.   As others have highlighted today, agriculture is a key issue in the WT O. Norway commends 
the EU for contributing actively to reaching consensus at MC10 on phasing out export subsidies. 
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  support, but ask the EU to consider carefully  whether a "one size fits all " solution based on support 
in percentage of the value of production is a doable outcome at MC11.  
4.128.   Norway and the EU have shared interest in liberalization of trade in services. Hence, a 
continued future cooperation on services  is most welcome. We appreciate the EU 's collaboration on 
a variety of services issues and sectors, particularly on maritime transport services as well as the 
EU's active engagement in the negotiations on a Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA).  
4.129.   We also take  this opportunity to commend the EU for its longstanding engagement on 
trade and environment in the WTO. Like the EU, Norway hopes to finalize the negotiations on an 
environmental goods agreement (EGA) as soon as possible.  
4.130.   The expansion of the digital eco nomy could clearly offer new opportunities to promote 
inclusive economic growth, as mentioned in the EU 's report, and should be an area for future 
work, as the digital economy can connect rural and urban communities and facilitate the 
participation of deve loping countries, women and micro enterprises in the global economy.  
4.131.   Norway appreciates the active role the EU plays in international trade, in the WTO and 
outside. The EU 's ambitious "progressive " and so metimes innovative trade agenda  is helpful in 
trying to move the trade debate forward. The EU 's "trade for all " strategy is but one example.  
4.132.   The EU is Norway 's most important trading partner while Norway is the EU 's 5th most 
important import partner. Around 80 % (i.e. 88 billion NOK) of Norwegian trade in g oods is 
destined for the EU, and around 2/3 of our imports come from the EU. There is a strong 
interdependence between Norway and the EU when it comes to trade. The EEA Agreement ensures 
that we share a common set of rules with our most important trading p artners, and this 
agreement is the cornerstone of Norway 's economic relationship with the EU.  
4.133.   Norway and the EU share the goals and ambitions of facilitating sustainable growth in both 
new and traditional ocean industries, such as maritime, petroleum and seafood. We maintain close 
contact on maritime and ocean -related matters, and cooperate at many levels, bilaterally, 
regionally as well as globally.  
4.134.   Fisheries is topic of particular interest to Norway. Except for oil and gas, fish is the single 
largest exp ort item from Norway to the EU. With an average tariff of around 11 % for fish and fish 
products, tariff escalation, broad use of bilateral TRQs, autonomous quotas and end -user 
requirements, there is room for improvements in the EU 's trade regime for seafoo d.  
4.135.   Norway and the EU have mutual interests in the International Working Group concerning a 
possible agreement on export credits.  Norway appreciates the EU 's efforts and work in the 
steering committee of the IWG. It is of great importance to us that compe tition among exporters is 
based on the quality and price of the offered goods and services, rather than on the most 
favourable financial terms and conditions.  
4.136.   The EU is an important and active player on the multilateral stage and an important 
trading part ner for most of us, as we have heard today. Given the changing realities in trade 
politics, trade policy reviews are even more important than before. We trust that this review will 
be useful, both for the EU and for its trading partners.  
MEXICO 
4.137.   The Europea n Union is an important ally for Mexico, with which we have had a Free Trade 
Agreement since 2000, currently being updated.  
4.138.   The EU ranks as the second -biggest destination for Mexican exports and our third -largest 
source of goods imports.  
4.139.   Mexico and the EU are both disturbed by the current rise in protectionism around the 
world. As partners with a common vision, we defend global and open cooperation and share a 
strong commitment to the multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.140.   Like other delegations, Mexico is alert to t he Brexit process and the economic, legal and 
institutional implications thereof.  
4.141.   For trade facilitation, Mexico established the single window for foreign trade as from 2011. 
We concede that this is not a straightforward task, even more so in a case like t he EU, where there 
is no common customs authority and a number of countries are involved. Nevertheless, we hope 
that the process of implementing the single window in the EU will continue until it is fully 
operational. The EU indicates that the infrastructu re will be available by 2020, so we look forward 
to getting information on the date on which it will come into full operation.  
4.142.   Services account for more than 70% of GDP and employment in the EU. We commend the 
regulatory process that is being conducted to create a digital single market. Better use of and 
access to digital technologies, a regulatory framework conducive to promoting the use of digital 
networks, and e -commerce will definitely serve to open up more opportunities for enterprises 
launching their activities in the digital economy and those already operating.  
4.143.   Accordingly, the legislative texts approved this year, among which we highlight the 
following, constitute major steps towards consolidating the digital single market:  
 provisions to avoid unjust ified geo -blocking;  
 provisions to ensure consumers have access to online services and products of EU countries 
without additional charges;  
 provisions to improve transparency and affordability in regard to cross -border parcel 
delivery services;  
 provisions t o promote cooperation between consumer protection authorities and the 
adoption of rules on copyright and privacy;  
 and, lastly, the revision of telecommunication rules governing connectivity and internet 
access.  
4.144.   We also draw attention the amendments to the community regulatory framework 
applicable to maritime and rail transport. Regarding the former, we applaud the approval of new 
community rules on the provision of port services and measures to enhance financial transparency, 
which will be applicable to 319  ports.  
4.145.   On investment, the EU has undertaken reform of the investor -State dispute settlement 
system. In the Secretariat report, this is described as a new approach to ensure that procedures 
are fair and independent. Considering that half of all the interna tional investment agreements in 
the world have been signed by the member States and the EU, it is of some consequence that the 
EU is revising its policy in this area, albeit a little late. We must point out, however, that 
maintaining the EU's 1,200 investm ent agreements is without doubt not conducive to security and 
predictability, whereas in investment a critical success factor for the WTO is the existence of a 
single set of rules, agreements included.  
4.146.   In regard to dispute settlement in the WTO, the EU is a key player. It ranks second in 
terms of involvement in the 525 disputes filed within the Organization. Precisely for this reason, it 
was regrettable that the EU did not support launching the process to fill the vacancy that arose as 
from 1  July in the Ap pellate Body, which is now left with six members.  
4.147.   The WTO is a "public asset" and it is incumbent on all Members to take care of the 
Organization, especially when it is a matter that affects the functioning of the "jewel in the crown".  
AUSTRALIA  
4.148.   Like many WTO Members, the scale of Australia 's trade and investment relationship with 
the EU gives us a major stake in the application of trade and  industry policies in the EU. We 
acknowledge the reform measures the EU has adopted since the last Trade Policy Review  in 2015, 
especially in the face of a difficult geopolitical environment, and encourage the EU to continue to 
open its market to support global economic growth.   
4.149.   The EU as a bloc constitutes Australia 's largest source of foreign investment and second 
largest trading partner – with total two -way trade of m ore than $A98 billion in 2016. Australia is WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  also a significant market for the EU; its 15th largest merchandise export market and 7th largest 
services market.  
4.150.   Australia and the EU share a commitment to a st rong and effective rules -based global 
trading system and a willingness to work with others to achieve broad -based, tang ible outcomes 
through the WTO. Since the EU 's last Review, Australia has continued to work closely with the EU 
to support th e multilatera l trading system. The EU provided strong leadership on the 
implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and we look forward to continuing to 
work with the EU to ensure that the full benefits of the TFA can be realized by the entire WTO 
membersh ip. 
4.151.   We were also pleased to work closely with the EU on the successful expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement and thank the EU for its timely imp lementation of its 
obligations.  We welcome our partnership with the EU in the Environmental Goods Ag reement 
negotiations as we work towards our shared goal of liberalizing trade in environmental goods to 
help tackle the world 's environmental challenges.  
4.152.   Australia is working closely with the EU and other Members to take forward negotiations on 
the plurila teral Trade  in Services Agreement (TISA). Australia supports a high -ambition outcome, 
and we look forward to continuing to work with the EU towards a successful c onclusion to the 
negotiations. We note the EU 's commitment to reform and liberaliz ation of the  services sector, and 
will explore further which policy initiatives are being undertaken to: support mobility of service 
providers; facilitate mutual recognition of professional qualifications; and promote the 
development and adoption of services standards  to facilitate trade in services.  
4.153.   We welcome improvements to the EU 's internal market outlined in the Single Market 
Strategy and the Digital Single Market initiative to the extent that these deliver positive impacts 
for the global trading system. We note t he introduction of the new Union Customs Code in May 
2016, which should allow for further streamlining of custo ms and related procedures. We'll be 
interested to hear more about the sector specific laws proposed or recently adopted for financial 
services, t ransport, telecommunications and postal services, an d professional services reform.  We 
look forward to seeing how further integration in the single market will also benefit the EU 's trade 
with other WTO members.  
4.154.   As a long term critic of the trade impacts o f the Common Agricultural Policy, Australia has 
been pleased to note the continuing trend toward more market -based policies.  We are pleased that 
the EU has continued its policy of not issuing export refund grants since July 2013 and that no 
products were a dded to public intervention stocks in the period since its last TPR, but note that the 
public intervention for dairy products has been extended four times since the Russian ban on 
agricultural pr oducts was introduced in 2014. We welcome the general simplif ication of the public 
intervention regime over the period since the last review, and believe the EU would show genuine 
global leadership by committing to the permanent elimination of these measures. We welcome the 
EU decision to end the sugar quota system later this year and hope that this will lead to new 
opportunities for Australian sugar producers seeking t o export to EU markets. We note Member 
States ' continuing reliance on coupled support, and will be seeking information about the transition 
away from such support.  
4.155.   Procedures for the application for registration of GIs originating in the EU have been 
described in previous reports. Australia will wish to explore in more detail the key differences 
between the national objections procedures of Member State s and the objection s procedures at 
the EU level.  
4.156.   We understand the changes to the composition of the EU in the forthcoming period may 
have implications for the EU 's existing  WTO schedules of commitments. As an interested WTO 
Member that would be affected b y any changes, Australia expects that any process to seek 
adjustments to EU schedules will be open and transparent, and conducted in accordance with 
establi shed WTO rules and procedures. We look forward to engaging in consultations with the EU 
on this at t he appropriate time.  
4.157.   We note both the EU and Australia are demonstrating commitment to open trade and 
investment, by pursuing ambitious, forward agendas of free  trade agreement negotiations. Given WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  the size of the bilateral trade and investment relationship , the Australian Government looks 
forward to commencing negotiation of a comprehensive and ambitious Australia -EU FTA.  
4.158.   Australia looks forward to continuin g to work closely with the EU. In the lead up to MC11, 
we are confident that the EU will show continu ed engagement and leadership in order to secure 
valuable outcomes for all Members.  
4.159.   I would  like to thank the European Union for its detailed re plies to our written questions.  
We are reviewing these carefully.   
4.160.   Australia wishes the European Union  a success ful and constructive Trade Policy R eview.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.161.   The Republic of Moldova appreciates the EU 's constructive role in the WTO and its active 
participation in the work of this O rganization, as well as the EU 's leadership through the numerous 
initiatives aimed at making progress on the highly important issues discussed in the WTO bodies.  
4.162.   Since the last Trade Policy Review, the EU economy continued to grow, although at a 
moderate annual rate of 2.2% in 2015, and at different paces from one Member to  another. In the 
context of current global challenges, we believe the new trade and investment policy issued by the 
European Commission in 2015 will support and strengthen this growth in an inclusive and 
responsible manner, by tackling new economic realiti es such as trade in services, global value 
chains, e -commerce and SMEs.  
4.163.   We congratulate the EU for its pioneering role undertaken in the expansion of the ITA 
Agreement and the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in October 2015, shortly after 
its previous Trade Policy Review. In this area, the new Union Customs Code begins a new era of 
electronic customs clearance and harmonized IT processes, simplifying and modernizing customs 
procedures.  
4.164.   On the intellectual property side, we commend the adopt ion of the Digital Single Market 
Strategy for Europe, aimed at further modernizing the legal framework for copyright protection 
and enforcement, in particular in the online environment. We are also looking forward to analysing  
in more detail the new legisl ative and non -legislative actions presented by the European 
Commission in this area, as well as the project of extension of geographical indications protection 
to non -agricultural products. We thank the EU for the answers provided to our advance questions 
on these topics.  
4.165.   The Republic of Moldova and the EU enjoy a special relationship due to our historic, cultural 
and geographic proximity. Indeed, as a neighbouring  country of the EU, the Republic of Moldova 
has a unique opportunity of connecting to the EU a s the world 's largest trading block and 
benefiting from the opportunities offered by an open economy with transparent rules and 
regulations.  
4.166.   Our trade relationship is governed by the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, 
in full effect since July 20 16, which is oriented to the removal of import and export duties on the 
trade in goods, as well as obstacles to trade in services and stimulating better access for 
companies to the EU market. Significant efforts have been made by the Moldovan authorities, with 
the EU support, regarding the promotion and implementation of the EU principles, regulations and 
standards in the Moldovan legal and institutional framework.  
4.167.   During the first half of the current year , Moldovan exports to the EU represented 63.5% of 
total exports, with an increase of 26.3% compared to the same period in 2016. A similar increase 
of 23.3% has been registered for the imports of European products to the Republic of Moldova.  
4.168.   Our main trading partners from the EU are Romania, Italy, United K ingdom, Germany, 
France, Poland and Netherlands.  
4.169.   As of January 2016, there are 1360 exporting companies to the EU. The DCFTA 
implementation brought changes in the structure of exports: in the top positions being placed the WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  industrial goods, covering over 65% of all exported goods. This is an outstanding contrast to 
Moldova 's export of primary and resource -based products in earlier years.  
4.170.   The EU is also the main investor for Moldova, having provided in 2015 over 52% of the 
total FDI into the country.  
4.171.   On the  Trade Facilitation side, Moldovan authorities work closely with the EU. Some recent 
developments include the creation of the Authorized Economic Operator at all crossing points of 
the border and the mechanism of approved exporte rs to facilitate the export  of "preferential origin " 
from Moldova. The European Union Border Mission is another important instrument in EU –Moldova 
customs cooperation, assisting in the creation of the legal framework, institutional infrastructure 
and administrative capacity to imple ment customs and trade facilitation rules.  
4.172.   There are certainly a lot of valuable aspects in our trade relationship with the EU that I 
could refer to today. But perhaps the most important aspect to be emphasized here is that it 
allows us see the WTO rules applied in practice and our commitments undertaken at the 
international level fully respected, as it is explicitly stated in the preamble of the Moldova -EU 
Association Agreement.  
4.173.   Moldova looks forward to strengthen our cooperation with the European Union,  within the 
WTO in order to advance the work undertaken in its various bodies. And Moldova is ready to share 
our trade relations experience.  
4.174.   The Republic of Moldova is confident that the 13th exercise of the trade policy review will 
help the European Union  assess the impact of its trade and economic policies on sustainable and 
robust trade growth to the benefit of the EU itself, as well as of the world economy.  
4.175.   We look forward to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations with the European 
Union  and we wish to the European Delegation the utmost success during this trade policy review 
cycle.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.176.   The EU is one of the biggest trading blocks in the world, and its trade policy influence, both 
positive and negative, on global markets can not be underestimated. Russia therefore commends 
the EU on having ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement in October 2015. We also expect that 
the EU will eliminate agricultural export subsidies from its WTO schedule of commitments, in line 
with the 2015  Nairobi Decision. Being one of the 16 WTO Members with export subsidies 
entitlements, this would be a significant contribution towards the promotion of open and fair trade.  
4.177.   The European Union remains Russia 's largest trading partner and an important sour ce of 
foreign direct investment. And that – despite an increased number of contentious issues between 
the EU and the Russian Federation. The past two years saw a continued deterioration of trade 
conditions for Russia 's exporters in the European markets. No t only did old problems aggravate – 
such as the so -called Third Energy Package, REACH directive, restrictions on trade in low -enriched 
uranium – but also other issues kept piling up without proper consideration.  
4.178.   We take note of the replies of the EU to mos t of our advanced written questions. However, 
I would like to draw the attention of the delegation from the Brussels to a number of issues that 
lack sufficient justification and need further clarifications. To share with you just one case, in our 
written q uestions we have expressed our concern regarding one of the EU Member 's Law on the 
protectionist measures against, I quote, "unsafe third -country nuclear power plants ". We sought 
clarification from the EU regarding the justification for such measure, as we ll as its compliance 
with the WTO rules and regulations. We were disappointed with the EU 's uninformative and 
superficial reply which did not contain any specific reasons or explanation concerning this issue.  
4.179.   We also have a number of serious concerns with regards to certain EU 's trade policies. 
Because of time constraints I will limit my intervention with just some.  
4.180.   First, we are strongly concerned with the EU 's continued opposition to the "North 
Stream  2" project and the Brussel 's move to apply the so -called Third energy package to this WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  offshore pipeline. This is particularly surprising after the confirmation by the European Commission 
earlier this year that the provisions of the Package were not applicable to offshore pipelines such 
as "North Stream 2 ". This confirmation actually followed the Commission 's legal service opinion 
that came to the same conclusion.  
4.181.   The second area of concern is the introduction of temporary autonomous measures for 
Ukraine supplementary to trade concessions available under the As sociation Agreement. The 
measure in question consists in additional lowering or abolition of duties for certain tariff lines for 
the country, as well as expansion of tariff quotas for a number of agricultural goods. Because of 
systemic concerns, we would l ike to get further information from the EU regarding compliance of 
such measures with the MFN principle.  
4.182.   Third, Russia has persistently raised concerns about the EU 's import licensing procedures 
in respect of iron and steel products within different WTO co mmittees and bodies. We believe that 
the lack of legislation at the supranational level creates the ground for unjustified actions of 
competent authorities of the EU Member States, which results in disruption of the ordinary course 
of trade. Moreover, such  actions by the EU Member States lead to confusion among the importers, 
as they can no longer be certain whether the documents submitted to the competent authority of 
one EU Member State will be sufficient for the next time or when importing to a different  Member 
State.  
4.183.   Fourth, we would like to seek clarifications in respect of EU 's responses to Russia 's written 
questions regarding the proposed changes in calculation of normal value determination in the 
course of anti -dumping investigations. These question s were posed earlier within the Anti -
Dumping Committee. The EU limited itself to the remark that the proposal is subject to the 
ordinary legislative procedure. However, we expected a more detailed answer. For the sake of 
transparency, we would like to know  which Committees of the European Parliament will be 
considering the proposal.  
4.184.   Fifth, the EU persists in practicing trade remedies that are highly questionable in terms of 
their compliance with the WTO rules and principles. These include, inter alia, cost -adjustment 
methodologies for the calculation of dumping margins in anti -dumping investigations and reviews. 
Moreover, we see that anti -dumping and countervailing regulations become more stringent. In 
particular, the European Commission plans to grant its investigating authority the right to ignore 
domestic prices and costs existing in the exporting country in cases of a "significant market 
distortion ", such as state interference in domestic markets. However, the criteria of market 
distortions are highly am biguous and leave much space for abuse. Therefore, in our understanding 
this proposal authorizes practices that are inconsistent with the provisions of the GATT. We would 
like to urge the EU to abstain from adoption of the amendment and we will continue to  keep a 
close eye on the evolution of the EU 's anti -dumping legislation.  
4.185.   Finally, let me mention Brexit and its influence on the EU trade policy. This is an 
unprecedented challenge for the EU, as it may require revision of its tariff and anti -dumping 
regulation, agriculture subsidy policy, import quota system etc. We believe many delegations 
would appreciate further indications as to when the EU is planning to launch consultations with the 
WTO members on these issues.  
4.186.   Despite the number of contentious issu es between Russia and the EU, we are ready for a 
constructive dialogue that would allow us to minimize the number of trade concerns between us. 
We hope that in future the number of outstanding issues in our bilateral trade does not increase.  
MONTENEGRO  
4.187.   At the outset, Montenegro wishes to express its close association with the European U nion 
and the European Project. In five years of negotiations with the EU, we positioned ourselves as the 
frontrunner of the integration process in the region by opening 28 an d provisionally closing three 
chapters. By doing so we have substantially strengthened the rule of law, economic governance 
and reformed our public sector, aware that additional efforts must be invested in this regards.  
4.188.   The European Union is home to a tot al population of 508 million people with an exports 
and imports of goods valued €3,518 billion and services at €1,517 billion. The European Union is WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  key to the economic success and social development of many States – and Montenegro looks 
forward to continu ing – and building on – its positive relationship with the European Union for 
years to come.  
4.189.   Montenegro wishes to draw attention to the growth statistics of the European Union, 
despite challenges that have occurred over the last trade review period. I n this regard, 
Montenegro notes that in 2016, GDP was around 1.8% compared with 2.2% in 2015,  and, based 
on recent forecast , growth is expected to continue at a si milar rate in the near future. With 
political challenges such as Brexit negotiations commencing i n the past few weeks, Montenegro 
hopes that the European Union can continue to deliver strong growth and ensure the positive 
development of its citizens.  
4.190.   Of particular interest to Montenegro is the European Union 's new strategy "Trade for all - 
Towards a m ore responsible trade and investment policy " intended to ensure responsible 
management in supply chains, promote fair and ethical trade schemes and to pr omote and defend 
human rights. In this regard, Montenegro notes that the European Union 's report states  that the 
aim of this new policy is central to align tr ade policy with European values,  that implementing 
private sustainability schemes can be benefic ial for sustainable development,  and that human 
rights considerations are becoming an increasing importan t part of the EU 's bilateral free trade 
agreements.  Montenegro is firmly convinced that trade and investment can be used to further 
important society values and devel op economies in a positive way.  In the 21st Century, such aims 
are important if the lives of all are to be improved.  
4.191.   Montenegro draws attention to the work that has been completed in the financial sector in 
the EU since the financial crisis.  In this regard, Montenegro notes that in 2015 a new regulation on 
securities financing transactions was  adopted to improve transparency, and identify and quantify 
risks; and that in 2017, a new regulation was adopted that is intended to improve the liquidity 
profile and stability of money market fu nds domicile or sold in Europe.  These readjustments – and 
other developments that the Secretariat notes – to the financial sector are important if financial 
markets are to be sustainable moving forward. We, in Montenegro, are devoted to strengthening 
our financial services through accession talks with the EU (under  Chapter 9) and in that respect we 
continuously work to make improvements in banking sector, insurance sector and pension system, 
infrastructure of financial market, securities and independence of regulatory and monitoring bodies 
as well as building their administrative capacities.  
4.192.   Montenegro would like to commend EU for its proactive and constructive engagement in 
the WTO and its continued leadership in strengthening of the rule based multilateral trading 
system. WTO success in the resent years has been in creasingly connected with the eff ective 
contribution of the EU. Montenegro will continue its strong support for the current and new 
initiatives of the EU and other Member S tates towards success of the MC 11 in December in Buenos 
Aires.  
4.193.   Finally, Montenegro is looking forward to continuing excellent relations with the European 
Union in Geneva and with impressive team of the EU Mission lead by H.E. Marc Vanheukelen. We 
wish the European Union every success in its thirteenth Trade Policy Review.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA 
4.194.   Hong Kong, China (HKC) and the EU have all along enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial 
economi c relationship.  Last year, the EU was our 2nd largest trading partner, while we ranked 5th 
among their trading partners in Asia.  
4.195.   We also have an annual Struct ured Dialogue to exchange views on trade and investment 
issues of interests to both sides.   
4.196.   Notwithstanding these bilateral conversations, we find it useful that the EU has made use 
of this review to update all WTO Members on its trade policies and initia tives.  We note, for 
instance, that there is a new Single Market Strategy, which enables the EU to function more 
effectively as one trading bloc. We welcome also the 2015 "Trade for all " Communication, which 
explains clearly the EU 's overall trade st rategy and negotiating agenda. The EU 's transparency in 
its policy making process, including its ongoing negotiations on free trade agreements, allows WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  other WTO Members to identify more easily po tential areas for cooperation. HKC, for instance, 
would see us as ha ving a common interest with the EU in reducing non -tariff barriers and 
enhancing market access.  
4.197.   Although this review covers only two years, there had been significant  development during 
the period.  One example is the new Union Customs Code. With the main p rovisions coming into 
force, a new era is opened for electronic customs clearance and harmonized IT processes. We 
hope the EU will continue its good efforts in simplifying customs procedures, and will lead by 
example in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement.   
4.198.   Another notable achievement during this review period was the updating of the Blue Guide. 
It sets out the legislation, standards and conformity assessment  applicable to non -food and 
non-agricultural products as they ma ke their way to the EU ma rket. This is more than a factual 
update.  It speaks for the EU 's serious efforts to harmonise the practices of its member states, and 
we appreciate that.  
4.199.   We understand that the European Commission also plans to launch a Joint Initiative on 
Standardization,  so that the public and private sectors can work together to promote European 
and international standards, making it easier for industries to capitalise on ra pidly developing 
technologies. HKC supports innovation, and sees merit in having more transparent and common 
standards for this purpose.  
4.200.   On the Services side, a number of regulatory changes had been introduced, benefiting 
various sectors such as audio -visual; financial; mar itime, air and rail transport. We encourage the 
EU to continue with its reforms;  to further open up its services markets and streamline the 
regulations.   
4.201.   At the moment, the EU is playing a very active and constructive role in WTO Services 
negotiations, in particular r egarding domestic regulations. We believe that HKC and the EU share  
common objectives in this regard, and can work together for a meaningful outcome.  
4.202.   Indeed, we have been successful partners before, producing, for instance, at the 10th 
Ministerial Conference a plurilateral Information Technology Agreement, the benefits of  which are 
now shared by all WTO Members b y virtue of the MFN principle. As we just celebrated the 20th 
Anniversary of the first ITA last week, we would also like to take this opportunity to commend the 
EU for its leadership and contributions during the ne gotiations, as well as its prompt 
implementation of the expanded Agreement.  
4.203.   Regarding anti -dumping and countervailing measures, new regulations published in the 
past two years served  to consolidate existing ones. And the fact remains that, since the incept ion 
of the WTO, the EU has been a major user of these measures.  Knowing full well that remedy 
investigations can carry significant trade stifling effects, we hope Members would think twice 
before initiating such proceedings; and if they really have to reso rt to remedies, we urge them to 
refrain from repeated extensions of such measures.   
4.204.   One important area that saw little change durin g the review period is tariffs.  The tariff 
structure and rates remained largely the same, with agricultural products, in par ticular dairy 
products, continuing to r eceive high tariff protection. It is true that agricultural exports from least 
developed countries and many developing countries can already enter the EU at zero or reduced 
tariffs because of special initiativ es and p referential agreements.  However, we encourage the EU to 
further liberalise its agricultural sector, so that the benefits of free trade can be extended to all its 
trading partners.  
4.205.   At the beginning of this meeting, Mr Korte (Head of EU Delegation) made some  very candid 
remarks about the state of play of the multilateral trading system, pointi ng out that "all is not 
well". Globally, we see the trading community struggling to cope with other problems: slow 
economic growth; increasing protectionism; as well as political uncertainties affec ting the business 
environment. Unfortunately, such are the circumstances that we have to operate in, as we find our 
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  4.206.   The EU and its member States are key players of t he multila teral trading system.  Their 
policies have far -reaching impli cations for the world economy. We thank the EU for sharing with us 
their thoughts about the challenges that we face,  and the options that we have. We hope this 
review will stimulate further reflec tion on these pressing issues, and encourage WTO Members to 
take concrete collective actions to address them.  
4.207.   Finally, I would like to thank the delegation for the re plies to our written questions. I wish 
the EU a very fruitful Trade Policy R eview . 
KAZAKHS TAN 
4.208.   I would like to wish the EU success in the implementation of the Single Market Strategy, 
which covers wide range of economy sectors of the Member States such as services, intellectual 
property, public procurement and many others. I am confident that th is practice will draw the 
attention of a number of countries as valuable exercise with tangible benefits.  
4.209.   EU's valuable assistance to developing countries has been also notable through 
participation in the Aid for Trade initiative. In this regards it is wo rth mentioning the EU 's revised 
strategy that puts emphasis on social protection and environmental sustainability together with 
inclusive economic growth.  
4.210.   Kazakhstan enjoys strong trade and economic relations with the EU.  
4.211.   Kazakhstan and the European Union signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation 
Agreement in Astana on 21 December 2015. The agreement covers 29 areas of cooperation, 
including investments, trade development, and infrastructure, as well as innovation, culture, sport, 
tourism and law enfor cement. Its special trade section was thoroughly negotiated in line with 
Kazakhstan 's commitments as part of the Eurasian Economic Union and WTO member.  
4.212.   Other priority areas of the agreement are education and human capital development. 
Kazakhstan and the E U will strengthen cooperation in the framework of educational programs and 
research activities.  
4.213.   In 2016 the trade turnover between our countries has reached US$24.2 billion . Exports of 
goods from Kazakhstan during the period amounted to US$18.5 billion , import from the EU 
US$5.7  billion . 
4.214.   In 2016 , the gross inflow of direct investments from the Europeans Union amounted to 
US$10.7 billion , which represents 52.3% of the total volume of investments attracted to the 
economy of Kazakhstan last year.  
4.215.   EU is one of the most important strategic partners of Kazakhstan and I believe that there is 
a bright future for further enhancing trade and economic cooperation.  
4.216.   I also would like to use this opportunity to thank the European Commission and personally 
Paolo Garzotti f or the continuous support which has been provided to the Government of 
Kazakhstan in its accession to the World Trade Organization.  
4.217.   In closing , I would like to wish the d elegation of the EU a successful Trade Policy Review.  
CHILE  
4.218.   From Chile, the European U nion is seen as a successful political project, with an economic 
foundation, centred on cooperation. The concept of " de facto  solidarity" advanced by Monnet and 
Schumann as a way of progressing towards integration is a path which in our mind reflects the 
humanistic ideals on which the post -war community of Europe is built, with the prime goal of 
ensuring peace and development.  
4.219.   The EU has gone through difficult phases: Europessimism, Eurosclerosis, Euroscepticism, 
and current doubts about the project itself.  Yet it has always pulled through with political will, and 
today it is engaged in a profound reflection on its destiny, embracing the new realities of the WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  digital age, the demographic challenge, new international pathologies and threats to peace and 
free t rade. 
4.220.   In the same vein, we hope that future changes brought about by the withdrawal of one its 
members will not mean any disruption in our bilateral relations.  
4.221.   We are confident that the EU will again overcome a period of uncertainty, which moreover 
affects  all of us everywhere to some extent.  
4.222.   We are watchful as to how the EU evolves. We believe that a way forward that we may 
venture to suggest from Chile, and from Latin America, is complementarity and deep integration 
between our two regions, since we have a common history, interests and destiny based on the 
humanistic values we share.  
4.223.   Chile's relations with the European Community go back a long way. In 1963, the 
first science and technology cooperation agreement was signed between Chile and the European 
Southern Observatory, whose development to this day involves major space observation 
programmes from Northern Chile.  
4.224.   This important step prefaced our political relationship with the then European Economic 
Community, which set up its Latin American Office in S antiago in 1964. Thereafter, the 
relationship progressed at various levels and was reaffirmed, first, through the third -generation 
Framework Agreement for Cooperation signed in 1990 when democracy was restored, then the 
preparatory agreement for the Strate gic Partnership signed in 1996, and culminating in the 
Association Agreement of 2002, which spans three pillars: the political domain, cooperation and 
trade. Concurrently, an extremely successful Science and Technology Agreement was signed, 
which has recen tly been renewed for five years.  
4.225.   Since the Association Agreement was signed, relations between Chile and the European 
Union have intensified. They have been reinforced through "Structured Dialogues"; thematic 
cooperation frameworks to develop common projec ts; and exchanges of information and best 
practices in various domains, such as the environment, energy, ocean and fishery governance, 
SMEs and clusters, and human rights.  
4.226.   February  2017 marked the 15th anniversary of the Association Agreement. The AA 
includes an evolutionary clause, which will be used to supplement and update its provisions, 
moving from 90.3% liberalization to 100% market access. Negotiations to this end are scheduled 
to begin in September of this year.  
4.227.   The EU is a key trading partner for C hile, in third place after China and the United States. 
Since the entry into force of the Association Agreement, trading has more than doubled, growing 
at an average annual rate of 6%. In 2016, trade between Chile and the European Union totalled 
US$17,682  million. The trade balance, meanwhile, was US$1,944  million in favour of the EU. 
Trade flows from Chile include copper, wood, fresh fruit, fish, wine and agro -industry and food 
products, as well as some industrial products. Non -mining exports from Chile ac counted for nearly 
50% of total exports.  
4.228.   Products from Europe include vehicles and spare parts, medicaments, machinery and 
equipment.  
4.229.   The EU is our top investor, accounting for 28% of aggregate foreign investment, for a total 
of US$38,692  million. Chile al so invests in the EU, to the tune of around US$4  billion.  
4.230.   We have submitted 15 questions for this review on subjects such as anti -dumping, 
safeguards, intellectual property, domestic support for agriculture, e -commerce and air transport. 
We are grateful fo r the replies received, which we are processing with our technical teams.  
4.231.   In this respect, we should like to point out that, as the Secretariat report states, 
agricultural policies have not changed to any substantial degree since the last review. With this  in 
mind, we hope the European Union implements the Nairobi Decision on the elimination of export 
subsidies. In addition, we are particularly concerned by a number of domestic subsidy programmes WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  which affect our exports of agricultural products, as well as  the temporary exceptional measures 
for fruits and vegetables, which have been extended for a further year.  
4.232.   We are working with the EU within the OECD in many areas. Also worth noting is our 
relationship within the Pacific Alliance, where we have identifie d 17 work areas ranging from trade 
facilitation to education.  
4.233.   Chile and the EU firmly support multilateralism and the role of the WTO. We are both 
members of the Group of Friends of MSMEs, we have a shared interest in trade in services, and we 
are active p articipants in the TISA negotiations, which we hope to see resume with the aim of 
concluding the Agreement.  
4.234.   Specifically, we trust that, in view of Chile's and the EU's shared concern for the system 
and the need to keep the WTO's central pillar solid, we w ill be able to rely on the EU's support in 
reaching a prompt and satisfactory decision on the pending appointment to the Appellate Body.  
4.235.   Last but not least, we acknowledge the European Union's inputs to the preparatory work 
for the upcoming MC -11 in areas such as domestic regulation for services, e -commerce, facilitating 
investment and, in particular, agriculture and fishing subsidies.  
4.236.   Allow me to close by wishing the European Union a successful trade policy review.  
VIET  NAM 
4.237.   I would like to associate oursel ves with the ASEAN Statement delivered by Ambassador 
Tan Yee Woan.  
4.238.   Since the last Trade Policy R eview, we are happy to learn that the EU represents the 
world 's largest trader in commercial services, second -largest merchandise trader, and second -
largest in terms of GDP.  
4.239.   We share the same view with the EU that trade has made a vital contribution to the global 
economy 's growth and highly appreciate the EU 's full commitment of reinvigorating the multilateral 
trading system in these uncertain times.   
4.240.   Trade rel ations between Viet Nam and the EU have seen continuous high -rate growth 
during the period of 2000 -2016. The two -way trade increased from US$4.1 billion in 2000 to 
US$45  billion in 2016, a tenfold increase within 16 years. Of the total, Viet Nam 's export t o the EU 
increased to US$34 billion and import grew to US$11 billion. In the first three months of this year, 
trade between the two parties total led US$11 billion, an increase of 11.4 % comparing with the 
same period last year.  
4.241.   It is noted that Vietnamese and EU 's products are complementary rather than competitive, 
which represents a huge potential for both side 's traders and enterprises as trade liberalizes.   
4.242.   In terms of investment, EU is one of Viet Nam 's most important investors with total 
registered ca pital of over US$21 billion to date.  
4.243.   For mutual benefit of Viet Nam and the EU, we desire that both parties will continue to 
promote closer cooperation through regional and bilateral cooperation frameworks.  
4.244.   Although trade relations between Viet Nam and th e EU have been developing strongly in 
recent years, bilateral trade, in fact, has not realised its full potentia l. To further promote the 
two-way trade, we would highly appreciate if the EU takes note of the following issues:  
4.245.   Firstly, the proposed applica tion of new Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of Tricyclazole 
applied to rice imported into the EU. In our view, this proposed regulation seems to be developed 
without sufficient scientific evidence and thus would negatively affect import of this important 
produ ct from Viet Nam.   WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.246.   Secondly, with respect to the legislation relating to trade remedies, we urge the EU to 
enact and apply with careful consideration to ensure fair competition in international trade.  
4.247.   Lastly, we appreciate the EU for responding to our ad vance d written questions, and 
follow -up questions might be forthcoming if necessary.  
DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.248.   The European Union and the Dominican Republic have maintained excellent and close trade 
relations since the time the Dominican Republic acceded to the t hen Lomé IV Convention in 1989, 
revised by the Cotonou Agreement (2000), between the EU and the ACP countries (African, 
Caribbean and Pacific States). These trade relations between the EU and the Dominican Republic 
have been further strengthened through th e EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement 
(EPA). The EU is the Dominican Republic's second -biggest trading partner, accounting for 
approximately 10% of the value of the country's external trade in 2015. In that year, trade 
between the EU and the Domini can Republic reached €2,459  million, almost double the figure a 
decade before, and the Dominican Republic exported goods to the EU worth €834  million. Of our 
exports to the EU, 62.4% are food and 28.2% are manufactured products such as medicaments 
and medi cal instruments. The EU exported to the Dominican Republic goods worth €1,626  million, 
primarily machinery and food. We welcome the significant bilateral and regional cooperation aimed 
at strengthening institutional reforms to foster the development of ext ernal trade, especially the 
involvement of small and medium enterprises.  
4.249.   In this, its 13th trade policy review, we would like to congratulate the EU on maintaining an 
open and transparent economy, and for its firm commitment to strengthening the multilater al 
trading system. Since its last review, the EU economy has continued its gradual albeit uneven 
economic recovery following the financial crisis, with an interim recovery followed by a euro area 
recession and then another recovery. However, it has not reb ounded as fast as some other large 
economies, nor as fast as in previous downturns, thus exacerbating asymmetries between the 
Union's northern and southern economies, making it highly vulnerable to unforeseen domestic and 
external shocks. The implementatio n of effective and coordinated fiscal, financial and debt policies 
will be key to preserving a successful EU.  
4.250.   The economy has exhibited an improvement in real GDP growth up to an annual rate of 
2.2% in 2015. The outlook for the EU economy for 2017 is one o f continued steady growth: 
GDP growth for the euro area is expected to be 1.6% in 2017, and about 1.7% in 2016. It is 
anticipated that private consumption, as before, will continue to be the main driver of GDP growth 
for 2017. Inflation in the euro area, w hich has been picking up since mid -2016, is expected to 
continue in the short term owing to the end of falling energy prices, the rise in energy prices and 
increases in import prices.  
4.251.   The European Union has had to address significant challenges that have a ffected the 
EU economy during the review period and are likely to persist in the near future. The referendum 
in the United Kingdom (Brexit), large numbers of refugees, oil price movements, terrorism and 
elections/political uncertainty have all had an impac t. All these factors give rise to uncertainty, and 
the authorities must continue to monitor them closely in order to avoid both economic and political 
instability in the region.  
4.252.   There have been significant reductions in unemployment rates, from a peak of 1 1% in 
April 2013 to 9% at end -2015. In 2016, the unemployment rate stood at 8.5%, falling to 8.2% in 
December of that year, the lowest level recorded since February  2009. Between October  2015 and 
2016, unemployment rates declined in 24 member States. Howev er, high rates of long -term 
unemployment and youth unemployment persist in several southern member States, which 
continues to give grounds for concern.  
4.253.   A number of interesting new developments have taken place in the European Union since 
the last trade pol icy review. In October  2015, the European Commission issued a new trade and 
investment policy for the EU – Trade for All: Towards a more responsible trade and investment 
policy , which is intended to support the growth of global value chains, services trade  and 
e-commerce. The aim is to reduce non -tariff barriers and increase trade in services, while WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  benefiting from improved technology to facilitate cross -border provision of services, and 
recognizing the importance of labour mobility and mutual recognition o f professional qualifications.  
4.254.   In the area of trade facilitation, we congratulate the EU, in so far as practically all customs 
procedures are electronic and cleared within one hour. On 1  May 2016, the main provisions of the 
new Union Customs Code (UCC) ent ered into force, replacing the Community Customs Code of 
1992. Among the changes introduced by the UCC, we may cite: improvements to the Authorized 
Economic Operator (AEO) programme (which, in 2015, already covered 14,000 operators 
accounting for 71% of im ports); simplification of the systems for customs warehouses, free zones, 
and temporary storage; improving the common risk management framework; reducing the validity 
of binding tariff information to three years and making it binding on the importer; phasi ng in 
electronic systems for customs by 2020; and streamlining and reorganizing rules of origin and 
customs valuation.  
4.255.   New regulations relating to anti -dumping and countervailing measures were also 
introduced in 2016. We draw attention to the fact that the  EU is among the WTO's most frequent 
users of contingency measures, and accordingly call upon the authorities to exercise due 
moderation in applying this type of measures.  
4.256.   Elsewhere, 2016 also saw the establishment of new legislation on animal health, plan t 
pests and official controls. The package aims to simplify and modernize legislation on the food 
chain by condensing the 70 different legislative acts. We congratulate the EU, believing this new 
legislation to be a step in the right direction, but we cont inue to be concerned by the non -tariff 
barriers that our products face to gain access to the European market, in the form of both 
technical barriers to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, which are still widespread. 
Between 1  January  2015 and 31  December  2016, the EU submitted 176 notifications under 
Article  10.6 to the TBT Committee, and individual member States submitted another 52. In 2015 
and 2016, the EU made a total of 107 notifications to the SPS Committee in the WTO.  
4.257.   Regarding the agricul ture sector, it was reported in the previous trade policy review that 
the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) underwent significant reform with the adoption of several 
directives and implementing rules covering direct payments to agricultural producers, marke t 
measures and rural development. Nonetheless, as we stated at the time, we are still concerned 
that although the CAP reform may reduce distortions to product ion in the EU, the total funding for 
agriculture and rural development will remain in excess of €50  billion a year, a considerable sum, 
which affects the competitiveness of EU products in international markets to the detriment of 
others. In addition, prote ction instruments remain in place such as high tariffs, tariff quotas and 
use of the Special Agricultural Safeguard that shield agricultural producers from variations in 
international prices.  
4.258.   The Dominican Republic submitted a number of questions to the EU  pertaining, inter alia , 
to trade facilitation, tariffs, and geographical indications, and thanks the EU for its replies. We 
would like to end by congratulating the European Union and wishing it much success in this trade 
policy review and in the future.  
CANADA  
4.259.   I welcome the opportunity to participate in the 13th Trade Policy Review of the European 
Union. As highlighted in the Secretariat and the EU 's report, the last two years have seen key 
developments in the EU 's trade policy, including a new trade and i nvestment strategy (Trade for 
All) and a historic landmark in our own bilateral trade relationship with the signature and 
forthcoming provisional application of the Canada -EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade 
Agreement or CETA.  
4.260.   As one of the most ambitious and progressive trade agreements Canada or the EU have 
ever concluded, CETA is a critical milestone in our mutual commitment to a free, equitable and 
open trading system. It is the right deal at the right time. This agreement sets the stage to further 
enhance and strengthen Canada 's relationship with our second largest trading partner, with our 
two-way trade in goods and services already totalling more than $142 billion in 2016, and bilateral 
investment stocks reaching approximately $479 billion in 2016.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.261.   CETA is also an important landmark in the development of Canada 's Progressive Trade 
Agenda, one that supports economic growth that benefits everyone and helps to maintain support 
for trade in open societies. In the face of rising protectionism, it is Canada 's hope that CETA can 
offer inspiration for WTO Members on progressive approaches to trade policy and that CETA 's 
expected outcomes will go a long way to demonstrating the value of trade liberalization. In this 
respect, we look forward to opportunities to work with the EU to advance innovative elements of a 
progressive trade agenda at the WTO and in other fora, including on issues such as environment, 
labour, as well as trade and gender.  
4.262.   The EU continues to uphold and contribute to the work of the WTO, and on that note, I 
would like to thank the EU for their important role and continued efforts to advance negotiations 
on agriculture, disciplines on fisheries subsidies, Environmental Goods, Trade in Services and 
electronic commerce. We appreciate and support the EU 's calls for WTO Members to focus on 
finding common ground on identifying potential deliverables to promote the global trade agenda to 
the benefit of all Members – especially those least developed economies that stand to benefit the 
most.  
4.263.   Canada and the EU recognize that transparency practices and the dispute settlement 
system are key elements of the WTO, and that these elements remain as important as ever in light 
of rising protectionist sentiment. To that end, we are grateful for the EU 's leadership  in efforts to 
increase the transparency and accessibility of regulatory measures for businesses, especially 
MSMEs. I would like to also note that Canada and the EU worked closely together in 2016 to 
establish a WTO mechanism for developing, documenting, a nd sharing practices and procedures in 
the conduct of WTO disputes. We look forward to working with the EU to advance work on these 
important areas.  
4.264.   In its October 2015 Trade for All strategy, the European Commission reiterated its 
commitment to increase t rade and investment, through a reduction of non -tariff barriers and by 
promoting an open and transparent approach to negotiations. We support this commitment, but 
note that in some cases, the EU 's approach to regulation and uncert ainties related to its 
decision-making processes are not always conducive to achieving this objective. Canada looks 
forward to hearing developments in this area at the mid -term review of the Trade for All strategy.  
4.265.   Furthermore, while both Canada and the EU recognize the importance of protecting 
human, animal and plant health as well as the environment, some decisions have not always been 
timely or science -based. Today 's Trade Policy Review allows us to seek greater details and answers 
to technical questions we have with regards to t he EU 's trade environment and decision -making 
process. For example, delays and unpredictability in the EU 's authorization process for genetically 
modified products can impede market access even after products have been found to be safe by 
the European Food  Safety Authority. We also note that the EU 's regulation of endocrine disruptors 
would be improved by using universally accepted, science -based risk assessments. Finally, we 
seize this opportunity to raise issues we have with regards to the admin istration of quotas by the 
EU. We thank EU for its timely answers to our questions on the aforementioned issues, and on a 
range of others including: the Common Agriculture Policy, timber regulations, trade in services, 
country of origin labelling and government proc urement. Officials in Ottawa are carefully studying 
the responses and may submit follow -up questions.  
4.266.   As anti -globalization and protectionism continue to loom large in public discourse, Canada 
commends the EU for its stalwart defence and promotion of free and "responsible " trade, both here 
at the WTO and in its bilateral relationships. Canada and the EU must continue to work together to 
defend the values we share and to ensure that progressive trade works for everyone.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.267.   The Patriótica Costarricen se, a song from the nineteenth century, is not our national 
anthem, but perhaps our emotional anthem. One verse goes:  
"I do not envy the pleasures of Europe // The grandeur that it encompasses // My land is a 
thousand times more beautiful // With its palm trees, its breeze, and its sunshine"  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.268.   Today, the European Union is a trading, political and cultural bloc that we do have much to 
learn from and I am pleased to participate in its thirteenth Trade Policy Review. This forum 
provides us with an opportunity to  learn more about a trading partner that is very important to 
global trade, especially for our country. Since the European Union's establishment and in parallel 
to its deepening integration process, trade between Costa Rica and the region has intensified, 
accounting for 14% of our country's total trade in 2016. Today, the European Union is our second 
largest trading partner.  
4.269.   To speak of the European Union is to speak of an open and transparent economy and a 
trading bloc which already has or is negotiating t rade agreements with 140 partners, and which 
promotes and commits to the values and principles of the World Trade Organization.  
4.270.   To speak of the European Union is to speak of the largest and most integrated trading bloc 
in the world. The European Union main tains an attitude of openness towards its trading partners 
and respects and adheres to multilateral rules and international standards. Its partners greatly 
benefit from its regulatory convergence, and in particular, its unified trade policy towards third 
parties.  
4.271.   To speak of the European Union is to speak of solidarity and the preservation of a way of 
life that empowers other countries and regions to live the same way. We were recently reminded 
by Donald Tusk, the Pr esident of the European Council  that "The  word solidarity appears 16 times 
in the Treaties which all our Member States agreed and ratified". In this same connection, Costa 
Rica takes the opportunity to also join in the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the 
Treaties of Rome of the European Union, which highlight the exceptional alliance of free nations in 
support of unity and solidarity.  
4.272.   Over the years, Costa Rica and the European Union have upheld values and actions as part 
of a respectful and fruitful relationship based on common interests  and aspirations in areas such as 
respect for the rule of law, the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental 
freedoms, the promotion of peace, sustainable development, action to combat climate change, 
political dialogue and foreign trade.  
4.273.   Since the establishment of the European Union, which occurred in parallel to the deepening 
regional integration process in Central America, exchanges have intensified and have significantly 
benefited our countries, particularly in the case of Costa Rica, whi ch is currently the Central 
American country with the most exports to the European Union. In fact, Central America and the 
European Union concluded a comprehensive agreement containing a trade pillar which entered into 
force at the end of 2013.  
4.274.   Trade under  preferential conditions and with legal certainty guaranteed by the Association 
Agreement, as well as the standards and agreements of the World Trade Organization, provide a 
framework to strengthen and expand trade links and bilateral investment flows betw een Costa Rica 
and the European Union.  
4.275.   Over the last five years, trade between Costa Rica and the European Union grew by an 
average of 5.9% per year, from US$2,802 million in 2012 to US$3,525 million in 2016. Foreign 
direct investment (FDI) from the Europe an Union accounted for approximately 27.6% of the total 
received by Costa Rica in 2016. We are confident that the Association Agreement will continue to 
help strengthen and expand trade links and bilateral investment flows between Costa Rica and the 
Europe an Union in the future.  
4.276.   Over time, the overlapping visions and objectives of Costa Rica and the European Union 
have led to the joint promotion of various incentives within the framework of this Organization. We 
are particularly pleased with the recent work  carried out with the European Union in matters such 
as the negotiations for the extension of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA II), the 
Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) and the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA). Furthermore, 
it is in our inter est to drive forward the e commerce agenda at the WTO and to identify ways in 
which the Organization can promote greater participation and integration of MSMEs in international 
trade.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.277.   To speak of the European Union is to speak of peace. The European Union has been the 
most ambitious and successful international peace project in the history of human civilization. This 
union of wills is the best example of peace building between nations and a reminder that trade is a 
vehicle for peace. In fact, peace is the u ltimate goal of our work as country representatives. 
Through trade, we should learn from the European Union and continue to build a more prosperous 
world.  
INDIA  
4.278.   EU is a key driver of the global economy and critically important for global trade and also 
has significant flow of glob al FDI both inward and outward.  Since, the last review, EU 's trade in 
both goods and services as also the current account surplus has increased. We also note that the 
significant challenges for EU economy include the outcome of the  existing negotiations as a result 
of Brexit, relatively high rate of unemployment, non -performing loans, high private and public debt 
as also the need for reforms in the banking and other sectors of the economy in several states of 
the EU.  
4.279.   Regarding EU 's trade policy, we would like to underline some of our systemic concerns 
which include the diverse and complex nature of applied tariff rates within the EU, non -ad valorem  
duties mostly in agriculture, tariff q uotas and significant tariff escalation and pea ks in areas such 
as textiles and agriculture where developing countries like India have interests.  
4.280.   We also note from the Secretariat 's report that agricultural policies have not changed 
significantl y during the period of review. Agriculture still remains a high ly protected sector in the 
EU. For example, even though the current total AMS has come down from €39.39 billion in 2001 to 
€5.91 billion in 2013, the Green Box support has increased from €20.66 billion to €68.997  billion in 
the same period. Besides b ox shifting, it does not appear that the agricultural profile has chan ged 
much in many EU countries. Therefore, more needs to be done to reduce the distortions i n 
agriculture trade in the EU.  
4.281.   We had posed more than a 100 written questions in advance to th e EU delegation which 
indicates the seriousness with which we approve d this Review. We thank the EU for their 
responses,  which we will study carefully.  However, I wish to highlight some specific concerns 
which affect the vast underlying potential of the tr ade between India and EU.  
4.282.   EU's principle of setting maximum residue level at the limit of detection for a large number 
of pesticides and chemicals without any scientific basis and not according to CODEX standards 
creates major entry  barriers for Indian exp orts.   
4.283.   Similarly, agricultural products including rice, peanuts, organic products, fruits like grapes, 
vegetables and sea food face barriers due to complex regulatory regimes and SPS requirements 
which are not based on risk assessments. In particular, we wish to raise the issue of tricyclazole in 
rice for which EU has issued a recent notification in June 2017 laying d own new MRLs for basmati 
rice. The EU notification besides giving a limited period (of only six months) for transitional 
measures also disreg ards pertinent information about the long history of safe use of tricyclazole in 
several rice producing and consuming countries in the world.  We urge the EU to maintain the MRL 
at the current level of 1 mg/kg (1 ppmillion).  
4.284.   I would also like to emphasiz e that Indian tea sector uses no anthraquinone but due to an 
unfounded misperception and consequent export prohibition, EU consumers are being deprived of 
some of the most exquisite teas in the world from Darjeeling in India.  
4.285.   The REACH regulation of the EU p laces several barriers on trade in chemicals and 
substances containing chemicals and involves high costs. Such complex regulatory framework 
together with high fees is a major hurdle fo r exporters, especially MSMEs. We urge you to review 
these regulations u rgently.  
4.286.   Another continuing concern to India relates to the issue of transit of traditional and generic 
medicines for use in Africa and Latin America through EU ports.  Impounding, delaying or 
confiscating such medicines which are not meant for use in EU, o n grounds of violation of EU WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  patents or trademarks, not only harms Indian exporters, but also deprives the poor in various 
countries of access to these generic medicines.  
4.287.   Indian information technology companies provide software and services which bring 
transformational benefits for manufacturing enterprises, banking and insurance sectors all over the 
globe and  enhance their competitiveness.  EU is implementing its ICT directive for ensuring intra -
EU m obility for ICT professionals. We would request an early implementation of this so that Indian 
skilled professionals, especially in the IT/ITes sector can also avail of these benefits.  
4.288.   Before  I conclude let me also mention that the important role tha t EU plays in WTO 
negotiations.  We hope the EU will actively en gage in implementing the decisions of the past 
Ministerial Conferences and on important areas of the development agenda as we approach the 
Ministerial in Buenos Aires.  
4.289.   We wish the delegation of the European Union a productive and successful TPR and also 
take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Marc and his team in Geneva for their work and 
cooperation.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.290.   May I take this opportunity to express how much we appreciate the leadership roles played  
by Ambassador Marc Vanheukelen in our day -to-day work. His dedication and professionalism are 
important elements in helping to facilitate our discussions in many of the WTO negotiations.  
4.291.   Just as it was at the last review in 2015, the EU remains of crucial  importance to world 
trade. It is the second -largest exporter and importer of goods, the largest exporter and importer of 
services, and the largest trading partner for 80 different countries around the world.  
4.292.   The EU is also a strong supporter of a rules -based multilateral trading system. Even during 
difficult times for the global economy, it continues to advocate further trade liberalization. For 
example, the EU ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in September 2015, which was a 
key outcome of th e Bali MC9. It has since implemented the expanded Information Technology 
Agreement as well (an MC10 achievement that will surely benefit all Members).  
4.293.   In our written questions submitted in advance  we are seeking further clarification of certain 
aspects of the EU 's trade policy direction and approach. We thank the EU for its replies. I will just 
mention, if I may, a few of the issues we raised, in which  we have a particular interest.  
4.294.   Firstly, the EU Commission investigates allegations of dumping or subsidies  based on 
complaints from producers, but our understanding is that it may also self -initiate investigations. 
We would like to engage with the EU in order to explore the conditions and practices of this 
mechanism in further detail.  
4.295.   Secondly, we have noted t hat a Proposal amending the EU 's anti -dumping and anti -subsidy 
Regulation 2016/1036 was proposed on the 9th of November, 2016. We have asked the EU to 
kindly provide details of the new procedure now anticipated, and the expected timeline for passing 
this P roposal.  
4.296.   And, thirdly, along with many Members with similar concerns, we would appreciate having 
more information from the EU on government public procurement market, investment regime, 
single market strategy of 2015, and EU 's actions on climate change.  
4.297.   Finally, on bilateral relationship with the European Union, we continue to enjoy a strong 
bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The EU is currently our 5th largest trading partner, and 
it is an important destination for our overseas investment. In 2016 , the total value of bilateral 
trade between us was around US$48.8 billion, and there was a total of US$8.3 billion of new 
investment between us in the same year.   
4.298.   Despite this already strong relationship, however, it is evident that there is still huge 
potential for improvement. We are convinced that we can both benefit from continuing efforts to WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  deepen our bilateral cooperation in the important areas of trade, investment, culture and others in 
the future.  
4.299.   In conclusion , I want to wish the EU a very succ essful and constructive Trade Policy 
Review.  
PERU  
4.300.   Relations between Peru and the European Union are built on a solid foundation of shared 
values and principles such as democracy and the rule of law, promoting and defending human 
rights, sustainable developm ent, and promoting international trade. In this latter regard we share 
an important trading relationship. Our annual trade with the EU amounts to approximately 
US$10  billion, whereby Peru's exports to the EU represent almost one sixth of the country's tota l 
exports. In particular, thanks to the Peru -European Union Trade Agreement, in force since 
March  2013, we have obtained preferential access for Peruvian non -traditional export products, 
such as, among others, asparagus, avocados, coffee, chili peppers and  artichokes. This is 
especially satisfying for us as our non -traditional exports to the EU, which are so valuable in 
creating jobs, have maintained an upward growth trend since 2013.  
4.301.   Within this important trading relationship, with which we very much appre ciate, it is worth 
highlighting one or two aspects of relevance to our joint work in Geneva.  
4.302.   First, we underline and value the EU's commitment to effective operation and 
strengthening of the multilateral trading system. This is particularly heartening in t he current 
climate of uncertainty as to the future of international trade. The EU may rest assured that it can 
count on Peru as an ally in sustaining the effectiveness of the WTO and updating its agenda, 
especially in regard to banning certain fishing subs idies and regulating e -commerce and all forms 
of trade in services, among other important topics.  
4.303.   Similarly, we share the EU's interest in finalizing the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA), 
hoping for a prompt resumption of the corresponding negotiations.  
4.304.   That having been said, we also wish to express a number of concerns.  
4.305.   First of all, Peru trusts that the process knowns as Brexit will be conducted without 
detriment to the commercial and economic interests of the Members directly or indirectly involved. 
We are aware that the process may have an impact not only on the commitments of the EU and 
the United Kingdom as Members of the WTO, but also on the regional trade agreements negotiated 
by the EU in past years, such as the Peru -European Union Trade Agreement . Accordingly, there is 
a need for early dialogue on these impacts which should be open to the Members of the WTO and 
the trading partners concerned, as appropriate.  
4.306.   Secondly, we trust that the future European Union standard setting out the criteria and 
procedure for categorizing endocrine disrupters that have harmful effects on consumers will be 
based on an approach that takes into account the effects of actual exposure to disrupters, since a 
different, purely risk -based approach would have a negative and unnecessary impact on 
international trade.  
4.307.   We also fear that recent changes in the European regulations on maximum levels of 
pesticide residues could potentially have an adverse impact on international trade of certain 
agricultural products. Maximum pestic ide residue levels must be founded on clear scientific 
evidence and tend towards stability.  
4.308.   Lastly, regarding the European regulation on "novel foods", which creates a barrier to 
access to the European market for certain food and food ingredients from Peru  for the sole reason 
that they were not sold in that market before 15  May 1997, we are concerned that to date no 
scientific basis has been found to demonstrate the need for a regulation of this kind.  
4.309.   Peru thanks the European Union for its replies to our qu estions, which will be carefully 
analysed. In addition, we wish the EU every success in its 13th trade policy review.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  ECUADOR  
4.310.   Ecuador has a major interest in participating in this trade policy review, not least because 
on 11  November last it signed with th e European Union – which is today the most advanced 
integration project in world history – the Protocol of Accession for Ecuador to join the multipartite 
Trade Agreement, to which Colombia and Peru are parties. The protocol takes effect on 
1 January  2007, making Ecuador, with a long -term strategic vision, perhaps the EU's newest 
trading partner.  
4.311.   Following the approval of this Agreement, various Ecuadorian products such as flowers, 
shrimp, banana and tuna will maintain or improve the preferential access they  have enjoyed to 
date in Europe, and many other export products will gain unrestricted access.  
4.312.   Ecuadorian products would have been subject to tariffs of between 2.4 and 24% to enter 
the EU market, but thanks to this protocol, 99% of its export range will h enceforth be admitted 
with zero tariff.  
4.313.   According to figures provided by the Central Bank of Ecuador during the period 
January -May 2017, non -petroleum exports from Ecuador to the EU rose from US$1,159  million in 
2016 to US$1,387  million in 2017, a 20% grow th in Ecuadorian sales to that trading bloc, in just 
the first five months of the year.  
4.314.   The Ecuadorian products that have increased most in terms of value of exports between 
January and May  2017 include, among others: canned tuna, banana, shrimp, palm oil,  roses and 
flowers, articles of wood, canned fruit, prepared vegetables, sugar and plastic products.  
4.315.   In the other direction, Ecuador's non -petroleum imports from the European bloc during the 
period January -May rose from US$653  million in 2016 to US$767  million in 2017. The main import 
products from the EU in 2017 are, among others: medical instruments and apparatus, operating 
tables, antiserums and medicaments, animal food, fertilizers, chemical products, plastic adhesives, 
and extruders for working rubber or plastic.  
4.316.   In the review period, the non -petroleum trade balance between Ecuador and the EU grew 
by 23% in favour of Ecuador, the trade surplus rising from US$506  million in January -May 2016 to 
US$620  million for the same period in 2017.  
4.317.   Turning to the Se cretariat report for this trade policy review, allow me to highlight the 
active and important role that the EU plays in the multilateral trading system. We have noted that 
the EU is the second -largest exporter and importer of goods, the largest importer an d exporter of 
services, and the principal trading partner for 80 countries. This demonstrates its significant 
contribution to world trade.  
4.318.   Similarly, we consider it as a positive development that in October  2015 the European 
Commission issued a new trade a nd investment policy entitled Trade for All: Towards a more 
responsible trade and investment policy , with the fundamental objective of supporting the growth 
of global value chains, reducing non -tariff barriers and increasing trade in services.  
4.319.   We note, too , the importance of the EU's trade and investment policies for the multilateral 
trading system and the manner in which it is addressing its difficulties, such as the low average 
economic growth rate across the member States, with significant variations bet ween them; and 
the Brexit negotiations with the United Kingdom going forward.  
4.320.   We look favourably on the new Union Customs Code, in force from 1  May 2016, which 
simplifies and modernizes customs procedures, bringing the rules into line with the EU treaties.  
4.321.   In an area of great interest for Ecuador, the report makes reference to the latest reform of 
the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which established a legal commitment to sustainable fishing 
levels and measures to reduce overcapacity. In this regard, we ackn owledge that EU fishing 
outside EU waters is carried out within the framework of Regional Fisheries Management 
Organizations and through Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements, thereby cooperating with WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  third countries and international organizations to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated 
fishing.  
4.322.   By way of conclusion, we express our thanks to the European Union delegation for its 
replies to the questions we have raised on some specific aspects of its trade policy, which will 
serve as important inputs for strengthening relations with the bloc; and to Ambassador 
Marc Vanheukelen for his unfailing collaboration.  
JAPAN  
4.323.   The European Union is one of Japan 's most important economic partners and we will 
continue working to further develop the strong tie s between us, as demonstrated by our joint 
effort to conclude the Economic Partnership Agreement.  
4.324.   The EU economy has been gradually recovering as shown by the real GDP growth rate of 
2.2% achieved in 2015, mainly thanks to the increased personal consumptio n. The EU, however, 
continues to face a number of challenges, not only economically but also politically. Those 
challenges include large national debts and high unemployment in the south, the impact of Brexit, 
the recent increase of refugees and so forth. Japan hopes that the EU will overcome these 
challenges and further contribute to global trade and the world economy through its steady 
development.  
4.325.   Now, let me touch upon the EU 's trade policies.  
4.326.   With regard to the WTO, Japan highly appreciates the fact th at the EU has contributed for 
many years to the Multilateral Trading System. Japan will collaborate further with the EU to 
strengthen the functions of the WTO by ensuring the implementation of agreements through the 
activities of the regular bodies as well  as the dispute settlement mechanism. Japan also positively 
evaluates the EU 's leadership role in our preparation for a successful MC11 in Buenos Aires.  
4.327.   On the plurilateral front, Japan commends the EU 's active participation in the EGA and the 
TiSA negotia tions. Having said that, we expect the EU to redouble its efforts in negotiations on 
certain issues. Japan will continue to cooperate with the EU towards the early resumption and 
conclusion of these negotiations.  
4.328.   Turning to the FTA, the EU recently conclud ed an important agreement with Canada and is 
continuing to actively engage in other FTA negotiations, including the one with Japan. Japan highly 
appreciates the EU 's positive work towards trade liberalization and encourages the EU to aim high 
in formulatin g an FTA -policy that will complement the Multilateral Trading System.  
4.329.   Concerning the Japan -EU Economic Partnership Agreement, I have just learnt that the 
Ministers of both sides meeting in Brussels agreed in Principle a couple of hours ago. I am happy 
to share this good news with all of you. We believe that the benefits of trade liberalization to be 
realized by the Japan -EU EPA will extend beyond Japan and the EU.  
4.330.   Now, let me touch upon some specific issues.  
4.331.   With regard to the digital economy, the EU has be en working on creating a Digital Single 
Market. Japan commends the EU 's initiative in this area, because promoting digitization further 
strengthens the global value chain by reducing the cost of business and enabling small and 
medium -sized enterprises to a ccess bigger markets.  
4.332.   On the other hand, Japan would like to emphasize that ensuring a solid framework for free 
flow of data is fundamentally important for the digitization of all sectors. We, therefore, expect the 
EU to develop policies that promote free flow of data while maintaining a good balance with other 
policy considerations such as personal data protection. In this regard, Japan intends to closely 
monitor the implementation of the EU 's General Data Protection Regulation and to carefully watch 
its deliberation on potential data localization measures.  
4.333.   Concerning Aid for Trade, the EU is one of the largest donors to this program. The EU and 
its individual Member Countries are proactively providing assistance to developing countries, WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  particularly in Afr ica and Asia. Japan maintains close cooperation with the EU in carrying out these 
activities.   
4.334.   Moreover, Japan is aware that the EU is currently engaged in updating its 2007 AfT 
Strategy. We expect that an updated strategy will further contribute to capac ity building and 
sustainable economic growth in developing countries.  
4.335.   Lastly, with regard to the Brexit negotiations, Japan hopes that the EU and the United 
Kingdom will work to ensure a smooth process that consciously sets out to minimize potential 
confus ion in the global economy. In this regard, Japan encourages the EU and the United Kingdom 
to see to it that their negotiations are transparent and provide sufficient predictability to 
businesses. Japan hopes that, even after Brexit, the EU will maintain th e current business 
environment as much as possible.  
4.336.   In conclusion, I would like to express Japan 's strong wish to continue to cooperate with the 
EU in dealing with the various challenges facing us.  
4.337.   We wish the European Union a successful and productive T PR. 
EL SALVADOR  
4.338.   It is an honour for El Salvador to participate in this exercise in transparency for such an 
important trading partner as the European Union, a strong advocate of a solid, rule -based 
multilateral trading system and a driver of the principles  of free trade on which this Organization is 
founded.  
4.339.   At the outset, specifically in the economic domain, we wish to acknowledge the EU's 
growth since the previous review carried out in 2015, even though trade and economic figures 
have varied considerably from one member State to another. For the period under review, we 
must also mention the weakening of the euro and the resulting impact on the economy of the 
19 member States that share the currency.  
4.340.   The EU is a major economy, with a GDP of €14,711  billion and a total population of 
508 million. Trade is vital to the EU economy, it being the second -largest exporter and importer of 
goods and the largest exporter and importer of services.  
4.341.   This is why there is much interest in closely following the status and ex pected outcomes of 
the Brexit negotiations, including their impact on multilateral agreements. We thus urge the EU to 
ensure transparency throughout this process, sharing information and giving room for interested 
Members to express their concerns.  
4.342.   The Eur opean Union also stands out as a major destination for, and source of, investment. 
It is thus of some consequence that in October  2015 the European Commission issued a new trade 
and investment policy for the EU, entitled Trade for All: Towards a more respo nsible trade and 
investment policy . The new policy is intended to support the growth of global value chains, 
services trade and e -commerce.  
4.343.   At the bilateral and regional level, the EU is a strategic trading partner for El Salvador, and 
continually strength ening our relations remains an ongoing priority for my country. We are linked 
to the EU by ties of friendship, cooperation and trade, which were embodied in the first Association 
Agreement between two regions, concluded jointly with the other countries of the Central 
American region. The Association Agreement is an important treaty which strengthens not only our 
bilateral and regional relationship with the EU, but also relations within the Central American 
region.  
4.344.   In this context, we underline the EU's sign ificant cooperation in support of the region, 
under the Support Programme for the Creation of a Regional System of Quality and the Application 
of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures in Central America (PRACAMS) and the Regional 
Programme to Support Central  American Economic Integration and the Implementation of the 
Association Agreement (PRAIIA), to mention just two examples.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.345.   Trade in the Central American region has been given a boost since the signing of the 
Association Agreement, with total exports of US$ 4.2 billion in 2016 as against US$3,231  million in 
2010, the year in which the Agreement was signed, i.e. a 31% increase. Central American imports 
from the EU also grew by 44%, climbing from US$3,643  million in 2010 to US$5,244  million in 
2016.  
4.346.   As regards bilateral trade, Salvadoran exports to the EU increased to over US$127  million 
in 2016, chiefly comprising tuna, coffee, sugar, molasses and made -up articles, among others. 
Imports from the EU reached US$625  million in 2015, but fell by 30.9% in 2016 in li ne with the 
overall decline in the amount of European exports seen that year.  
4.347.   At the multilateral level, it is important to underline the EU's leadership and prominent 
participation in the regular work and negotiations conducted in the WTO, which has helpe d in 
achieving important recent results in various areas, including trade facilitation and agriculture. In 
the same vein, we urge the EU to continue contributing to the reduction of agricultural market 
distortions, for the sake of fairer and more balanced trade for the benefit of all farmers, especially 
those in developing countries. We also urge the EU to simplify its tariff structure for agriculture, 
thereby enhancing predictability for exporters.  
4.348.   With regard to sanitary and phytosanitary measures and tec hnical barriers to trade, while 
recognizing the EU's efforts to harmonize its regulations, we continue to monitor with great 
interest several draft EU regulations, and their impact on developing -country exports, advocating 
that they should not result in un justified restrictions on trade and that they be founded on 
scientific evidence.  
4.349.   Mention should also be made of the EU's active participation in various initiatives 
spearheaded by world leaders for the discussion of current issues that are relevant to this  
Organization. Lastly, we would also stress the important contribution the EU and its member 
States make to promoting developing countries' participation in the trade negotiations and building 
their capacity, through cooperation funds.  
4.350.   We thank the EU in a dvance for its response to our questions, which we shall be sending to 
our capital in due course for analysis. We are submitting a number of additional questions in the 
course of today.  
4.351.   It only remains for me to wish the European Union every success in thi s trade policy 
review.  
TRINIDAD  AND  TOBAGO  
4.352.   Trinidad and Tobago values the EU as an important economic and social development 
partner and is pleased to participate in this 13th review of its trade policies and practices. Our 
active participation in this rev iew is testament to the collaborative and mutually rewarding 
relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the EU and its Member States.  
4.353.   The trading relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the EU is conditioned by the 
Economic Partnership Agreement (E PA) between the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) of the 
African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) and the European Community and its Member 
States.  
4.354.   Trinidad and Tobago 's trade with the EU can be described as robust and we are heartened 
by the continu ed growth of the economy of the EU. Trinidad and Tobago has enjoyed a favourable 
balance of trade with the EU over the last five years with the exception of the year 2016. In 2016, 
the last year for which complete data is available, Trinidad and Tobago saw  a trade deficit with the 
EU, and experienced its lowest export figure of the five -year period.  
4.355.   The vagaries of the international financial environment, characterised by uncertainty and 
its related challenges, have led to a refocussing of policy towards th e diversification of the 
economy of Trinidad and Tobago. My delegation wishes to take this opportunity to express its 
gratitude for the assistance made available by the EU to the national development of Trinidad and 
Tobago, through the facilitation of fina ncial resources under the EU 's European Development Fund WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  (EDF). The aid allocated in favour of Trinidad and Tobago is aimed at increasing the 
competitiveness and diversification of the country 's economy. This financial allocation represents 
the EU 's suppor t for the Government 's priority of multi -sectoral economic development.  
4.356.   As our nation builds production and trade capacity in agriculture and manufacturing, it is 
envisioned that our goods will find markets in the EU through the EPA. Similarly, it is antic ipated 
that as capacity is built across several services sectors identified for growth, along with the 
implementation of the agreement between Trinidad and Tobago and the EU on the short -stay visa 
waiver, the services provisions of the EPA will be fully ut ilised and prove to be mutually beneficial.  
4.357.   With the entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), Trinidad and Tobago 
welcomes the commitment by the EU to provide the necessary technical assistance to developing 
countries for the implementat ion of the Agreement. My delegation is confident that such assistance 
will remain an area of priority for the EU.  
4.358.   Trinidad and Tobago is cognizant of developments taking place within the EU but remains 
sanguine that any associated challenges can be overcom e advantageously and expeditiously for all 
concerned.  
4.359.   The EU has declared its commitment to the integrity of the multilateral trading system and 
has identified it as the mechanism through which inclusive growth and real progress for the less 
advanced Memb ers of the WTO can be achieved. Trinidad and Tobago anticipates with optimism 
the enlightened leadership and flexibility on the part of the EU. We look forward to a heightened 
impetus on the part of the EU for engagement on issues impacting the developing Members of the 
WTO.  
4.360.   My delegation has submitted a number of questions and we thank the EU in advance for its 
written responses.  
4.361.   Trinidad and Tobago wishes the EU a successful Trade Policy Review.  
ICELAND  
4.362.   For Iceland  this TPR is extremely relevant as the E U is our most important trading partner. 
Moreover, Iceland enjoys very deep trade relations with the EU. Being part of the Single Market, 
under the Agreement on the European Economic Area, means that our trade relations are to a 
large extent like between E U Member States themselves. However, we are not part of the Customs 
Union, the Common Agricultural Policy or the Common Fisheries Policy.  
4.363.   In 2016 , EU accounted for 72. 3% of our exports in goods and 52. 5% of our imports came 
from EU. The share of our trade in services is also important. According to figures from  2015, the 
EU accounted for 47. 5% of our exports in services and 64. 6% of our imports.  
4.364.   Iceland and the EU have continued to deepen their trade relations. Next year , a new 
agreement on trade in Agricul tural Products will enter into force where further steps are taken in 
abolishing duties. In addition , the Parties will increase tariff free quotas on the most sensitive 
products. When it comes to Processed Agricultural Products all tariffs will be eliminat ed except on 
particular dairy products.  
4.365.   That leaves us with fish.  
4.366.   Iceland strongly believes that after almost 25 years of applying the EEA Agreement it is 
about time that we take the extra step and that the EU abolishes all tariffs on fisheries products in  
our trade relations. The EU is a net importer of fisheries products. In addition many of these tariffs 
are so low that they hardly make any sense any longer for upholding bureaucracy.  
4.367.   We submitted two written questions to the EU.  
4.368.   Firstly, we strongly beli eve that we now have a window of opportunity to take meaningful 
steps towards the objective of eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies in line with SDG target 14.6. WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  We welcome the engagement of the EU in the discussions and urge the EU to continue its effo rts in 
this regard and refrain from taking any contradictory policy decisions.  
4.369.   Secondly, on the issue of products that are shipped through the customs territory of the EU 
even though the products are destined for another market. This is a real challenge fo r small and 
medium sized businesses and means on many occasions that these companies end up paying 
duties to the EU for products that are just being shipped through the EU from a third country  to 
Iceland. We urge the EU, i.e.  as a part of its policy of sup porting SME 's, to look into measures that 
could be taken to facilitate products passing through its Customs Territory,  
4.370.   Allow me to especially welcome the focus EU places on gender equality and the economic 
empowerment of women, which is crucial to furtheri ng sustainable development as well as 
economic growth and prosperity. We also applaud the EU for integrating commitments with regard 
to gender equality as an integral part of the Trade and Sustainable Development chapters of the 
EU's recently negotiated fr ee trade agreements and hope that going forward we will start seeing 
commitments of such a nature in FTA 's. 
4.371.   Finally, allow me to complement the whole EU team for the enormous work they have put 
into their TPR and my delegation wishes the EU all the success .  
GUATEMALA  
4.372.   Guatemala and the European Union enjoy a very close relationship. Our bilateral and 
regional agenda is extensive and covers a large number of areas, such as political dialogue, a 
broad programme of cooperation and various projects promoting a favourable trade regime. 
Institutional relations draw on the San José dialogue begun in 1984 that forms the basis for 
enhanced cooperation, economic ties and regional integration between the EU and 
Central  America.  
4.373.   The Country Strategy Paper 2007 -2013 has provided the basis for deep -seated 
cooperation. Under the strategy, the EU allocated €135  million to programmes in Guatemala to 
support social cohesion and people's security, as well as economic development and trade.  
4.374.   Guatemala and the European Union have historically had very close trading relations. Since 
the 1970s, Guatemala has been among the beneficiary countries of the Generalized System of 
Preferences (GSP) granted by the EU to developing countries. Our trading relations are currently 
governed by the  section on trade contained in the EU –Central America Association Agreement 
signed in Tegucigalpa in June  2012. The Agreement was negotiated by the two regions to provide 
greater legal certainty and deepen relations between them in the areas of trade, coop eration and 
policy. The section on trade entered into force for Guatemala in December  2013 and includes 
chapters on trade in goods and services, regional economic integration, intellectual property and 
others.  
4.375.   In order to strengthen the process of Central American integration, the EU has provided 
Guatemala with considerable support through projects within the framework of the Association 
Agreement, such as the Project on strengthening Guatemala's position on international markets 
(FOGUAMI) and the regional A1-Invest IV Programme, with the aim of enhancing social cohesion 
between Mexico and Central America, through SMEs and improved competitiveness.  
4.376.   The EU is the fifth -ranked destination for Guatemalan exports. Guatemala's chief exports 
to the EU are sugar, c offee and bananas. In recent years, other non -traditional products have 
established very successful footholds in the European market, such as ornamental plants, fruit, 
mini-vegetables and rum, among others. Conversely, the main products imported from the E U into 
Guatemala are vehicles, machinery, agrichemicals and medicaments.  
4.377.   Under this trade policy review, we note the EU's active participation in multilateral trade, 
and its new trade and investment policy, which seeks to support the growth of value chains , 
services trade and e -commerce. In the area of trade facilitation, the new Customs Code adopted in 
2016 has strengthened the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, helped to simplify 
systems for customs warehouses and improved the common risk -manag ement framework. This is WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  an interesting example of customs cooperation between all the EU member States, which has 
become deeper and stronger over time.  
4.378.   A key short -term objective for the EU will be the negotiations on the United Kingdom's 
departure from t he Union, a process known as Brexit. This is an issue of great significance for the 
whole world, which we hope will be concluded satisfactorily for both parties. Other major 
challenges remaining on the agenda are improving macroeconomic performance, reduci ng 
unemployment, and measures to boost economic growth across the board in all the EU Member 
countries. In agriculture, we urge the EU to update its schedule of commitments in regard to 
export subsidies in line with the agreements reached at the Nairobi Mi nisterial Conference.  
4.379.   We acknowledge the efforts deployed by the European Union during the period covered by 
this trade policy review. We thank the EU for its replies to the questions submitted and wish the 
delegation here today every success in this revie w. 
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.380.   Since the European Union (EU) 's last review , the global trading system has continued to 
face major challenges. Global growth remains sluggish. There has been a concerning increase in 
protectionist sentiment and in measures with protectionist  effect in many major markets.  
4.381.   Against this backdrop, the EU 's approach to global trade and investment matters more 
than ever. The EU remains the world 's second -largest goods trader, the largest trader in services, 
and an important source of, and destinat ion for, foreign investment. Its continued commitment to 
the effective functioning of an open, rules -based multilateral trading system and to an open and 
transparent approach to investment is of fundamental importance to the health of the global 
trading sy stem and to our collective prosperity. New Zealand particularly values the EU 's 
commitment to ensuring the success of MC11, which is highlighted in the range of tables 
submission and proposals this delegation have put for ward in the lead up to MC11. New Ze aland 
shares the EU 's strong desire for MC11 to be a success, defined by meaningful negotiated 
deliverables. In a world in which international trade is based on ever -expanding global value 
chains, it is important that there be continued expansion, rather t han any contraction, in global 
trade flows.  
4.382.   As our third -largest trading partner, the EU 's trade and investment policies have a major 
impact on New Zealanders. New Zealand is therefore pleased at the EU 's continued commitment to 
maintaining open trade and investment policies, to working to improve the effectiveness of the 
rules-based trading system, and to continuing internal reforms to enhance its integration and 
international competitiveness. This is evident in its updated trade and investment policy, Tra de for 
all: Towards a more responsible trade and investment policy, as well as in its continued active 
engag ement in the World Trade Organiz ation (WTO).  
4.383.   Recent events have also highlighted the importance of the EU 's efforts to forge trade and 
economic lin ks beyond its borders. The EU 's continued pursuit o f preferential trade agreements  
and its publicly -expressed determination to negotiate with new partners, including New Zealand, 
are welcome. New Zealand is confident that trade agreements linking the EU wi th the Asia -Pacific 
region (which is expected to remain the key engine of global growth in the years ahead ) will bring 
mutual benefits.  
4.384.   Positive progress has been made in the EU 's internal reform process during this period. We 
welcome the steps taken to fu rther simplify and streamline c ustoms procedures in EU member 
States, including through the new Union Customs Code . 
4.385.   New Zealand also welcomes the efforts made to advance the EU 's structural reform 
agenda, while also noting t he mixed progress by EU member S tates in implementing some 
measures. In this regard, New Zealand welcomes the ambitious targets set in the EU 's Europe 
2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth for reductions in greenhouse gas 
emissions, including through enhanced energy e fficiency and a shift towards renewable energy 
sources. We also look forward to continuing our cooperation with EU member S tates as we seek to 
phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.386.   New Zealand 's long -standing concerns about aspects of the Common Agr icultural Policy 
(CAP) are well known. We commend the EU 's ongoing efforts to reform the CAP, and in this 
respect note that the EU Commissioner for Agriculture will be announcing initial recommendations 
for post -2020 CAP reform this week. We hope these wil l include further practical measures by the 
EU to reduce market distortions and better equip its farmers to respond to market incentives.   
4.387.   Improvements are particularly needed in market access for agricultural products, where 
the EU retains numerous compl ex and prohibitive tariffs on highly -traded products. The EU 's 
applied tariffs on agricultural products remain highly variable, and significantly higher than those 
on other products. This situation is especially pronounced for dairy products. The highest t ariffs 
actually increased during the period covered, from 635 % in 2014 to almost 700 % in 2016. Tariff 
reform thus needs to be part and parcel of domestic reforms - as they should be for any Member 
wishing to develop a more market -oriented and sustainable a griculture.  
4.388.   As with other Members who have raised this in their advanced questions (and in 
statements today) New Zealand also remains concerned about the EU 's approach to domestic 
support in the agricultural sector. We commend recent reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy 
towards less trade -distortive measures and fewer payments linked to production. However, the 
provision of support coupled to production – albeit on a voluntary basis – continues, with all EU 
member S tates but one providing coupled suppo rt during this period. Many are doing so well in 
excess of the limits set by the EU. New Zealand is nevertheless encouraged by the active and 
constructive role EU is playing in WTO agricultural negotiations towards an outcome on domestic 
support.  
4.389.   We also note the continued active use of price support measures by the EU. In the dairy 
sector, this has resulted in the accumulation of significant levels of intervention stocks, which have 
the potential to seriously impact on global prices if released into the m arket.  
4.390.   Taken together, these measures are clearly out of step with the EU 's broader approach to 
trade and economic policy. They undermine the EU 's stated goals of deepening the integration of 
the internal EU market and achieving a greater market orientatio n for the agricultural sector. And 
they undermine the livelihoods of producers beyond the EU 's borders. We encourage the EU to 
address these anomalies as a matter of urgency by taking steps to move all support to less 
distortive, decoupled alternatives and  to steer the EU agricultural sector towards a more 
sustainable, market -oriented future.   
4.391.   It is encouraging that processes are now in place to prevent illegal fishers benefiting from 
EU subsidies, and that the EU will ensure all its overfished stocks are recovered by no later than 
2020. New Zealand takes this opportunity to recall the importance we attach to on -going 
negotiations in this house aimed at addressing harmful fisheries subsidies. We look forward to 
working closely with the EU in that process as  we work towards an outcome at MC11. At the same 
time, New Zealand urges the EU to continue reform of its Common Fisheries Policy to ensure that 
EU money does not contribute to overcapacity and overfishing globally. We urge particular care in 
considering a ny new support measures, such as the reintroduction of vessel construction subsidies 
called for in the European Parliament 's resolution of 27 April 2017.  
4.392.   New Zealand continues to take a close interest in developments in the EU 's public 
procurement regime. We note that the majority of EU member S tates have not met the 24 month 
deadline for transposing the three directives on public procurement into national la w, and 
encourage all EU member S tates to do so without delay.  
4.393.   In conclusion, we welcome the EU 's con tinued commitment to maintaining its broadly open 
and market -orientated approach to international trade policy, and encourage it to take further 
steps to strengthen its approach in key areas. This is vital not only for the health of the global 
economy and the multilateral trading system, but also for the EU 's own quest for jobs, growth and 
investment.  
MALAYSIA  
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  4.395.   We note that since the last review in July 2015, the EU has experienc ed a volatile 
macroeconomic environment with economic growth that has slowed down from 2.2% in 2015 to 
1.8% in 2016. We also note from the Secretariat report that the EU 's economy has continued its 
gradual improvement albeit uneven economic recovery since the financial crisis, and has not 
rebounded as fast as some other large economies.  
4.396.   While we welcome the track record of the EU 's trade and investment policies, we share the 
concerns already mentioned by other Members and as reported by the Secretariat, pa rticularly on 
uncertain impact of Brexit and unjustified trade barriers.  
4.397.   We note EU 's new trade and investment policy – "Trade for all: Towards a more 
responsible trade and investment policy ". Given that the new policy is intended to support the 
growth of  global value chain service trade and e -commerce, we seek further clarification as to how 
the new policy will affect EU developing trade partners.  
4.398.   We call on the EU to provide the needed leadership together with other key Members to 
ensure a successful 20 17 Ministerial Conference. Notably the EU is supporting the initiative by a 
group of developing countries for a timely deliverable on Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises 
(MSMEs). The participation of MSMEs in international trade has emerged as an important  issue in 
the WTO agenda.  
4.399.   We commend EU 's proactive contribution and proposals in many of the WTO committees 
which have significantly enriched discussions as Members deliberate on mutually beneficial and 
deliverables at the MC11. We thus would like to tak e this opportunity to congratulate Ambassador 
Marc Vanheukelen and his team for their very active engagement.  
4.400.   Being a major exporter of palm oil products to the EU, Malaysia continues to have strong 
concern over EU 's increasingly restrictive measures on pa lm oil. The latest adoption of the 
Resolution on Palm Oil and Deforestation of Rainforest by the European Parliament on 4 April 2017 
discriminates palm oil by singling out oil palm cultivation as being the largest contributor to 
deforestation. Such move is  protectionist in nature and unjustifiable which undermines the 
principle of the multilateral trading system.  
4.401.   The Resolution, if implemented as it is, would have negative repercussion on the palm oil 
industry of developing countries and does not reflect th e stated commitment by the EU towards 
meeting the Sustainable Development Goals which objective is to address poverty and raising the 
income levels of farmers. While we note the EU 's commitments to sustainable development as all 
of us are, measures such as  the single certification of only sustainably -produced palm oil for the 
EU market, would have a major impact on our small producers.  
4.402.   The palm oil industry has benefited millions of small farmers not only in Malaysia, but also 
in countries such as Indonesia  and Thailand, in ASEAN and others. 40% of palm oil plantations in 
Malaysia are owned or farmed by small farmers that have benefited from oil palm cultivation as a 
route out of poverty in rural communities. The palm oil industry has been a major factor in 
Malaysia reducing her poverty level from 50% in the 1960s, down to less than 5% today, being 
the largest employer.  
4.403.   Malaysia 's sustainability efforts have been globally recognized and Malaysia is committed 
to preserve 62% of land as forest cover – an unpar alleled environmental commitment, recognized 
by the United Nations and the World Bank. It is an important fact that 23% of this forest land is 
set aside for protection and conservation while 70% of the total forest area remains permanent; 
which means it ca n never be put into agriculture or human development.  
4.404.   The palm oil industry in Malaysia is one which is well -regulated and we would like to 
reiterate that Malaysia 's palm oil industry subscribes to sustainable practices. We therefore urge 
the EU to recogni ze the certification of the Sustainable Palm Oil Schemes which is a manifestation 
of our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  
4.405.   Bilaterally, Malaysia 's total trade with the EU for 2016 was at €32.5 billion, a slight 
increase from the previous year. Exports by Malaysia were valued at €17.4 billion with imports at 
Euro 15.1 billion.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.406.   On investment, the EU continues to be one of Malaysia 's top source of foreign direct 
investment. As of 2016 , EU me mber S tates have invested €20.6 b illion, creating almost 
180,000  jobs. Among the largest source of investment are from the United Kingdom, Germany, 
France, the Netherlands and Belgium.  
4.407.   In efforts to strengthen our bilateral trade relations, the Malaysia -EU Free Trade 
Agreement (MEUFTA) negotiation was launched in 2010. Unfortunately, there has been little 
progress since then and we look forward to a resumption of negotiations with the recent political 
commitment made by our leaders.  
4.408.   To conclude, we thank th e EU's response to our questions which is being studied at the 
Capital. We will also be submitting additional questions and we look forward to receiving the 
feedback later.  
4.409.   We wish the EU a fruitful and successful 13th Trade Policy Review.  
THAILAND  
4.410.   In sta rting off, Thailand would like to associate itself with ASEAN 's statement delivered by 
Ambassador Tan of Singapore.  
4.411.   The EU continues to be very influential in world trade as one of the world 's largest 
exporters and importers. It is not a surprise that for Thailand the EU remains an ever -important 
trading partner. In 2016 the EU was Thailand 's third largest trading partner in the world, with 
trade value of 40.1 billion US dollars, a growth rate of 1.1% from 2015. The EU was Thailand 's 3rd 
largest export dest ination and import source in 2016 with total exports valued at US$21.9 billion  
with machineries, electrical machineries, automobiles, gems and jewelleries, and r ubber being the 
king products. Import wise, Thailand imported from the EU to the value of US$18.2 billion with 
machineries, electrical machineries, aircrafts, automobiles, and p harmaceutical products as the 
main imports. 2016 have seen growths on both imports and exports and we are optimistic that 
this trend can continue.  
4.412.   We are pleased to note that  the EU 's economy continues to grow gradually since the 
financial crisis to achieve a GDP growth of 2.2% in 2015 with domestic consumption as the main 
factor for growth.  
4.413.   We also commends the EU 's advanced and efficient customs procedures and welcomes the 
new Union Customs Code (UCC) which aims to further facilitate trade through improvements to 
the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, simplification of the systems for customs 
warehouses, free zones, and temporary storage, to name a few.  
4.414.   Thailand is  also pleased to note that the EU 's overall average appli ed MFN tariff has 
declined to 6. 3% in 2016 as a result of the ITA expansion. Nevertheless, protection in the 
agricultural sector still remains with simple average tariffs on  agricultural products bei ng 
10 percentage points higher than those non -agricultural products and numerous agricultural 
products continues to be subjected to on -ad valorem tariffs.  
4.415.   On SPS and TBT, the EU is a member that has established numerous SPS and TBT 
measures throughout the  years. While we support the EU 's right to strengthen public health and 
protect the environment, such measures can be disruptive to trade and sometimes prohibitive. In 
this regard, we urge the EU to follow the principle of risk based assessments rather tha n hazard 
based approach in determining the application of these measures.  
4.416.    The EU has always been an immense contributor to the WTO, both in the regular work and 
in various negotiations. We hope that the EU will continue to play a leading role as we push f or a 
meaningful package in MC 11 in Buenos Aires.  
4.417.   In conclusion, Thailand would like to express its appreciation to the EU delegation for 
today 's presentation. We are thankful for the cooperation with the EU at every level and wish the 
EU every success in its 13th Trade Policy Review . WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  TURKEY  
4.418.   The EU has a leading role in shaping today 's global trade policies. In doing so, the EU does 
not only contribute actively to the multilateral system, but also engages extensively in bilateral 
and regional initiatives.  
4.419.   We are pleased to see the continuation of a sustained economic recovery and reduced 
unemployment since the last review. However, significant divergences of these economic 
indicators among the member S tates remain a source of concern for the continuation of the 
sustainability of economic growth.  
4.420.   Some important and necessary steps have been implemented for the completion of the 
banking and financial union during the review period. However, a similar degree of coordination is 
still needed in  fiscal policies amo ng the member states, for the implementation of an efficient 
policy mix to support the economic growth.  
4.421.   It is worth to note that for the coming review period, the most important economic and 
policy change for the EU will be the Brexit. Although the outcome  of the negotiations is ambiguous, 
we think that the Brexit process adds uncertainty regarding the future economic performance and 
policies of the EU.  
4.422.   The recent decision of the European Court of Justice  about the conclusion of the 
EU-Singapore free trade agreement and the debate about the competences of the EU Commission 
with respect to trade agreement negotiations are sources of unpredictability for the trading 
partners of the EU. We would like to underline the importance of solving this issue in due cour se 
for the credibility of the EU as a whole.  
4.423.   The EU is the most important trading partner of Tu rkey, while Turkey is the 5th most 
important trading partner of the EU. In 2016, Turkey -EU trade reached a volume of US$146 
billion , which accounted 43 % of Turke y's total trade.  
4.424.   All initiatives taken by the EU both in the multilateral and bilateral platforms have direct 
impact on Turkey. This stems from the unique relation between Turkey and the EU, which is 
marked by first the Customs Union and then candidacy for  the EU membership.  
4.425.   One of the most important aspects of the Customs Union is the requirement for Turkey to 
align with EU legislation particularly in the trade and trade related areas.  
4.426.   Thus as a Customs Union partner and a candidate country, Turkey has a u nique position in 
which in most cases it aligns and implements the EU 's trade legislation practically like an EU 
member state.  
4.427.   Turkey and the EU have a natural economic integration due to their geographic and historic 
ties. The Customs Union between the pa rties has institutionalized this natural integration and has 
been beneficial for both parties for establishing efficient global value chains, together with the 
network of the free trade agreements in the Mediterranean region and the Pan -Euromed System of 
Cumulation of Origin.  
4.428.   However, the Customs Union of more than 20 years old falls behind the ambition of our 
bilateral economic ties. In this vein, we have put in place a strong will to modernize and upgrade 
the Customs Union to reflect the current needs and  challenges.  
4.429.   Within the context of the update of the Customs Union negotiations, the target is to 
expand the scope of preferential trade and economic relations between the parties through 
bilateral market opening in the areas of agriculture, services, pub lic procurement and e -commerce 
and to improve the functioning of the Customs Union.  
4.430.   We strongly hope to move forward smoothly in this process for the success of our 
economic relations in the future. I strongly believe that this process will also cement th e 
membership process of Turkey to the EU.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.431.   With respect to the trade policy regime of the EU, Turkey submitted a number of written 
questions in advance, seeking further clarification on policy direction and approach. We look 
forward to receiving responses i n due course.  
4.432.   We wish the EU a successful Trade Policy Review.  
ISRAEL  
4.433.   The European Union trade is of critical importance for its members and for the world. With 
exports and imports of goods valued at €3.5 Trillion and services at €1.5 Trillion it remains t he 
largest trading partner for many Members. This fact holds also true to Israel as the EU is our 
second biggest trading partner with a bilateral trade amounting €34 billion in 2016, with a positive 
trend upwards from €30 billion in 2014, and with a trade balance in favour of the EU. The 
composition of our trade includes: agricultural products, raw materials, chemicals, machinery and 
transport equipment, other semi manufactured products and a vast array of services. Regarding 
foreign direct investment in 20 15, the EU 's FDI stock reached €44.9 billion, and Israel 's FDI stock 
in the EU reached €16.7 billion.  
4.434.   We are pleased to observe that the European Union has continued with a positive growth 
trajectory. While the growth rate and internal demand have improved, some very significant 
challen ges still remain in terms of generating employment, an area where some EU member 
States have succeeded better than oth ers. EU-wide trade policy and common legislation in most 
trade -related areas has helped to streamline commerce and cement trade at the cor e of the EU 's 
interests as demonstrated by its commitment to the rules -based global trading system and its 
resistance to protectionism.  
4.435.   Nevertheless, Tariffs on agricultural products remain higher (simple average of 14.1%) 
than on non -agricultural products  (4.3%). However, the tariff profile does not necessarily tell the 
whole story of market access in the EU given that it has a vast network of preferential trade 
agreements and unilateral facilities extended to developing and least -developed countries.  
4.436.   On SPS, we would like to once again express a  concern we share with various M embers in 
relation to the latest developments in the EU Plant Protection Regulations, specifically regarding 
Endocrine Disruptors and the EU latest choice of the second option in the  Endocrine Disruptors 
Roadmap for the purpose of the Pesticides (EC 1107/2009) and Biocides ((EU) 528/2012) 
Regulations. Together with other delegations, Israel is concerned with the fact that the criteria do 
not include the element of potency and it is a hazard -based criteria rather than a risk -based 
criteria. We expressed this concern in writing and we look forward to hearing more details on the 
status of the proposal on endocrine disruptors and how it would solve the various concerns around 
the issue.  
4.437.   On TBT, we would like to echo a concern in relation to the significant negative impact of 
various aspects of the REACH initiative on SMEs (including the restrictive definition), among others 
the "Only Representative " (OR) and "Letter of Access " (LoA) provisi ons which signify high costs for 
their volume of business, as well as the 2018 registration deadline for substances manufactured or 
imported below the 100 tonnes which would impact a large number of our exporters in a sector of 
essential importance to us.  
4.438.   We would additionally like to note a concern we have regarding Market Authorization of 
medicinal products in the context of the UK 's decision to depart from the EU. The UK has been one 
of the leading Member States acting as a Reference Member State in the  context of pan -European 
approval procedures for medicines, providing hundreds of marketing authorizations every year. 
The withdrawal of the UK from the EU may cause severe problems for the companies relying on 
these Authorizations and Israel is interested  in learning what measures the EU would consider to 
mitigate such potentially serious externalities affecting its partners. We have submitted a specific 
question on this regard as well.  
4.439.   The EU and Israel share similar views regarding multilateral trade lib eralisation and we 
have worked alongside on a large number of issues in the WTO and on a bilateral and plurilateral 
bases. Plurilaterally, we are parties to the Revised GPA and the ITA expansion, while we are also 
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  Agreement. Services is one of the many areas where Israel has worked closely together with t he 
EU with the aim of advancing  the WTO discussions and of arriving to Buenos Aires with good 
prospects of deliv erables in this area.  
4.440.   On Fisheries we have expressed support for the EU 's proposal which primarily seeks to 
prohibit subsidies linked to overcapacity and highlights the importance of transparency in notifying 
all kinds of direct or indirect subsidies to fi shing activity.  
4.441.   We would be remiss if we did not make a point about the positive leadership drive that the 
EU infuses into the WTO negotiations and workings. Be that by tabling important proposals or 
engaging seriously in d iscussions - these initiatives are very welcomed and desirable. Furthermore, 
for the sake of the negotiations, we expect the EU to continue with this constructive ambition in 
the lead up to MC11 in Buenos Aires. Finally, we would like to congratulate a gain Mr. Korte from 
the EC and Ambass ador Vanheukelen and his team with which we enjoy an excellent cooperation 
and wish them all a very successful trade policy review.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.442.   The European Union is a uniq ue partnership in which member S tates have pooled 
sovereignty in certain  policy areas and harmonized laws on a wide range of economic and political 
issues. The EU is largely viewed as a cornerstone of European stability and prosperity.  
4.443.   However, during the period of review, the EU faced a range of challenges such as the 
United  Kingdom decision to leave the EU; the Greek debt crisis; and the ongoing migrant and 
refugee flows. Despite the impact of all these difficult issues, the EU economy remained resilient, 
open and transparent. The EU GDP is expected to grow by 1.5% in 2017 a nd by 1.7% in 2018 on 
the back of a recovery in exports and solid domestic demand supported by sustained 
improvements in employment.  
4.444.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commends the EU for its economic strategy based on fiscal 
responsibility, investment and struc tural reforms. During the period of review, significant economic 
and financial reforms were undertaken including new trade and investment poli cy for the EU – 
Trade for all: t owards a more responsible trade and investment policy. It is worth emphasizing 
that this new policy aimed to support the growth of global valu e chains, services trade, and 
e-commerce.  
4.445.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also commends EU for its recognition of the benefits of trade 
facilitation and welcomes its efforts and support for aid for t rade.  
4.446.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the European Union enjoy friendly and substantive 
economic and trading relationship. The volume of bilateral tra de exchange reached close to 
€53 billion in 2016. There is significant potential for economic ties to gro w between the two trading 
partners especially in finance and investment, insurance, communication, consulting, oil and gas, 
petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, building materials, electricity, iron and aluminum 
metals.  
4.447.   The importance of trade t o the EU is reflected in its commitment to the WTO and the 
multilateral trading system. The EU plays a central role in the establishment of an open and 
inclusive trading system.  
4.448.   I wish the entire EU delegation a very successful Trade Policy Review.   
SRI LANKA  
4.449.   My delegation notes with interest the European Union 's continued economic advancements 
recovering moderately since the financial crisis although developments at each member level has 
varied substantially. The EU continues to be an important player in  global trade in terms of trade 
in goods, services and also being the largest trading partner for over 80 countries.  
4.450.   The trade and investment policy initiatives introduced in October 2015 by the EU, with the 
focus on the growth of global value chains, ser vices trade, and e -commerce has been instrumental WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  for setting its objectives around non -tariff barriers, trade in services, benefits from improved 
technology to facilitate cross -border trade, recognizing the importance of labour mobility and 
mutual recogni tion of professional qualifications.  
4.451.   We note with great interest the EU 's policy developments of Single market strategy, 
Modernization of the European standardization system, Common agricultural policy, new customs 
procedures, new measures for fair taxatio n, implementation of the EU environmental action 
programme, Ensuring responsible management of supply chains and Common Fisheries Policy.  
4.452.   It is also interested to note the slight decline in the applied tariff over the last review 
period, as a result of exp anded list of ITA products. EU continues to provide non -reciprocal 
preferences under the GSP, GSP+, to over 6,000 tariff lines.  
4.453.   With regard to bilateral relations between EU and Sri Lanka, EU has been a development 
partner for Sri Lanka since signing of th e Commercial Cooperation Agreement in 1975, which was 
replaced with the Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Dev elopment in 1995. The 
EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meets every year to discuss bilateral political, trade and 
development maters of mutual interest.  
4.454.   The European Commission has provided over €375 million of assistance to Sri Lanka during 
the period from 2000 to 2013 under the various projects  on trade and development, post -tsunami 
reconstruction and rehabilitation, and humanitarian assistance.  
4.455.   The most recent assistance of €8 million for trad e related capacity building which was 
launched in November 2016 will focus on development of a National Export Strategy for Sri Lanka, 
enhancing efficiency of cross -border procedures, improving compliance and quality infrastructure 
services, increasing SME  competitiveness and selected product sector developments.  
4.456.   EU continues to be the number one destination for Sri Lankan exports absorbing over 1/3 
of its total exports. The total trade b etween Sri Lanka and EU was US$5.2 b illion in 2016. Apparels 
are the m ajor export item with a share of 61%. With regard to imports , EU has been a major 
supplier aircraft, spacecraft, iron, steel articles; m edical or surgical instruments; m edicaments to 
Sri Lanka.  
4.457.   A quarter of total FDI to Sri Lanka comes from EU. Germany, It aly, Belgium, France and 
Sweden are the major investment partners which have invested in diverse sectors of Sri Lanka.  
4.458.   Sri Lanka has regained the benefits of EU GSP+ since May 2017. In this regard, I take this 
opportunity to extend my Government 's appreci ation to the Trade Directorate of the European 
Commission for its positive consideration for restoring the GSP Plus facility for Sri Lanka. We also 
appreciate constructive engagement with DG -MARE of European Commission on improving the 
fisheries management  in Sri Lanka in particular to improve the monitoring system, stock and 
harbour  management of Sri Lanka in addressing the IUU fishing issues. I also recall my 
Government 's constructive engagements with Food and Veterinary Office of the EU, in identifying 
causes for regular interceptions of fruit and vegetable exports to EU.  
4.459.   In concluding, my delegation appreciates the EU 's highly valued contribution to the 
multilateral trading system and its active engagement in the negotiations. The dynamic role played 
by Ambassador Marc Vanheukelen and his team in Geneva in proactively engaging in ongoing 
activities of WTO, is highly commendable. We sincerely wish the EU delegation a successful 
deliberation on its 13th Trade Policy Review.  
MAURITIUS  
4.460.   Despite a flurry of pol itical events, uncertainties, cyclical downturn and upturns, that have 
characterized developments in the EU Member States, the economic pundits paint a positive 
picture for growth and recovery. Unemployment rates are being abated, structural and regulatory  
reforms are being pursued including improvements in the business environment.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.461.   New avenues and trade opportunities continue to be prospected by the EU and Mauritius 
has been participating actively together with the EU in some of the negotiations at the WTO  such 
as ITA 2, TISA and we await our adhesion to the EGA.  
4.462.   We welcome the European Union for its new trade and investment policy for the EU – 
Trade for all: t owards a more responsi ble trade and investment policy  and commend its laudable 
efforts towards pro moting inclusive trade by ensuring that the benefits for trade are shared more 
equally. We note with interest the emphasis placed in this new trade policy on the growth of global 
value chains, the increased importance of services trade, and the growth of e -commerce, a 
promising area for SMEs to expand their markets, which also mirrors key aspects of our current 
trade aspirations.  
4.463.   We welcome the measures taken to reduce non -tariff barriers and we encourage the EU to 
pursue its efforts towards greater transpa rency and coherence in its trade policies particularly in 
areas relating to standards and technical requirements, SPS, and customs reforms.  
4.464.   We share a long history of economic and trade cooperation with the EU, which remains our 
biggest trading partner, a key development partner and our first source of Foreign Direct 
Investment inflows.  
4.465.   The current legal framework for trade between Mauritius and the EU is the interim 
Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA), a WTO compatible agreement encompassing a market 
access offer, provisions on trade in goods, fisheries as well as development component . The IEPA 
has been an important instrument to secure market access to the EU but we believe that it is 
crucial now to move towards the conclusion of a comprehensive agreeme nt which would include 
other trade related aspects such as SPS, TBT, Trade Facilitation, Services and Investment similarly 
to the innovative FTAs being concluded by the EU.  
4.466.   It is undeniable that Brexit will impact the trade dynamic between the EU and other  WTO 
members including Mauritius as a likely source of trade disruption.  In the immediate aftermath of 
the Brexit vote, we have already experienced a loss of export revenues due to the depreciation of 
the pound.  
4.467.   Mauritius presently benefits from full duty free and quota free access to both the UK and 
other EU markets under th e IEPA. We are of the view that the preferential access for countries 
implementing the EPA/IEPA shou ld be maintained after Brexit.  
4.468.   We also strongly believe that the EU should maintain a  structured relationship with the ACP 
and, following the expiry of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020, conclude a legally binding 
agreement, building on the acquis of the Lomé Conventi ons and the Cotonou Agreement. Such an 
agreement would also include areas of interest to the parties such as global value chains, climate 
change, WTO issues, measures to combat terrorism as well as the implementation of the SDGs 
amongst others.  
4.469.   We look forward to working closely with the delegation of EU with a view to making 
significant progress at the WTO and at MC11. We share the same objectives of multilateralism  and 
the centrality of the WTO.  We believe in the nec essity for equitable outcomes. Mauritius will 
participate actively in the negotiations with a view to reaching fair and balanced outcomes.  
BENIN 
4.470.   The delegation of Benin associates itself with the statement made by Cambodia on behalf 
of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).  
4.471.   The delegation of Benin commends the performance achieved by the European Union since 
the last trade policy review, reflected, inter alia , by an estimated 1.8% growth in 2016 and the 
visible recovery on the labour market.  
4.472.   The EU is a major player in the global economy and the multilateral trading system. It is 
also one of the established defen ders of the open and rule -based trade regime.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.473.   It also remains committed to promoting attainment of the 2030 Strategic Development 
Goals, supporting the efforts of weak and vulnerable countries in the global economic 
environment, and the LDCs in particular.  
4.474.   The new trade and investment policy for the European Union issued by the European 
Commission in 2015, entitled Trade for All: towards a more responsible trade and investment 
policy , identifies the major lines of action and orientations set by the EU towar ds trade that is 
more inclusive, brings growth and respects environmental protection.  
4.475.   The Benin delegation would however like to emphasize, as also pointed out by the 
WTO Secretariat in its report, that the EU's agricultural policy has not fundamentally ch anged over 
the review period. It would accordingly recommend that the EU pursue its efforts to improve the 
rules, principles and mechanisms governing the production and trading of products in agriculture 
and in other sectors, in order to preserve a level o f competition that allows other countries 
producing strategic agricultural products of different types, including cotton, to derive genuine 
benefit from these activities, and to effectively incorporate the development dimension in the 
results of our work.  
4.476.   The Benin delegation highly appreciates the constructive contribution that the EU and its 
member States make in work on the Doha Round of trade negotiations to take into account the 
needs and priorities of developing countries, in particular LDCs.  
4.477.   It urges  the EU and its member States to continue this good work towards implementation 
of the results of the last two WTO Ministerial Conferences, in Bali and Nairobi, and towards seeking 
consensus -based, measurable and balanced outcomes on the other issues in th e run -up to the 
11th Ministerial Conference to be held in Buenos Aires at the end of this year.  
4.478.   It takes this opportunity to thank the EU and its member States for their contributions to 
the resources of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), and assures  them that the beneficiary 
LDCs, including Benin, duly acknowledge and appreciate the importance of the EIF, which supports 
capacity building for production and exportation in countries in that category, and constitutes a 
genuine tool for combating poverty . 
4.479.   At the bilateral level, Benin enjoys excellent economic, trade, political, social and cultural 
relations with the European Union and its member States.  
4.480.   The Benin delegation welcomes the very appreciable level and quality of technical and 
financial assist ance provided to the Republic of Benin by the EU. The support to help us manage 
macroeconomic aggregates and financial constraints and build Benin's production, processing and 
export capacities is highly valued by the Government and people of Benin.  
4.481.   The de legation invites the EU to continue supporting the socio -economic development 
efforts of the Government of the Republic of Benin by contributing to implementation of the 
Government's new Programme of Action.  
4.482.   It congratulates the Ambassador, the Permanent R epresentative of the European Union to 
the WTO, His Excellency Mr  Marc Vanheukelen, and his entire team, for their constructive 
commitment in the work on multilateral trade negotiations and for their comprehensive 
collaboration with the other delegations, in particular from the LDCs.  
4.483.   The Benin delegation thanks the WTO Secretariat and the European Commission for the 
highly informative reports drawn up for this session of the EU's trade policy review.  
4.484.   It wishes the European Union every success and a positive  trade policy review.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.485.   The Philippines associates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by Ambassador Tan 
Yee Woan of Singapore, which recognizes 40 years of strong and growing trade and investment 
ties between ASEAN and the European Union.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.486.   The Philippines and the European Union have longstanding economic relations. The EU is 
one of the largest foreign investment partners of the Philippines and is its 4th largest trading 
partner, with to tal bilateral trade of US$13.2 b illion in 2016.  
4.487.   The Phil ippines is a beneficiary of the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), and 
was granted further preferences under the GSP+ in December 2014. This translates into duty -free 
entry for 6,274 tariff lines. Out of total Philippine exports to the EU of €6 billion in 2016, exports 
using GSP+ preferences amounted to about €1.7 billion  — an increase from €1.58 billion in 2015. 
As a result, the country 's GSP utilization rate further improved to 71% in 2016 from 68% in 2015. 
The Philippines is committed to maintai n its GSP+ beneficiary status. As a developmental tool, 
GSP+ fosters income growth, supports employment creation, and ultimately contributes to 
countryside development and inclusive economic growth.  
4.488.   Negotiations for an EU -Philippines Free Trade Agreemen t were also launched in 
December  2015, which seeks to develop the overall relationship between the Philippines and the 
EU, taking off from the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed in 2012. The FTA aims to 
cover issues of mutual interest, including tar iffs, non -tariff barriers, trade in services, investment, 
as well as trade -related aspects of public procurement, intellectual property, competition, and 
sustainable development. Through the FTA, the Philippines seeks to increase its presence in the EU 
market. The Philippines notes the good progress achieved in the first two rounds of negotiations 
and emphasizes the importance of sustaining this momentum, so as not to lose track of the 
progress made since the launch of scoping exercises in 2013.  
4.489.   The Philip pines recognizes the EU 's important role in the multilateral trading system as a 
key player in global trade. Its foresight and global openness in engaging vulnerable developing 
countries through the GSP and the Everything But Arms initiative, as well as th rough free trade 
agreements and economic partnership agreements, are instrumental in supporting sustainable 
development and good governance in developing countries.  
4.490.   The Philippines notes the EU 's recognition of the important role of Micro, Small and Medium  
Enterprises (MSMEs) in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth, and looks forward to engaging 
the EU in the informal dialogue on enhancing the participation of MSMEs in international trade by 
making markets more open and friendly to micro and small bus inesses.  
4.491.   In closing, the Philippines has submitted some written questions and we would like to 
thank EU in advance for their responses. We would also like to congratulate Deputy 
Director -General Joost Korte, Ambassador Marc Vanheukelen and the entire EU de legation for its 
13th trade policy review. Our appreciation also goes to Ambassador Roberto Zapata Barradas of 
Mexico for his insightful comments as discussant and to the Secretariat for preparing a 
comprehensive report.  
MYANMAR  
4.492.   Myanmar associates itself w ith the statements delivered by the ASEAN and the LDCs.  
4.493.   Let me begin by expressing our bilateral trade and investment relations with the EU. The 
volume of trade in goods between Myanmar and the EU reached over US$676 million in 2015 -2016 
and over US$1,456  million in 2016 -2017. Our key export products to the EU are dominated by 
garment with over 62% of total export and agricultural products. Our major import products from 
the EU are machinery and appliances, chemical products, and transport equipment . 
4.494.   In terms of foreign direct investment, EU was the 4th largest foreign investor with around 
10% of total investment in Myanmar.  
4.495.   Since 2013, all EU sanctions were lifted and Myanmar exporters have enjoyed trade 
preferences under the "Everything But Arms " scheme,  which allows duty free and quota free 
access to the single European market.  
4.496.   The European Union is a large and opene d economy with a total GDP of € 14,711 billion. 
Their economy has continued to grow since last Trade Policy Review in 2015.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.497.   The EU shared th e second -largest of both export and import of the world trade in goods as 
well as the largest exporter and importer of trade in services. The EU issued a new trade and 
investment policy which has intended to support the growth of global value chains, servi ces trade, 
and e -commerce.  
4.498.   We are enlightened to note that the EU has exclusive competence over the customs union 
and all customs procedures were electronic and cleared within one hour. The main provision of the 
new Union Customs Code (UCC) which has been  applied on 1 May 2016 to replace the Community 
Customs Code of 1992 with the aims of simplifying and modernizing customs procedures, bringing 
the rules into line with the EU treaties and to moving towards harmonized IT process.  
4.499.   In terms of tariff regime,  the simple average applied MFN tariff rate in 2016 was 6.3% and 
it was slightly lower than 2014. The EU applied the expanded list of ITA products and adjusted its 
nomenclature.  
4.500.   The EU is a major preference granting member of WTO. It has a comprehensive n etwork of 
arrangements for preferential trade with free trade agreements and non -reciprocal preferences 
under the GSP, GSP+, and Everything -but-Arms regimes.  
4.501.   The EU introduced new regulations of anti -dumping and countervailing measures in 2016. 
New regula tions on safeguards were introduced in 2015. These new regulations were a 
consolidation of earlier regulations and amendments. The EU is the most frequent users of 
contingency measures among the WTO M embers.  
4.502.   The EU also introduced new legislation on animal  health, plant pests, and official controls in 
2016 aiming to simplify and modernize existing legislation on the food chain. However, there were 
no major change to the laws on technical requirements, standards, and other related issues. 
Similarly, the basi c legislation on competition policy in the EU remains unchanged during the 
review period.  
4.503.   Although Agricultural policies did not change significantly, the EU has fully applied the 
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) since 2015. In fisheries sector, the EU ref ormed the Common 
Fisheries Policy which took effect on 1 January 2014.  
4.504.   In financial services, the EU completed reforms measures by 2015 which were undertaken 
following the 2008 -2009 financial crises. The EU adopted a new regulation on securities financing  
transactions in 2015 and a new regulation was adopted in 2017. In addition, the EU adopted a 
long-term investment funds and financial benchmarks.  
4.505.   The EU is functioning as a single economy with common import duties, import and export 
procedures and investm ent rules. Harmonization of many measures of EU including customs 
procedures, technical requirements, and SPS measures can facilitate access to the EU market and 
reduce some costs. However, some requirements of the EU may add to the cost of doing business 
in some cases. The EU is still practicing relatively highly protected their agriculture of policy and 
therefore, we would like to encourage the EU to consider the policy of allowing the LDCs to widely 
access towards the EU market.  
4.506.   The EU is a very importa nt player and active supporter for both regional and multilateral 
trading system. We want to see continuous and effective support of the EU to the WTO especially 
in strengthening its rules -based trading system. We look forward to continuing the strong 
relationship with the EU and all members to reinforce bilateral and global trade in a fair and 
inclusive manner.  
4.507.   In conclusion, we wish the delegation of the every success in their 13th Trade Policy 
Review.  
NEPAL  
4.508.   It is appreciable that both reports reveal th at despite various challenges following the 
global economic crisis, most of the EU economies are path of recovery.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.509.   As a staunch supporter of the rule based multilateral trading system, EU 's role in nurturing 
and strengthening WTO is commendable. The EU has  to play constructive role to bring DDA into a 
logical conclusion for the benefit of poor and marginalized countries in the world.  
4.510.   It is appreciable that the EU, the second -largest exporter and importer of goods, the 
largest exporter and importer of servi ces, and the largest trading partner for 80 countries, 
important destination and source of investment remains significant to the global trade.  
4.511.   The EU and its member states collectively are the world 's leading providers of Aid for Trade 
(AfT), covering all six areas such as trade policy and regulation, trade development, trade -related 
infrastructure, building productive capacity, trade -related adjustment, and other trade -related 
needs.  
4.512.   We appreciate the EU 's 'Generalised Scheme of Preferences ' (GSP) which al lows developing 
countries zero duty rate under its EBA policy and GSP + arrangements, which supports for the 
sustainable development and good governance.  
4.513.   The EU attaches great importance to helping the LDCs better integrate into the world 
trading system. E U's preferential rules of origin allow  LDCs to use up to 70% non -originating 
materials under value added criteria, which is supportive to LDCs to enhance their exports. 
However, we encourage EU to undertake further improvement in its rules of origin in lin e with the 
Nairobi decision.  
4.514.   Similarly, we appreciate EU 's notifications on preferential treatment to services exports of 
LDCs. We encourage EU to be a model for the implementation so that the LDCs could reap benefits 
from the waiver scheme.  
4.515.   The stringent  SPS and TBT measures have posed obstacles to LDCs products, including 
Nepal, from entry into the EU markets. We request EU to relax SPS and TBT measures to LDCs ' 
exports, address capacity constraints on SPS and TBT, including, technical standards, Mutual 
Recognition Agreement/MRA, testing, calibration and conformity assessment procedure through 
tailor made interventions.  
4.516.   Nepal and EU formally tied diplomatic relations in 1975. Nepal -EU relations have always 
remained friendly, cordial and cooperative based on mutual understanding, support and 
cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, humanitarian and development area.  
4.517.   The EU is one of the principal trading partners of Nepal. It remains second largest export 
market having at around 13 % share. The exports from Nepal to the EU market covers mainly 
handmade carpets, textile, gems and jewellery , wood and paper products and leather products 
whereas Nepal imports from EU Members largely engineering goods, telecommunication 
equipment, chemicals, minerals, metals and steels aa well as agricultural products.  
4.518.   We appreciate continued support of the EU to Nepal in trade capacity building, 
strengthening trade related infrastructures and value chains development including Trade and 
Private Sector Development Programme ( TSDP) running under the Ministry of Commerce, 
Government of Nepal to support coffee sector value chain development.  
4.519.   We value cordial relationship of EU and its Membership with Nepal. We expect continued 
support for t rade and economic development. We wish E U a great success for the Trade Policy 
Review.  
MOROCCO  
4.520.   The delegation of the Kingdom of Morocco wishes to start by thanking all the speakers for 
their informative oral presentations and to congratulate the European Union for this excellent 
review, which re flects its exemplary commitment and its important role as an advocate of 
development. On behalf of Morocco, allow me also to thank the entire Secretariat for their work, 
which is fundamental to the smooth running of this review.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.521.   My delegation's comment rel ates to the EU's strategy to ensure non -discrimination 
in online sales, and more specifically the planned legislation on geo -blocking and other 
geographically based restrictions undermining online shopping and cross -border sales (page 188, 
paragraphs  4.114  and 4.115).  
4.522.   Morocco wishes to know whether the EU intends to extend the application of this regulation 
beyond Europe, specifically through good neighbourhood agreements with other countries or 
through economic partnership agreements.  
4.523.   Given the far -reachin g implications of this regulation for both consumers and online sales 
businesses, it is clear that the regulation, which aims to avoid any form of discrimination in terms 
of price or sales conditions on grounds of nationality, residence or place of establi shment, would 
bring benefits for the consumer but also impose constraints on online sales companies. With this in 
mind, it would be useful to know the EU's vision as to the possibility of extending the regulation to 
other non -European partner countries and , if so, to ascertain the associated prerequisite 
conditions.  
4.524.   Once again, Morocco thanks the EU for its dynamic work and wishes it every success in its 
13th trade policy review.  
PARAGUAY  
4.525.   The report tells us that during the review period the European Union' s economy has 
continued its gradual recovery. The annual GDP growth rate is improving, and exports of goods 
and services are likewise on the rise.  
4.526.   The EU is Paraguay's fourth -largest trading partner, accounting for approximately 12% of 
its trade. In 2015, the volume of goods traded between Paraguay and the EU rose to €1.65  billion, 
resulting in a trade balance of €430  million in Paraguay's favour. Exports to Europe are chiefly 
agricultural products (90% of total Paraguayan goods exports). Imports to Paragua y are 
predominantly manufactured goods and technology products, in particular machinery and 
transport equipment, together with chemicals.  
4.527.   Paraguay is a beneficiary of the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+), under 
which we are granted trade prefe rences for the export of various products to the EU, with 
zero tariff. Paraguay is the sole Mercosur country admitted to the GSP+ scheme.  
4.528.   Economic relations between the EU and Paraguay have continued to intensify in various 
areas. Flows of capital and Euro pean direct investment have increased. The EU is our 
second -biggest investor, with an investment stock of some €1  billion, and there is still a lot of 
room for strengthening our bilateral relationship.  
4.529.   It should also be mentioned that the EU cooperates wit h Paraguay in various areas, not 
least implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.530.   The dialogue between the EU and Paraguay is also pursued within the framework of 
EU-Mercosur relations.  
4.531.   In this regard, negotiations towards an EU -Mercosur Associati on Agreement have been 
stepped up, and a round of negotiations is taking place even this week. We are optimistic 
regarding the progress that will be made with a view to significantly expanding economic and trade 
relations between the regions for their mutu al benefit.  
4.532.   Within the WTO, we are interested to hear that the European Union considers that the 
multilateral trading system alone can guarantee inclusive growth and ensure the expansion of real 
development opportunities for the Members, whence the need to  strengthen the WTO's negotiating 
pillar, through the elaboration of global rules that are binding, clear and non -discriminatory. 
Paraguay shares this view, and we hope to secure tangible results at the next Ministerial 
Conference in Buenos Aires and beyon d. WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.533.   We believe that the EU has the potential to become a pioneer in the agricultural reforms 
necessary to usher in a multilateral system unencumbered by restrictions and distortions. We 
welcome the changes made to reduce distorting domestic support within t he EU's territory. 
However, retaining leeway for policies, even in the form of duties that are no longer used and in 
some cases have never been used, is a recurrent mindset in the negotiating pillar. We encourage 
the EU to take on a more active role in the  multilateral system and promote the necessary reforms 
to counter the current protectionist movements.  
4.534.   We express concern at the resistance displayed to pushing through reforms in the market 
access pillar, where measures persist that act as internal price supports, with the same effects as 
distorting supports.  
4.535.   The Secretariat report highlights that agricultural tariffs differ from industrial tariffs in 
several ways. First, the bound agricultural tariffs far exceed industrial tariffs, and applied tariffs 
are more than three times higher than industrial tariffs. Secondly, there is a much higher 
proportion of non -ad valorem  rates for agriculture, with mixed tariffs and highly complex forms 
that reduce transparency in the tariff regimes. Lastly, a number of tari ff lines are subject to tariff 
quotas, with some 124 tariff quotas in place, more than half of which are underutilized.  
4.536.   In addition, the EU reserves the right to use agricultural safeguards on 539 tariff lines. 
These have been applied for a few products, p rimarily price -based safeguards, no volume -based 
safeguard having been invoked.  
4.537.   In view of this situation, we appeal to the EU to promote genuine and tangible reforms to 
the multilateral system, especially in agricultural trade, which would increase visibi lity, make this 
institution more efficient, and enhance its capacity to contribute to development and growth of the 
world economy.  
4.538.   To conclude, I must add that many of the principles that guide the European Union's trade 
policies (social justice, regional integration, democracy and human rights) are principles which also 
guide our own work. We look forward to continuing to work together.  
PANAMA  
4.539.   The Secretariat report reveals that the European Union is the principal trading partner of 
over 80 Members of this  Organization. Trade between Panama and the EU as a bloc in 2016 
represented 11% of Panama's total trade, making the EU its second -biggest partner. In the same 
year, 29.5% of Panama's exports went to the EU, the main products being, among others, 
bananas; watermelons; shrimp; fish flour, meal and oils; and swordfish. Panama's imports from 
the EU increased by some 16.4%, the main products being medicaments, compound reagents and 
machine parts, among others.  
4.540.   Trade relations between Panama and the EU were rein forced by the EU -Central America 
Association Agreement, signed on 29  June 2012. This agreement stimulates and consolidates 
Central American regional trade by means of common rules governing, inter alia , trade in goods 
and services, investment, intellectual  property and trade facilitation.  
4.541.   The Agreement has led to increased investment flows into Panama. European investment 
came to US$39,629  million in 2016, with as many as 50 European multinational corporations 
established in the country. This positions Pana ma as the top recipient of EU investment in Central 
America.  
4.542.   The Agreement has also opened up opportunities to leverage the logistics services Panama 
offers, which is a key factor in turning Panama into an important regional platform for the export 
of serv ices, particularly in the financial services, telecommunication, distribution and tourism 
sectors.  
4.543.   The Secretariat report also refers to a programme of reforms matching the priorities 
identified by the EU, such as investment, fiscal responsibility and stru ctural reforms. The policies 
adopted seek to stimulate greater productivity by expanding global value chains in strategic areas 
such as services trade and e -commerce, with particular emphasis on the participation of MSMEs. WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  Many of these efforts focus on re ducing non -tariff barriers, technological progress to facilitate 
cross-border provision of services, and policies to modernize the legal framework for the protection 
and enforcement of intellectual and industrial property going forward.  
4.544.   Panama welcomes a n umber of initiatives undertaken by the EU to foster, strengthen and 
improve transparency in the financial services sector, implementing regulations to help combat 
money laundering and terrorism. It also notes measures taken in the maritime sector to improv e 
financial transparency of ports.  
4.545.   Panama takes a very positive view of the Europe 2020 strategy to promote smart, 
sustainable and inclusive growth by reducing poverty and social exclusion, increasing employment 
and investment, tackling climate change and promoting energy sustainability. This holds promise 
for improving the business environment, raising competitiveness and boosting innovation.  
4.546.   In the fisheries sector, we commend the goals of ensuring that fishing and aquaculture 
activities are ecologically,  economically and socially sustainable, as well as the application of an 
ecosystem approach in fisheries management. Nevertheless, we would like to get more details on 
the functioning and regulation of financial supports the EU gives to the fisheries secto r under the 
Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), and how the CFP advances the commitments under the 
UN Sustainable Development Goals.  
4.547.   It is also worth mentioning in a positive light the new measures and regulations 
implemented to improve the protection of public , human and animal health. Nevertheless, these 
new policies likewise give potential cause for concern, by virtue of their special conditions, new 
restrictions and barriers that may suspend or significantly impede imports. Particularly troubling 
are the reg ulations under discussion on maximum residue thresholds and the presence of 
endocrine disrupters, which depart from recognized international standards.  
4.548.   Panama acknowledges the significant efforts made by the European Union in various areas 
that are describ ed in the reports. Like other delegations, we are keen to know a bit more about the 
EU's vision on addressing the challenges of Brexit, in particular how it will affect commitments in 
the WTO, and the European viewpoint in the face of the broad deadlock we  are encountering in the 
preparations to pave the way for a successful MC -11 yielding substantive outcomes. Panama 
congratulates the EU for its commitment and active participation in the multilateral trading system 
and for its important role in the trade n egotiations.  
4.549.   With this, we wish the European Union a successful trade policy review.  
URUGUAY  
4.550.   Uruguay welcomes the delegation of the European Union to this important forum for the 
multilateral trading system which helps to provide transparency in Members' t rade policies.  
4.551.   As one of the largest economies and trading entities in the world, the EU plays a key role 
in the multilateral trading system.  
4.552.   The EU has historically been a major market for our country. The countries of the EU 
absorb around 12% of Uruguay' s total exports.  
4.553.   Uruguay's exports to the EU primarily consist of high -quality agricultural products such as, 
inter alia , chilled and frozen beef, wood pulp, hides and skins, wood, fresh fruits and wool. In the 
review period, exports of cellulose rose shar ply and this product now ranks in the top ten sales.  
4.554.   Uruguay's imports from the EU comprise manufactured products, machinery of all types, 
electrical equipment, fertilizers, pharmaceutical products and chemical products, among others. It 
should be borne in  mind that the EU is extremely important as a supplier of capital goods and 
inputs for the manufacturing industry.  
4.555.   In view of the foregoing and the EU's importance for Uruguay, the development of trade 
relations with the EU is a priority on the external ag endas of both Uruguay and also Mercosur.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.556.   Uruguay will spare no effort to meet the Mercosur -EU negotiation schedule and reach an 
agreement as soon as possible. It is convinced that the agreement between the EU and Mercosur 
will constitute an important stimu lus for international trade.  
4.557.   During the review period, Uruguay negotiated a compensation agreement with the EU as a 
result of Croatia's accession to the European Union, which was signed during the Nairobi Ministerial 
Conference in December  2015 and came in to full effect at the beginning of this year.  
4.558.   In regard to technical barriers and sanitary and phytosanitary standards, Uruguay concurs 
that it is legitimate and important to take decisions to protect human and animal health. At the 
same time, however, it is our belief that such measures must be founded on science and based on 
risk analysis.  
4.559.   Regarding investment, European firms are present in Uruguay's manufacturing and service 
sectors, and now play a major role in strategic sectors such as telecommunicatio ns, logistics, port 
services, energy, construction, infrastructure, financial services, real estate and agribusiness. 
Uruguay has become a logistics hub in South America and a gateway to Mercosur, helped in part 
by many European enterprises in various area s of services.  
4.560.   Uruguay acknowledges the efforts made by the EU in reforming international agriculture 
and its status as a leader in pursuing efforts in this domain. Uruguay anticipates that the EU will 
continue playing a proactive role in the negotiation o n agriculture with a view to Buenos Aires, as 
it did in Nairobi.  
4.561.   Last but not least, Uruguay wishes the European Union every success in this review of its 
trade policies.  
GEORGIA  
4.562.   One cannot underestimate the importance of the EU and the magnitude of its t rade 
policies’ impact on other m embers of the WTO. Therefore, the approach of the EU to current 
challenges is of an interest to the WTO.  
4.563.   The EU is a large, open economy with a GDP of €14,711 billion with exports and imports of 
goods valued at €3,518 billion  and services at €1,517 billion. The EU is a critically important to 
world trade as the second -largest exporter and importer of goods, the largest exporter and 
importer of services and the largest trading partner for 80 countries. Since the last TPR of the  EU 
in 2015, its economy continued to grow, but trade and economic development indicators varied 
considerably.  
4.564.   Georgia and the European Union have maintained relations for 25 years. Georgia’s EU 
aspirations are generated by sharing the same views in many vital aspects and enjoy excell ent 
cooperation in many areas.  
4.565.   In this regard, I would like to particularly highlight the Association Agreement between EU 
and Georgia including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which makes the 
process of p olitical and economic integration of Geo rgia with the EU irreversible.  
4.566.   The DCFTA is of particular importance for us, as it envisages gradual economic integration 
of Georgia with the EU’s internal market, thus giving access to the world’s largest consumer 
market without tariffs and quotas. It brings benefits for the country's future growth, opening up 
new markets and creating job opportunities. Thanks to the creation of a free trade area, 
approximation to the selected European legislation, and the drive tow ards internationally 
recognized quality of goods, more potential for growth, through increased exports and additional 
investment are  expected over the medium term.  
4.567.   EU is Georgia’s largest trade partner. The provisional enactment of the DCFTA in 2014 
signif icantly contributed in establishing increasing trend in bilateral trade. Trade turnover in th e 
5 months of this year estimated US$1.09 billion showing increase by 15% as compared to the 
same period of last year. Georgian exports to the EU market grew by 41 % and imports from the WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  EU increased by 9%. There are expectations that this tendency will be m aintained throughout this 
year. 
4.568.   The key Georgian export commodities are alcoholic beverages, fruits, nuts, mineral water, 
fertilizers, crude oil and other agricul tural and industrial products. We do hope that this positive 
trade tendency will continue in the future and elevate Georgia -EU economic  relations to the higher 
level.  
4.569.   Georgia very much appreciates financial, economic and political support provided by the E U 
which is directed towards strengthening of Georgia’s positions on international arena.   
4.570.   I would like to particularly highlight the recent positive development related to the granting 
visa free travel to Georgian citizens which is a benchmark of fruitful  an ami cable bilateral 
cooperation.  
4.571.   To conclude, I would like to once again express the gratitude to the European Union for 
expressed strong cooperation and wish the EU delegation a successful review.  
ZIMBABWE  
4.572.   The EU remains one of the largest trading bloc s and their economy continues grows in 
spite of the challenges related to  Brexit , oil price movements, immigration issues, terrorism and 
political uncertainty resulting fro m elections in some its member S tates. However, the economic 
recovery since the fina ncial crisis has been uneven within the region. Unemployment levels 
declined gradually during the review period and the impact of Brexit  on the RU economy remains 
uncertain.  
4.573.   The EU is playing a central role in global trade, being the second largest importe r and 
exporter of goods and the largest exporter and importer of services. It is also the largest trading 
partner for 80 countries and an important source and destination for investment.  
4.574.   There is free movement of capital, goods and labour within the region  and the EU has an 
effective and efficient customs union and commercial policy.  
4.575.   At the m ultilateral level, the EU delegation has contributed i mmensely to the success of the 
multilateral trading s ystem and continues to play a critical role in shaping the wo rk of the WTO.  
4.576.   At bilateral level, the EU is Zimbabwe 's second largest trading partner. In 2015, Zimbabwe 
exported goods worth €402 million to the EU, against imports from the EU amounting to 
€220 million, thus giving a positive trade balance in favour of Zimbabwe of €  82 million. In 2016 , 
total trade between declined and Zimbabwe exported goods worth €333 million whilst imports 
amounted to €174 million, giving Zimbabwe a trade surplus of €159 million.  
4.577.   Zimbabwe exports mostly mineral and agricultural produc ts with tobacco, sugar and 
horticulture products as some of the major exports to the EU. Zimbabwe imports mostly 
machinery, vehicles, chemicals and other related capital goods and the EU is also an important 
source market for tourists and Foreign Direct In vestment for the country.  
4.578.   On 16 February 2015, the Government of Zimbabwe and the European Union signed the 
National Indicative Programme (NIP) for the 11th European Development Fund which has an 
indicative allocation of €234 million for the period 2015 -2020, for implementation of projects and 
programmes on agriculture, state enterprises reforms, health and other sectors.  
4.579.   Zimbabwe, together wi th three other countries, namely  Mauritius, Madagascar and 
Seychelles signed an I nterim EPA in 2009 in order to avoid trade disruption, pending the 
finalisation of negotiations for a full and comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). 
The interim EPA consequently entered into force in May 2012 after its ratification.  
4.580.   Zimbabwe is set to benefit from a regional envelope of €10 million which if for provision of 
technical assistance and support for the implementation of the EPA. This will in turn promote the WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  country 's integration into the regional and international Trading System. Zimbabwe appreciates 
the technical and financial support that we continue to receive from the EU.  
4.581.   Zimbabwe still faces Non -Tariff Barriers related challenges when accessing the EU market 
and these include SPS issues and technical standards. The country is however grateful that, 
through the International Trade Centre, the EU availed €950 000 for purposes of addressing these 
challenges. The objective of this funding is specifically to enhance knowledge and understanding of 
SPS related issues and technical standards, as well as building infrastructural capacity such as 
rehabilitation an d setting up laboratories.  
4.582.   We hope that economic cooperation between Zimbabwe and the EU will continue to be 
strengthened as preparations for implementation of the full and comprehensive EPA progresses. 
Furthermore, there are positive signals that Zimbabwe  can in future have increased FDI from the 
EU region.  
4.583.   Lastly, we would appreciate if the EU could share information and update us on 
developments and the impact of BREXIT on global trade and on the EU trading partners especially 
those under the EPY configu rations, in the relevant WTO Committees.  
4.584.   I wish the EU a successful Trade Policy R eview.  
PAKISTAN  
4.585.   The European Union has been the most effective, influential and innovative project of our 
times. The EU has delivered more than half a century of peace, stabi lity and prosperity, and helped 
raise living standards of its inhabitants.  
4.586.   Pakistan and the EU enjoy very cordial and mutually beneficial relations. The trade 
between the two is around € 12 billion  with Pakistan exporting about €6.3 billion of goods and our 
imports from EU are €5.3 billion.  
4.587.   Pakistan is a beneficiary of the EU 's comprehensive initiatives of preferential trade to 
provide incentives to the beneficiaries with a view to promoting positive linkages between trade 
and sustainable development. Pakistan fully appreciates these initiatives and wishes to extend its 
deepest gr atitude to the EU 's unwavering support toward sustain able development. Since 
January  2014, Pakistan is a beneficiary of EU GSP+ scheme which has contributed to an increase 
in Pakistan 's exports to the EU. Major beneficiary of this scheme has been women wor king in 
textile industry. Pakistan imports from the EU have also registered an increase of more than 20%, 
going from US$4.8 b illion in 2015 to US$5.8 b illion in 2016. Pakistan has initiated major 
investments in the energy sector including renewables. This increase in imports is primarily for the 
imports of power turbines including wind turbines and allied equipment being imported from EU.  
4.588.   Since the last Trade Policy Review of the EU in 2015, the EU economy continued to grow. 
Exports and imports increased b etween 2013 and 2015, reaching €1,789 billion and €1,729 
respectively, but were expected to have declined slightly in 2016. The EU remains critically 
important to world trade. The EU is also important as a destination for, and source of, investment, 
althou gh foreign direct investment, both inward and outward, fluctuated over the 2013 -2015 
period.  
4.589.   Pakistan appreciates that in October 2015, the European Commission issued a new trade 
and investment policy for the EU. The new policy is intended to support the g rowth of global value 
chains, services trade, and e -commerce. The main objectives include reducing non -tariff barriers 
and increasing trade in services, while benefiting from improved  technology to facilitate 
cross-border provision of services and recogniz ing the importance of labour  mobility and mutual 
recognition of professional qualifications.  
4.590.   Pakistan has taken note that Intellectual property rights continue to be very important for 
the EU economy with over 40% of GDP generated by IPR -intensive industr ies (2011 -2013). Under 
the Commission 's 2011 strategy for IP, a number of legislative measures were adopted, including 
a trademark reform package and a directive on trade secrets.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.591.   Pakistan finds it commendable, that in financial services, the reforms init iated in 2007 were 
largely completed by 2015, but some new measures were introduced during the period under 
review. The legislation is grouped into three pillars: rules for the global financial system; rules to 
establish a safe, responsible, and growth -enhancing financial sector in Europe; and rules to 
complete the banking union to strengthen the euro.  
4.592.   To a very large extent, the EU functions as a single economy with common import duties, 
import and export procedures, and rules on investment. Furthermore, the harmonization across 
the EU of many measures, including customs procedures, technical requirements, and SPS 
measures can facilitate access to the EU market and reduce the cost of developing and complying 
with regulations. However, Pakistan notes that i n some cases, complying with EU requirements 
may add to the cost of doing business. Furthermore, agriculture remains highly protected. The EU 
and its member States are important Members of the WTO and the development of their policies, 
politics, and econom y affects many other countries. Therefore, the trade and investment policies 
of the EU are important to other countries and the multilateral trading system, and how the EU 
addresses current challenges are of interest to the WTO as a whole.  
4.593.   We greatly appre ciate the active engagement of the EU at the WTO here in Geneva led by 
His Excellency, Marc Vanheukelen , who is a thought leader in true sense of the word.  
4.594.   Pakistan would like to wish the European Union a very fruitful and successful TPR.  
KENYA  
4.595.   Kenya enjoy s a strong and longstanding economic and trade relations with the European 
Union and closer ties with its individual member States underpinned by the framework of the 
successive Lomé Convent ions and the Cotonou Agreement.  In 2016 , Kenya signed and ratified  the 
EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement that is a WTO -compatible trade agreement. The new 
trading regime is expected to come into force once the other EAC partne r states also sign and 
ratify. The full implementation of EPAS is expected to ensure a trans parent and more predictable 
framework for trade and investment between EAC and EU region.  
4.596.   We note that the EU is a major player in international trade. It is the second -largest 
exporter and importer of goods, the largest exporter and importer of services. According to 
secretariat report The EU currently has a GDP of €14,711. It exports and imports goods valued at 
€3,518 billion and services valued at €1,517 billion. The EU is also important as a  destination for, 
and source of  investment.  
4.597.   Kenya welcome s improvements to the EU 's internal market since the last Trade Pol icy 
Review in 2015. The EU has adopted several policies such as trade and investment policy, services 
trade, and e -commerce, Union Customs Code, new/amended regulations on trade remedies and 
safeguards. We also note that EU has exclusive competence over th e customs union, while the 
customs administration authorities of the member states are responsible for applying the common 
customs legislation.  We therefore encourage the EU to continue to open its market to support 
global economic growth.  
4.598.   We note the EU 's Legislative reform of the financial services sector and commend  its 
efforts for introducing some new financial measures d uring the period under review. We are 
pleased to note that some of the reforms include rules for the global financial system; rules t o 
establish a safe, responsible, and growth -enhancing financial sector in Europe; and rules to 
complete the banking  union to strengthen the euro. In addition, in 2015 a new regulation on 
securities financing transactions was also adopted to improve transpa rency, and identify and 
quantify risks.  
4.599.   We welcome the European Union 's commitment to the multilateral trading system and in 
particular their active role and participation in the W TO work including negotiations.  EU has also 
continued to negotiate regional trade agreements, which cover trade in goods and services, 
intellectual property, and other areas not covered by WTO. These agreements are expected to 
create opportunities for trade, growth and employment. We therefore trust that the EU will 
continue to pl ay a leadership role at the global level and Kenya looks forward to working closely 
with the EU to achieve concrete outcomes ahead of the 11th Ministerial Conference in Argentina.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.600.   We note that i ntellectual property rights continues to play a critical role in the EU 's 
economy in terms of its contribution to employment and GDP. In this regard, we commend EU for 
adopting a number of IP related legislative measures during the review period.  
4.601.   We commend the EU 's contribution to the WTO trade -related technical ass istance and 
capacity building progra mmes for developing countries. We also appreciated the EU development 
assistance programme that has  immensely benefited many developing countries including Kenya.   
4.602.   On the bilateral front, I 'm pleased to note that EU rem ains Kenya 's second largest market 
after COMESA, although we note with concern that trade balance is heav ily tilted in favour of the 
EU. Exports to EU have risen steadily over the past years and were estimated at €1.28 billion in 
2016. Kenya 's exports to the EU are mainly agricultural commodities such as cut flowers, fruits 
and vegetables, which account for over 90% of total export value, while the EU is Kenya 's major 
single source of imports, mainly industrial pro ducts such as machinery and transport equipment, 
chemicals and related products among others.   
4.603.   Finally, we wish the EU a successful Trade P olicy review. 
JORDAN  
4.604.   I would like to start by extending a warm welcome to the entire EU delegation, and to start 
to congratulate them for the efforts exerted in the preparation for the trade policy review and 
preparing report.  
4.605.   We would like to thanks the Head of the delegation for his opening statement and detailed 
introductory remarks which show the positive developmen ts in the European economy and the 
continued reforms, in addition to the EU 's commitment to the multilateral trading system. I would 
like also to thank the S ecretariat for their excellent report and the discussant for his insightful 
remarks.  
4.606.   Jordan and the  EU signed an Association Agreement which entered into force in 2002, and 
enjoy excellent bilateral economic and trade relations and smooth flow of investment and trade.  
4.607.   We wish the EU and its m ember States a fruitful and a successful Trade Policy Review.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.608.   The bilateral relations between the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic started from concluding the 
Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic 
in 1995 that came into force on 1 July 1999 . This Agreeme nt laid the background of main areas of 
cooperation in economic, trade, investment, political, commercial, financial, legal and cultural 
spheres.  
4.609.   It should be noted that the parties have reached a new level of collaboration that was 
demonstrated in the re cent visit of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in February this year by 
succeeding signing of number of agreements for development projects that give hopes for further 
constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation between the parties.  
4.610.   The level of c ooperation between the Parties is also reflected in the recent adoption by the 
Kyrgyz Government of Provision on the European Union Coordination Council.  
4.611.   The intention of the EU to move towards barrier -free trade system along with granting the 
status of th e GSP+ to the Kyrgyz Republic opens unique opportunities for domestic producers of 
the Kyrgyz Republic to export products from the Kyrgyz Republic to EU market in compliance with 
sanitary, phytosanitary and technical requirements of the EU.  
4.612.   We firmly belie ve that the granting of GSP+ status by the EU to Kyrgyzstan has positive 
effects on our country 's perspectives to expand export destinations of the Kyrgyz goods to other 
country -members of the EU.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  4.613.   This opportunity is not only for Kyrgyz exporters but also from the market point of view 
seems very attractive for investing into Kyrgyzstan 's market for further launching of export 
oriented enterprises.  
4.614.   Kyrgyzstan has obtained the opportunity to export more than 6000 goods into the EU 
market on a duty -free basis.  This list mainly consists of agricultural goods such as dried fruits and 
vegetables; cans; juices; nuts, beans, tobacco, felt production; textile; leather goods and others.  
4.615.   In terms of services, it is worth to note that tourism seems very attractive to st rengthen 
the potential of trade relations in services sector.  
4.616.   The Kyrgyz Republic is optimistic on further fruitful economic cooperation and maintaining 
stable trade relations with European Union.  
4.617.   The Kyrgyz Republic wishes a successful Trade Policy Revie w to the European Union.  
4.618.   For reference:  
 EU has a share of 5. 8% in trade turnover of the Kyrgyz  Republic, including export – 4.7%, 
import – 6.3%. 
 In 2016 , the volume of foreign trade with EU members compared to 2015 was decreased by 
14% and comprised US$318.8 million . This has occurred due to the decrease in imports by 
23% ( US$51.6 million ), and export of goods increased by 44. 3% (US$22.2 million ).  
 The largest trading partners of the Kyrgyz Republic among  the EU members are: Germany 
(1.3% of KR trade turnov er) Great Britain (0.8%), Belgium (0.4%), Poland (0.3%), France 
(0.4%), Netherlands (0. 2%), others.  
 Kyrgyzstan 's export to EU mainly comprises of agriculture (raw cotton, tobacco, vegetables, 
beans, mushrooms, and fruits, gold, transport vehicles and parts  thereof, engines, facilities, 
equipment, ferrous and non -ferrous scraps ). 
 EU members import to Kyrgyzstan: machinery (industrial equipment, mechanical devices, 
electrical machinery, and components), transport vehicles and their parts, optical appliances 
and tools, pharmaceuticals, various food products, mineral oils (lubricants), pa per, carton 
and their products.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION  AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  
5.1.  I would like to use my intervention and the time available to engage  systematically with all 
the comments and issues raised in the oral statements made on Wednesday. We will reply to all 
outstanding questions within the deadline foreseen for this exercise.  
5.2.  I welcome the positive statements made on Wednesday and this morni ng, the vast majority 
of which emphasised the EU 's openness and support for the multilateral trading system as well as 
its efforts to lead by example in the face of a growing backlash against globalisation and the risk of 
protectionism. I also welcome the multiple statements that have been made highlighting that the 
vast majority of trade with the EU is conducted without any problems and that potential concerns 
are very much an exception rather than the rule. They are in fact limited to certain well defined  
areas.  
5.3.  Many Members also recognise our efforts to push forward preparations for a successful MC11. 
Indeed, a successful Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires is a top priority for the EU and we have 
made every effort to make this objective a reality.  
5.4.  I'm happy to use this opportunity to confirm the very positive news coming out of Brussels 
that the EU and Japan have indeed reached a political agreement on a free trade agreement which 
has every potential to redefine and significantly expand our trade rela tions. The deal shows that 
there is scope for ambitious, comprehensive and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreements.  
5.5.  Several Members commended the EU for the value -based trade agenda set out in our Trade 
for All strategy and I am very happy with this  positive reaction. Our efforts in this area highlight an 
important point: that trade is of mutual benefit and that we all stand to gain from trade which is 
fair and sustainable. This extends to the issue of gender equality and women 's empowerment, to 
which we attach great importance and on which we would like to see more activities in the WTO. 
The next opportunity in this regard will be next week 's Aid for Trade Global Review.  
5.6.  I will now answer the questions you raised on Wednesday and this morning as foll ows: I will 
start with a few systemic issues, before moving to the specific questions again under 10 blocks.  
Systemic issues  
5.7.  The implementation of the Agreements reached in Bali and in Nairobi is now a key concern 
and I 'm happy to confirm that the EU is in  the forefront of efforts. Specifically on export 
competition, it is well known that the EU has not provided export subsidie s since 2013. We are 
now finaliz ing the preparation of a revised EU schedule that will bring our entitlements to zero. 
This will be put forward to the Membership in the coming weeks. We call on other concerned 
Members to do the same.  
5.8.  Over the last year, the EU has made clear its expectations for a substantive and meaningful 
outcome at MC11. We have supported this with concrete submiss ions on most of the areas under 
discussion. We commend all of you who have done the same. Now, true negotiations need to begin 
quickly. I would call on all Members to avoid tactical games and focus on substance, which is the 
only way we can work toward con crete outcomes.  
5.9.  For the EU, the outcome of MC11 as well as post -MC11 work is closely linked to our long -
term objective of levelling the playing field by creating new rules in areas which are in dire need of 
new disciplines. This particularly includes the broad area of subsidies. In this regard, some 
Members referred in their statements to export credits and the important work being done by the 
International Working Group (IWG), which brings together many participants including the EU, 
China, Brazil, India,  South Africa and the US to pursue the shared goal of developing new export 
credit disciplines. What we are talking about here is clarifying the rules regarding prohibited export 
subsidies and ensuring that the major providers of export credits are in fact  playing by the rules.  
5.10.   One Member (China) referred to the EU 's restrictions on exports of high -tech goods, 
particularly dual -use goods which can be used for both civilian and military applications. The EU 
implements its policies in this area within the cle arly set limits of UN Security Council resolutions, WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  WTO agreements and the cooperation that we have with numerous other Members in international 
export control regimes. Every export transaction is assessed on its own merits taking into account 
the risk tha t a particular item will be diverted to military end -use. I would underline that this well 
established policy does not in fact create any meaningful problems for legitimate transactions. 
What actually creates problems are efforts to divert civilian technol ogies toward military 
programmes and forced technology transfers.  
5.11.    The discussant and a few Members referred to some delays with regard to EU notifications. 
Allow me to reiterate that the EU treats transparency and notifications extremely seriously. 
Severa l EU notifications were actually made in recent weeks. These covered an STE corrigendum, 
our notification on Rules of Origin for LDCs as well as our GPA statistics. Regarding our domestic 
support notifications, it is well known that financing cycles vary a cross WTO Members and that 
they do not necessarily end on 31 December of each year. The last DS:1 notification covered the 
calendar year 2013 -2014 and we are close to finalising the one for the 2014 -2015 calendar year. 
Unfortunately the same cannot be said  for every WTO Member, some of which have not submitted 
the necessary notifications since the creation of this organisation in 1995. I would refer Members 
here to the useful compilati on prepared by the Secretariat (document G/L/223/Rev.24) . 
5.12.   And finally, a few Members referred to the EU 's tariff profile mentioning explicitly our tariffs 
for agricultural and fish products. Some of you have higher agricultural tariffs while others have 
very high industrial ones. While tariff liberalisation efforts have been un dertaken recently through 
bilateral and plurilateral tracks, such efforts have not been undertaken recently in the WTO. Future 
adjustments of Members ' tariff structures need to take place within the context of comprehensive 
market access negotiations, on w hich we do not sense much appetite in this organisation.  
5.13.   I would now proceed to addressing some of the more specific issues raised, organised again 
into 10 blocks.  
Block 1 - Agriculture  
5.14.   Firstly, on agriculture issues, I noted several interventions by Memb ers, relating to the three 
pillars and welcoming the continuous process of CAP reform: domestic support, market access and 
export competition.  
5.15.   Let me start by domestic support.  
5.16.   The decline in the use of public intervention is a result of the change in pol icy orientation of 
the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) from product (price) support (through market intervention 
measures) towards producer support through direct income support. Reforms of the CAP since the 
early 1990s have changed the public interventio n policy, decreasing both the administered prices 
and buying in quantities and completely eliminating the system for some products.  
5.17.   This trend is reflected in the changes in the structure of the CAP budget where the share of 
market intervention measures ( including export refunds) declined from 100% of total CAP 
expenditure in 1980 to below 5% in 2011. Is also reflected in the EU 's notified domestic support 
where the current total Aggregated Measure Support (AMS) has decreased dramatically. Today, 
market in tervention measures can only be used as a safety net mechanism. It was in this sense 
that the mechanism was triggered in 2014 and 2015, but only, for certain fruit and vegetables, in 
response to the Russian import ban and in reaction to the dramatic global  price fall for dairy 
products.  
5.18.   Most CAP support is notified as Green Box compliant decoupled income support, which is 
granted to farmers in the form of decoupled direct payments with no obligation to produce. The 
latest "DS:1 notification " EU reported ver y limited suppor t in the Amber Box (less than € 6 billion, 
95% of which for Market Price Support to wheat, butter and SMP).  
5.19.   In addition, I would like to refer to the end of the last two remaining production quotas in 
the CAP for milk and sugar, both of which are supressed.  As a consequence, EU prices will align 
even further with world prices.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  5.20.   In the light of these developments and the EU 's efforts over the years, I would emphasiz e 
by expectation and hope that other WTO Members would undertake the same level of reforms in 
agriculture.  
5.21.   Some delegations referred to the fact that EU subsidies under the Amber Box have not 
decreased based on OECD data. I would like to underline that the OECD methodology is quite 
different from the logic of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. I stro ngly believe that policies 
conducted under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture and reviewed in the TPR, need to be assessed 
under WTO criteria. And here the trend is crystal clear – an enormous shift has occurred in recent 
years from EU Amber Box support to n on-trade distorting Green Box support. Some Members may 
call this box shifting. I rather call this "good policy " which is in the EU 's interest and in your 
interest. To summarise: you should ask yourselves whether you would prefer Members who still 
maintain  high levels of trade distorting Amber Box support to maintain such measures or would 
you prefer that they move toward non -trade distorting Green Box support. The answer I think is 
clear.  
5.22.   In relation to market access in agriculture, I think it is important  to emphasise that the EU is 
the world 's largest importer of agriculture produc ts, with imports of more than € 112 b illion in 
2016. In addition, the EU has concluded and continues to negotiate ambitious FTA agreements to 
reduce agricultural tariffs in bilateral trade.  
5.23.   The EU import regime for agricultural products is fully transparent  and predictable and is 
contained in the EU 's schedule, as accepted and bound as part o f the Uruguay Round Agreement. 
The EU has only a limited number of tariff peaks, which were accepted and bound as part of the 
Uruguay Round Agreement.  
5.24.   With regard to TR Q management and concerns on low fill rates, I would like to clarify that 
those may result from market conditions such as competitive domestic production. Several of 
these TRQs presenting an under fill rate below 65%, are already managed on a first -come -first-
served basis in line with the decision taken in Bali. TRQs including fill rates as well as TRQs 
managed by licenses are notified each year to the WTO.  
5.25.   New Zealand mentioned in its statement its concerns regarding tariffs on dairy products. I 
commend N ew Zealand for taking the time to convert some of our 'specific ' tariffs into ad valorem 
equivalents. I would highlight in response that no changes have actually occurred to our specific 
tariffs for the goods concerned. These are in fact bound in our sched ule. Any changes that New 
Zealand has recorded must therefore be the result of external factors such as the value of the 
imported product or the relevant exchange rate.  
5.26.   In relation to export competition, EU legislation is already in full compliance with t he Nairobi 
outcome. As mentioned, no agricultural export subsidies have been granted since July 2013.  
Block 2 - Fisheries  
5.27.   Secondly, on our Common Fisheries Policy, I am pleased to note that there was a general 
recognition of the EU 's 2013 reform as a step  in the right direction, towards greater sustainability 
and science based management of the resources.  
5.28.   The EU is dedicated to addressing the issue of excess of capacity that is also set out in SDG 
14.6. I am very pleased to mention today that the EU has j ust submitted a revision of its original 
fisheries subsidies proposal to the Rules Negotiating Group in view of MC11.  
5.29.   I have noted Iceland 's comment regarding our fish tariffs, the average of which is 12%. As 
mentioned in the general part of my statement,  further tariff concessions should be the subject of 
comprehensive tariff negotiations.  
Block 3 - Trade defence  
5.30.   Third, several important questions were raised regarding our trade defence measures.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  5.31.   In a world where a level playing field is a distant dream,  where dumping is more common 
that we would like, and where massive amount of subsidies are threatening the competitiveness of 
our businesses and leading to overcapacity, trade defence will remain an integral and necessary 
part of our trade policy. Such to ols will remain in place and will continue to be used until others 
reign in their policies.  
5.32.   China referred in its statement to the need to live up to commitments. I fully agree and the 
EU has taken the necessary steps to fulfil its obligations. The issue i s now subject to dispute 
settlement, so it would be inappropriate to comment further apart from saying that the EU will 
vigorously and staunchly defend its legislation. I would refer here again to compliance with 
notification obligations regarding subsidie s being provided by Members. In the case of China, the 
last notification was made in 2015 and covered the period 20 09-2014, and even this in a 
non-exhaustive manner. This too is the subject of dispute settlement.  
5.33.   Several questions were also raised regardi ng the Commission 's capacity to self -initiate 
anti-dumping investigations. The EU 's legal framework indeed provides for the  possibility for the 
Commission  to initiate anti -dumping investigations itself without having received a complaint. If 
the level of e vidence available to the Commission is comparable to the level of evidence which 
would be required from a complainant to justify the initiation of an anti -dumping investigation. In 
practice, it is exceptional that the Commission initiates ant i-dumping case s by itself.  
5.34.   A few Members also asked questions regarding amendmen ts to our anti -dumping and 
anti-subsidy regulations. Here we have on the table our 20 13 TDI moderniz ation proposal and the 
more recent 2016 proposal on the methodology to calculate dumping. The legislative process is 
ongoing. I hope that agreement on the revisions will be reached by the end of the year.  
Block 4 – Investment  
5.35.   Fourth, a few Members referred to the EU 's investment policy and to the need to ensure 
clarity and legal certainty with regard to the 1400 existing BITs. This is a very valid point which 
the EU takes very seriously.  
5.36.   Since foreign direct investment policy is an integral part of the EU 's common commercial 
policy, new investment negotiations with third countries should genera lly only be carried out at EU 
level. In order to ensure stability, the existing BITs between EU Member States and third countries 
remain in force and will continue to be preserved until they are replaced by EU agreements.  
5.37.   Finally, some Members rightly poi nted to the need for clarity and predictability regarding the 
question of exclusive EU competence in view of the recent ECJ opinion on the Singapore case. The 
Court 's ruling indeed provided clarity to on the issue of EU competences on trade and investment.  
The details were set out in my statement on Wednesday and in several responses to your written 
questions. Today, I would emphasise that while I understand that this is an important issue, it is in 
fact an issue of internal EU governance. It will not affec t the fact that you are and will continue to 
negotiate with the European Union.  
Block 5 - SPS and TBT  
5.38.   Five, with regard to SPS and TBT issues, I want to thank the d iscussant, Canada, and other 
Members who acknowledged the improvements we have made to our legislation – particularly on 
animal and plant health.  
5.39.   Some of you commented on our use of risk assessme nt. EU SPS measures are 
science -based and they are adopted in accordance with the internationally recognised principles of 
risk analysis. The EU 's risk  assessor, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is an independent 
source of scientific advice on risks associated with the food chain. The risk managers (European 
Commission, the European Parliament and the EU Member States) then adopt the appropriate  risk 
management decisions on the basis of EFSA 's risk assessments.  
5.40.   Concerning the maximum residue limits (MRL) for pesticides, the EU sets MRLs as low as 
reasonably achievable for the protection of consumers. This means that if a substance is not 
approved  in the EU, the MRLs for the substance are set at the level of detection. The EU has WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  circulated an information note to all WTO M embers explaining in detail the process of applying 
import tolerances.  
5.41.   Concerning endocrine disruptors, the regulatory process f or the adoption of the draft criteria 
to identify endocrine disruptors is ongoing. Discussions on the proposal providing for a derogation 
possibility from the criter ia (i.e. the modification from "negligible exposure " to "negligible risk ") will 
be resumed once the criteria are adopted.  
5.42.   On GMOs, I am happy to say that the system has actually accelerated over the last year and 
that the Commission is looking at the existing procedures to improve the efficiency and 
transparency of the process. In 2016 , there we re 11 new authoriz ations. 10 of these were for 
imported food and feed uses, and 1 for cut flowers. I would also li ke to highlight that on 
4 July 2017, the Commi ssion adopted five more authoriz ations fo r GMOs for food and feed use: 
2 GM cottons, 2 new GM ma izes and the renewal of one GM maize.   
5.43.   There were also a number of very specific questions on SPS matters. I will try to answer 
these briefly here and suggest that the individual countries concerned follow -up if necessary with 
the EU Delegation in the mar gins of the SPS Committee which meets here next week.  
5.44.   Firstly, India mentioned anthroquinone in tea and reported that EU consumers were being 
deprived of the wonderful taste of Darjeeling. It has not yet been demonstrated whether the 
residues of anthraquin one found in tea are due to its unauthorised use as a pesticide, or because 
of inappropriate processing, or even because of environmental contamination. Based on scientific 
evidence, we doubled the MRLS for anthroquinone in tea in 2015. The EU is ready to assist non -EU 
countries on the analytical methods or on any other technical information that would be needed to 
achieve the level of residues requested by us. This offer was already expressed to Chinese and 
Indian authorities in 2015 and 2016, respectively . I would also refer you to our written answers to 
questions 22 -24 from Indonesia.  
5.45.   Secondly, both Vietnam and India asked about the basis for our setti ng MRLs for tricyclazole 
in rice. In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority EFSA published a Peer revie w on the 
substance in which the non -renewal of the substance was suggested. On the basis of this 
assessment, the EU decided to set the MRL at the default level of 0.01  mg/kg. In so doing, we 
recogniz ed the specific growing conditions for basmati rice and d elayed the entry of force of the 
new MRL to accommodate that. And, as I mentioned a moment ago , the EU is ready to assist 
non-EU countries on the analytical methods or on any other technical information that would be 
needed to reach the residues levels req uired by us.  
5.46.   Thirdly, Nepal asked if we could have reduced SPS requirements for LDCs. Here , the EU is 
committed to act in line with Article 10 of the SPS Agreement concerning special and differential 
treatment. The EU is also a major provider of technical  assistance to help LDCs build their SPS 
capacities.  
5.47.   Fourthly, Peru had asked why foods that were not on the EU market in May 1997 were 
subject to the EU Novel Foods Regulations. The new novel food regulation provides for a simplified 
procedure for placing  on the EU market traditional foods from third countries. This procedure 
provides a faster and more proportionate safety assessment and allows traditional b iodiversity 
foods to be authoriz ed in the EU by a simple notification once the history of safe use i n at least one 
non-EU country has been demonstrated. This is an important improvement to the current situation 
where such traditional foods need to undergo the full authorisation procedure.  
5.48.   I would now like to come back to the discussant 's question regard ing the compliance of the 
EU with TBT obligations, in particular his reference to the need to wait for six months (following 
the date that it has been notified to the TBT Committee) before adopting a draft measure. Allow 
me to clarify: the TBT Agreement do es not entail an obligation for a six month waiting period 
between the notification of a draft measure and its adoption. Article 2.9.2 of the Agreement, the 
transparency cornerstone on TBT notifications, refers only to an obligation to notify draft measure s 
with a significant effect on trade which are not based on an intern ational standard. There is no 
6-month requirement. The Appellate Body has never pronounced on any time  requirement with 
regard to Article  2.9.2. It has, however, pronounced o n a 6 -month r equirement for Article  2.12 in WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  US-Clove Cigarettes, to which we consider the discussant hints at; but that requirement concerns 
the "reasonable interval " between publication and entry into force.  
5.49.   Regarding the US remark that EU assistance to third countri es would be conditioned on the 
recipient 's acceptance of EU standards, I would have to disagree. We have received several 
questions on this issue from the US and provided written replies. It is clear that our European 
neighbours naturally consider regional  integration with the EU as being conducive to their 
economic development and applying EU standards is a logical means to ensuring simplified access 
to the EU market. History shows that all countries which have either joined the EU as full Members 
or integ rated to some extent with the EU Single Market have benefitted from it in terms of their 
economic growth.  
Block 6: Sustainable development, environment and climate  
5.50.   Six, many Members referred to the EU 's focus on sustainable development and our position 
on environmental and climate issues.  
5.51.   Here, I would recall that sustainability remains a top priority for EU trade policy. The EU will 
continue to reinforce its agenda to promote sustainable development, human rights and good 
governance, in the spirit of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We will continue 
to focus on environmental and climate priorities, and support eligible developing countries through 
our GSP scheme.  
5.52.   We welcome the numerous expressions of support made by Members regarding fur ther 
progress in EGA negotiations. The EU remains committed to this process and calls on involved 
Members to properly re -engage to bring negotiations to a successful close. On climate issues, the 
EU remains fully and unequivocally committed to implementing  the Paris Climate Convention.  
5.53.   With regard to the EU 's duty -free quota -free scheme for LDCs exports, which is known as 
the Everything But Arms initiative, I would like to recall that it is the most advanced, ambitious 
and far -reaching unilateral preference  given by any Member to the LDCs. There are currently 
49 beneficiaries of the scheme.  
5.54.   As mentioned in my opening statement, the EU has a comprehensive policy of providing 
support to developing countries and particularly the LDCs. Unilateral concessions ar e one element; 
our broad Aid for Trade and development aid scheme constitute another.  
Block 7 - Customs  
5.55.   Seven, numerous comments were made about the Union Customs Code and the 
implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
5.56.   The EU is a staunch supporte r of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. We continue to be 
strongly committed to assisting developing countries implement the agreement. Hence, we will 
continue to provide technical and financial assistance to make this objective a reality.  
5.57.   The EU remains de dicated to introducing further improvements in our customs regime. The 
new Union Customs Code (UCC) responds to this objective. It aims to address the challenges of 
today including increasing trade volumes and value chains by providing tools that simplify customs 
procedures. The UCC takes an important step forward in the direction of ensuring uniform 
application of customs rules, within nevertheless the context  of an EU system composed of 
28 separate customs administrations.  
Block 8 - IPR 
5.58.   Eight, on intellec tual property, the discussant and some Members have noted the impact 
which imports of counterfeit and pirated goods have on the EU market and emphasized the 
general need to address infringements of intellectual property rights in the online environment, in  
particular as regards copyrights. Let me assure you that important work was undertaken to further 
modernize the legislative framework for copyright protection and enforcement with a particular 
focus on copyright -protected goods in the online environment. For this purpose, a number of WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  legislative proposals were submitted by the European Commission in September 2016. Meanwhile, 
work progressed also on the review of the IPR enforcement regime in the EU, again with a 
particular focus on the need to adapt the r egime to respond to challenges in the online 
environment. In recognition of the key role that intellectual property rights play in the EU 
economy, we remain fully committed to continue our efforts in this regard.  
5.59.   There have also been questions raised on th e EU trademark reform package and the 
possibility to interrupt goods in transit in the EU, in particular as regards generic medicines. Let 
me first clarify that the new rules do not raise obstacles to legitimate trade in non -infringing 
goods, including leg itimately traded generic medicines. The new trademark provisions on goods in 
transit apply only in respect of goods which bear without authorisation a trademark which is 
identical with an EU trademark or which cannot be distinguished in its essential aspec ts from that 
trademark. The new rules do not apply to other intellectual property rights such as patents and 
designs.  
5.60.   Regarding the statements made by delegates in relation to GIs, let me start by saying that 
the EU trade policy promotes protection of Geog raphical Indications in support of producers of 
products sold domestically and at international level. However, GIs are not an EU -only interest. 
Many countries, including developing countries, are convinced that GI protection adds value to the 
product. The  EU system of GI protection is open to applications by third countries.  
5.61.   The reciprocal protection of GIs under bilateral trade agreements helps to secure the 
intellectual property rights of producers, prevents unfair competition, and meets consumer 
expect ations for such products. It should also be noted that under such agreements, prior right 
holders ' interests are respected and generic terms in either territory are excluded from protection.  
5.62.   In relation to the possible extension of GIs from agricultural t o non -agricultural products, 
there is no final decision yet despite big interests by some trade partners.  
Block 9: - Single market and digital single market  
5.63.   Nine, as also acknowledged by some of you on Wednesday, the Single Market is one of 
Europe 's great est achievements, designed to allow goods, services, capital and people to move 
more freely. Its effectiveness and preservation is at the heart of the European project and we are 
continuing working to adapt it to today 's realities.   
5.64.   Among several actions under the Single Market Strategy, the European Commission has 
made it a priority to create a Digital Single Market. In particular, actions are taken for facilitating 
cross-border e -commerce, especially for SMEs and to tackling geo -blocking: too many Europe ans 
cannot use online services that are available in other EU countries; or they are re -routed to a local 
store with different prices.  
Block 10 - Services  
5.65.   Regarding India 's call for the EU Member States to implement the Intra -Corporate Transfer 
(ICT) dire ctive, it is important to stress that several individual EU Member States already had 
national rules in place for admitting intra -corporate transferees and that the Directive simply 
replaces these with a harmonised, EU -wide scheme which simplifies and impr oves the situation as 
it offers mobility between EU Member States for non -EU staff (excluding UK, IE and DK that opted 
out). The Commission is actively monitoring the implementation of this important directive by 
Member States.  
Other issues  
5.66.   Finally, before  concluding, I would like to address a number of other specific issues that 
have been raised.  
5.67.   On government procurement, EU Member States publish on the Tenders Electronic Daily 
(TED) platform all contracts with a total value above the GPA thresholds. The  contracting authority 
may also publish below thresholds contrac ts in TED on a voluntary basis.  This is the reason behind 
very different shares of a total member 's procurement published in TED.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  5.68.   The rules for the EU 's prior surveillance mechanism for certa in steel products were discussed 
at length both at the Committee on Import Licensing and at the Committee on Safeguards. The 
purpose of this scheme is to collect information about the intention to import from all non -EU 
member countries (with the exception  of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). This data is 
necessary to deal with the vulnerability of the EU steel market to sudden changes on world steel 
markets.  
5.69.   The prior surveillance regulation was recently amended to increase the exemption threshold 
up to  5000 kg for certain products. This will reduce the number of transaction falling under 
surveillance. Furthermore, the amended law explicitly encourages national authorities to accept 
handling the procedure in a paperless way. The European Commission is al so working in parallel 
on a draft interpretative notice to respond to requests for clarification received from stakeholders 
and ensure the uniform interpretation of existing surveillance rules.  
5.70.   The discussant referred to the shipment of hazardous waste. Th e EU is fully in compliance 
with the Basel Convention and has set out a detailed legal framework for dealing with hazardous 
waste in the Waste Shipment Regulation. The EU has notified its scheme in its annual 
questionnaire on its import license procedures.  The question raised does not therefore refer to our 
legal environment, but rather to enforcement activities. In this context, if the discussant or other 
WTO Members are in the possession of specific information regarding unlawful shipments, I would 
urge t hem to contact the relevant authorities in the EU.  
5.71.   Russia raised a question regarding unsafe third -country nuclear power plants. I have taken 
note of Russia 's views regarding the written response provided. I would however reiterate that the 
question relat es to a measure taken very recently and that the EU 's principles regarding 
transparency, due process and the rule of law actually require some time to investigate the 
matter.  
5.72.   With regard to Russia 's question on the North Stream 2 pipeline, the Commission has not 
disputed that the EU Gas Directive from 2009 does not explicitly apply to offshore parts of 
pipelines bringing gas from third countries to the EU, even though the Commission has expressed 
on many occasions that this project is not in line with the EU's Energy Union objectives and it does 
not therefore see the need for new gas infrastructure projects of such magnitude. I would add that 
on 9 June 2017, the Commission submitted to the Council a recommendation for a mandate to 
enter into negotiations wi th the Russian Federation on the conclusion of an international 
agreement concerning North Stream 2, which would ensure that the project is not operated in a 
legal void or according to a third country 's energy laws only.  
5.73.   With regard to Russia 's questions on autonomous measures for Ukraine, these were taken in 
the context of our bilateral trade liberalisation efforts, which a re compatible with GATT 
Article  XXIV. Our recent measures were driven by the fact that Ukraine could not fully profit from 
our DCFTA g iven the disruption and extraordinary fall in the GDP of Ukraine in 2014 and 2015.   
5.74.   And finally, many Members expressed their concerns and wishes regarding the Brexit issue. 
Here, I would reiterate what we have said in our written responses.  
5.75.   Following th e UK Government 's formal notification to the European Council of its intention to 
withdraw from the EU, negotiations have now started. Until its withdrawal, the UK remains a 
Member State of the European Union with all rights and obligations of a Member Sta te. We will 
revert to the WTO Membership at an appropriate moment in the future after engaging with the UK 
bilaterally.  
5.76.   I would take this opportunity to thank you once again for all the comments made and 
questions raised. The EU considers this exercise to  be important for broader transparency in this 
organisation. Nevertheless, we should remember that the TPR is not the only occasion for a frank 
discussion. Numerous points made over the last few days could equally well be addressed by 
experts in the contex t of the WTO 's regular committee work. I would urge Members to fully 
engage in thes e regular discussions. I would further ask that Members take the time to get 
acquainted with the written responses that we have provided an d will provide to the over 
1000 questions we have received for this TPR.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  5.77.   The EU is committed to making the TPR process effective and useful. We have made several 
suggestions on how this could be achieved during the latest TPRB appraisal. We would encourage 
Members to also look for possibl e ways of further improving the process.  
5.78.   The EU stands ready to provide further clarifications either today or in the future.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.79.   Mr Chairperson, Ambassador Juan Carlos González; Mr  Joost Korte, Deputy Director -General 
for Trade in the European Com mission; Ambassador Vanheukelen; distinguished colleagues.  
5.80.   Over these two days, we have witnessed the Membership's keen interest in the trade policy 
review for the European Union (EU), as shown by the 57 statements by delegations and over 
a thousand questi ons submitted to the EU, including follow -up questions received in the last  few 
hours.  
5.81.   The following points emerge from the aforementioned statements:  
5.82.   Speakers highlighted the fundamental role the EU plays for the multilateral trading system 
and the EU's l eadership in the run -up to the next Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, and 
especially the work of the EU Mission to the WTO.  
5.83.   The EU's participation and leadership in the plurilateral initiatives on environmental goods, 
information technologies and tra de in services were underlined.  
5.84.   The EU is the principal trading partner and one of the main sources of foreign direct 
investment for some 80 Members, which makes the Members' bilateral relationships with the EU 
crucial.  
5.85.   Many Members stated that they shared  the EU's vision beyond just trade, in spheres such as 
sustainable development, human rights and democracy.  
5.86.   The implications of the Brexit process, be it for the EU, the United Kingdom, the WTO itself 
and the Membership, was a recurrent theme both in the M embers' questions and in their 
statements. Attention must thus be drawn to the information provided by Mr  Joost Korte in this 
regard.  
5.87.   The Members encouraged the EU to press on with its structural reforms, notably in order to 
reduce the various economic dev elopment divides between the EU member States.  
5.88.   The European Commission enjoys exclusive competence in the area of investment. A 
number of delegations therefore sought more details on the EU proposal to reform the investment 
protection and investor -State di spute settlement system, in particular to set up an investment 
court, as well as how the system will coexist in the future with the bilateral investment agreements 
between EU member States and WTO Members.  
5.89.   With the boom in e -commerce and the digital econom y, Members took note of the 
EU's internal measures in this field, in particular the actions in respect of the digital single market 
strategy.  
5.90.   The Members highlighted the EU's efforts in the area of environmental protection, especially 
through ratification of the Paris Agreement.  
5.91.   The excellent relations that prevail between the EU and the Members do not mean that 
there are no contentious issues, which may be classified in the following categories:  
5.92.   In agriculture, there are a series of measures that have an i mpact on the agricultural sector, 
such as high tariffs, tariff peaks and tariff quotas. Tariffs are three times higher on average than 
for non -agricultural products. This is significant because, for many countries, especially developing 
countries, this is precisely the main type of products they export to the EU. As to the level of WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  domestic support, while the reduction in the most distorting subsidies was noted, some Members 
expressed concern at the rise in levels under the green box.  
5.93.   Regarding sanitary and  phytosanitary measures, the Members expressed concerns with 
respect to the regulation of endocrine disrupters, referring to the need for a scientific and 
risk-based approach.  
5.94.   The Members had concerns with respect to technical barriers to trade, in so far as some 
measures could ultimately act as trade barriers.  
5.95.   Some Members pointed to the increase in trade remedies or surveillance measures, in 
particular in the context of global overcapacity in steel, and urged that recourse to such measures 
not be abused.  
5.96.   While some Members underlined the EU's work as an advocate of fisheries subsidies, others 
judged that there was a need for more transparency and a reduction in subsidies in this sector.  
5.97.   Finally, after these two days of intense review, I reiterate the remar k made on the first  day: 
the EU has a vital role to play in the multilateral trading system, and we must all be alert to 
developments affecting the Union; any action or emission, positive or negative, has a far -reaching 
impact on the system.  
5.98.   With this in m ind, we welcome the fact that the EU is constantly reviewing itself, which 
results in a process of continuous reform of its public policies; but we also invite the Union to take 
into account the concerns expressed by the Membership on the occasion of this 13th trade policy 
review, and take them on board as feedback for that reform process.  
5.99.   We hope that this 13th review will act as an incentive to strengthen the EU and the WTO. 
Thank you for your attention.  
ALBANIA  
5.100.   Being the world 's largest trader in commerc ial services, second -largest in terms of GDP, 
and the largest donors of official development assistance, the European Union and its member 's 
states represent for many economies in the World the best example for success.  
5.101.   Albania is following with great int erest the TPR of the European Union as the EU remains 
our important strategic and economic partner. Albania has established a long term economic and 
political and economic relationship of integration with EU. Providing a regular assistance and 
support for more than two decades to consolidate democracy and market oriented economy, 
Albania enjoys the status of a candidate country to join the EU, expecting the opening soon the 
formal accession negotiations.   
5.102.   Getting this privileged status vis -à-vis EU, allow me to further present the followings:  
5.103.   We would like to reiterate the value of our trade relationship with EU and the important 
role that the EU plays in the multilateral trading system. The European Union has played a vital 
role in Albanian 's economic tra nsformation and competitiveness, good governance, rule of law 
through substantive financial assistance support for the period of 2014 -2020. The assistance 
provided has contributed towards a sustained economic growth of the country. Therefore, it 's with 
special attention that we follow the macroeconomic developments, trade and trade -related policies 
as well as the evolution of the monetary crisis in the euro area.  
5.104.   Albania 's relationship with the EU remains governed by the 2009 Stabilisation and 
Association A greement (SAA). The candidate country status definitely raises the relationship 
between Albania and the EU to a higher level, and looking ahead to the opening of accession 
negotiations as an advancement of Albania businesses toward the EU internal market a nd free 
trade with all Member States.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  5.105.   Albania has also benefitted from the EU 's strong support, over many years, for tariff 
preferences granted as the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) in 2000 and subsequently 
renewed in 2005 and 2011 until the end of 2016 .  
5.106.   Albania follows the development in EU trade policy with a view to be acquainted and 
pursue a careful approximation with EU Common Commercial Policy. This Trade Policy Review 
provides a good opportunity in this regard and we are pleased to the presentati on and discussion 
of EU TPR.  
5.107.   The process of reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the new framework for direct 
payments and rural development as well as the process of harmonization of EU standards and 
technical requirements presented with the Alig nment Package of eight directives in February 2014.  
5.108.   the proposal adapted by the Commission for a package of measures affecting the agri -food 
chain, as agriculture is a key economic sector employing more than 40% of the country 's 
workforce.  
5.109.   We welcome the  latest development of the EU in reference to electronic customs initiative 
that includes an automatic import/export system and single window. We are closely following 
these new initiatives presented by the EU with great interest.  
5.110.   Recalling the obligation s that derive from the WTO trade facilitation agreement, Albania is 
fully committed to take necessary measures in order to further facilitate trade in the region as well 
as with the EU countries and worldwide. In this context, implementation of a single wi ndow 
system, as well as mutual recognitions agreement for AEOs (Authorised Economic Operator) will 
further facilitate the trade thus remains top priorities on the agenda of Albanian Authorities.  
5.111.   Therefore, we value the EU contribution in shaping a system of global trade rules that 
keeps the global economy open for trade as well as reflects and respect the needs and concerns of 
developing countries.  
5.112.   As conclusion, Albania wishes to the European Union a successful and productive TPR.  
CAMBODIA  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
5.113.   The European Union is certainly the world 's largest and most integrated trading bloc, which 
plays a key role in world trade as the second largest exporter and importer of goods and services.  
5.114.   We noted that following a recession in the wake of th e 2008 international financial crisis, 
the European Union is now experiencing a positive economic growth of about 1.8% of GDP, with a 
stable outlook for the next review period.  
5.115.   In order to strengthen its economy and its growth dynamic, the European Union h as 
launched, at the end of 2015, a new trade and investment policy called: "Trade for All: Towards a 
more responsible trade and investment policy ". 
5.116.   On the one hand, the aim of this policy is to improve the integration of the EU 's internal 
market by streaml ining its regulation policy, improving the movement of goods, better integrating 
the market for services, getting a mutual recognition of professional qualifications, developing a 
digital single market strategy, and taking into account the environment and climate change.  
5.117.   On the other hand, the policy aims to further open up the EU market, in particular to 
developing country partners, in line with EU 's principles of fair trade and responsible and inclusive 
trade.  
5.118.   From this point of view, the LDC Group welcom es some progress made by the European 
Union in favour of a better integration of our countries into the world trading system and a better 
capacity for our countries to generate revenues from exports of goods and services.  
5.119.   In particular, LDCs welcome the in crease in the number of products benefiting from the 
duty-free treatment under the "Everything but Arms " initiative, as stated in the Secretariat report WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  (page 53). We also welcome the EU 's strong exemption duties rate for agricultural products from 
the LDC s, which is currently still in 100%.  
5.120.   On the agricultural aspect, LDCs welcome the reduction of the market support measures 
granted by the EU, which represented less than 5% of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 
budget in 2015. Similarly, LDCs welcome the  EU's compliance with the Nairobi Ministerial Decision 
on Export Competition. The Government 's report states that no export subsidies have been 
granted during the review period.  
5.121.   Another important aspect for the LDC integration into the world trading system  is the 
improvement of their capacity to export services. In this regard, LDCs welcome the EU notification 
to the WTO, in November 2015, of its preferential treatment of services exports from LDCs, as pa rt 
of the LDC services waiver. However, we have engag ed bilaterally with the EU and at the Council 
for Trade in Services to urge the EU to implement the Nairobi LDC Services Waiver Implementation 
Decision to provide capacity building and to launch awareness building initiatives to help LDC 
suppliers on the g round to benefit from the notified preferences.   
5.122.   In addition, the LDC Group has sought clarification from the EU on how assistance can be 
provided to enable LDC independent professionals and contractual services suppliers who are 
qualified to fulfil resid ency requirements in the EU should t hey be successful applicants. We believe 
that the EU has a robust technical assistance and capacity building programme that can provide 
specific assistance in LDCs to improve services suppliers in LDCs to take advantage of the 
preferences provided. We also encourage the EU to consider removing certain regulatory barriers 
to LDC supplier market access, which are currently not covered by the notified preferences.  
5.123.   We appreciate the information provided by the Secretariat rep ort on developments in the 
EU on fisheries programmes for sustainable management of fisheries resources and measures to 
reduce overcapacity, reflected in the Common Fisheries Policy, whic h took effect in January 2014. 
We note that the report indicated that  EU fishing outside of EU waters is done through Sustainable 
Fisheries Partnership Agreements and Regional Fisheries Management Organization.  In that light 
we hope that the EU is considering special treatment of LDC coastal states, including capacity 
building and assistance to the development of LDC fisheries sectors.  The LDC Group is preparing a 
text based proposal for the negotiations on fisheries subsidies disciplines and looks forward to EU 
support in that regard toward a concrete outcome at MC11.  
5.124.   Addressing non -tariff barriers are highlighted as another objective of the EU. The 
Secretariat report registered EU efforts to internally harmonize technic al standards and SPS 
measures. However, the report notes that compliance with such EU measures adds to t he cos t of 
doing business in the EU. For LDCs this is particularly high, especially when the EU is the largest 
user of trade defence measures to protect its agriculture sector as well.  
5.125.   Finally, in terms of Aid for Trade, we welcome the reports of the level  of the EU 's 
commitment, with contributions of about €12 billion per year, accounting for more than a third of 
global support. In addition, this important contribution is accompanied by trade related assistance, 
notably for capacity -building of public institutions and supporting t rade policy reforms. This 
trade-related assistance reached about €3 billion in 2014, well beyond the EU 's initial target.    
5.126.   The LDC Group wishes the EU commitment to assistance for LDCs be strengthened and 
amplified, since, to date, LDCs have only marginally benefited from the poten tial of exports to the 
EU. Indeed, EU imports from LDCs barely represent 1% of the total imports.  
5.127.   To conclude, the LDC Group particularly appreciates EU 's commitments in promoting a 
better LDCs integration into the world trading system.  
5.128.   With a view to incr eased and positive cooperation with the European Union, Cambodia 
wishes, on behalf of the LDC Group, t he European Union a successful Trade Policy R eview and we 
applaud the reforms undertaken.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  HONDURAS  
5.129.   Europe has always had strong cultural, political and h istorical ties with Honduras. Thus, we 
may state that the European Union and Honduras enjoy excellent relations which have been 
consolidated over time by the signing of agreements.  
5.130.   Today, political relations between the EU and our country, as a part of Cen tral America, are 
governed by the Association Agreement signed in 2012, which laid down three pillars: political 
dialogue, cooperation and trade. There is no doubt that our economic relations with the EU 
intensified with the advent of the Association Agree ment, and the trade pillar has been essential to 
the development of such solid economic and trade relations.  
5.131.   With the entry into force of the Association Agreement, both parties undertook to put in 
place measures to bolster economic development, having reg ard to mutual interests such as 
eradicating poverty, creating employment, and ensuring fair and sustainable development. At the 
same time, the Agreement instituted a free trade zone to foster investment and enhance the 
competitiveness of the Central Americ an region.  
5.132.   As indicated in the reports from the European Commission, three years on from the entry 
into force of the trade pillar, the implementation process is advancing steadily and the institutional 
framework under the Agreement is functioning well. Des pite the adverse global trends in the 
Central American trade environment, trade flows between the EU and Central America have been 
quite dynamic and Central American exports to the EU increased by an average of 13.8% in 2015, 
a notable share of which is at tributable to the recovery in exports in the coffee industry, up 34% 
on the previous year.  
5.133.   Honduras accounts for 32% of total exports to the EU from the Central American region, 
while the EU is the country's second -biggest trading partner. In 2015, the tra de balance was 
nearly US$260  million in favour of Honduras, and at June  2017 it showed a surplus of 
US$313.2  million, US$234  million up on the first quarter of 2016, the main exports being products 
such as coffee, palm oil and prawns and shrimp.  
5.134.   The EU's e xports to Central America have sustained a level of growth, with a sharp 22% 
increase in 2015.  
5.135.   Meanwhile, the Association Agreement has also deepened regional economic integration 
among the countries of Central America, as shown by the recent Central Ameri can Regional 
Economic Integration (INTEC) project, whose overall goal is to strengthen economic integration in 
Central America and maximize the benefits of implementation of the Association Agreement 
between the European Union and Central America (EU/CA AA ). 
5.136.   It should be noted that this new programme is aligned with the Central American Strategy 
for Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness, the Roadmap for a Central American Customs Union, 
and the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and will serve as a tool for tra de facilitation and trade 
capacity building in the region.  
5.137.   The EU is the world's top donor, and Honduras is the second -biggest recipient of 
EU contributions in Latin America. We accordingly thank the EU for its support in sectors such as 
health, education,  security, environmental protection, food security and decentralization, among 
others, which brings benefits in terms of the collective well -being of society.  
5.138.   Referring to the reports submitted, we underline the importance of EU trade for the 
economy, with  exports and imports reaching €3,518  billion for goods and €1,517  billion for 
services, such that the EU remains critically important to world trade, as the second -largest 
exporter and importer of goods, the largest exporter and importer of services, and t he largest 
trading partner for 80 countries, including ours.  
5.139.   We note the entry into force of the main provisions of the new Union Customs Code, the 
adoption of a series of legislative measures reforming trademarks, and a directive on trade 
secrets, as well  as the steps taken towards putting in place the administrative framework for the 
unitary patent.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  5.140.   The reports reveal that a new regulation was adopted in 2017 intended to improve the 
liquidity profile and stability of money market funds domiciled or sold i n Europe.  
5.141.   We underline that the EU and its member States are important Members of the WTO and 
the development of their general and specific policies and their economy affects many other 
countries; consequently, the EU's trade and investment policies are of  significance for other 
countries and for the multilateral trading system, and how the EU addresses these challenges is of 
interest to the whole Membership.  
5.142.   Last but not least, Honduras congratulates the European Union on the major efforts and 
progress mad e during the review period and wishes it every success in the presentation of its 
trade policy review.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
5.143.   I would just like to commend DDG Korte for the most clear and structured manner in which 
he set out the response today as indeed he did the o ther day. I think that it greatly aids the 
understanding of us all as participants in these trade policy reviews and this is something that has 
to be taken as exemplary.  
5.144.   I appreciate that New Zealand ers are recognized as creative in many areas and, indeed,  I 
am hoping to witness some creativity in tomorrow morning , but I think in the case of AVEs on 
dairy products it is less a case of creativity than of unacknowledged plagiarism from Table 3.6 of 
the Secretariat report.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.145.   Let me first thank the EU team, both those present here this morning and undoubtedly 
many more colleagues in Brussels for their considerable efforts in preparing for and participating in 
this review.  
5.146.   In this TPR, the EU has sustained a well -established track record of serious en gagement 
with this important aspect of the WTO 's work. We saw this commitment exhibited as well last year 
during the periodic Appraisal of the TPRM in which the EU consistently sought to improve the 
functioning of the TPR process. Here  I might just note th at I think  the suggestion this morning 
about po tentially linking notifications  performance in the TPR process might be quite an interesting 
subject for the next Appraisal.  
5.147.   In any case, the United States greatly appreciates the EU 's support for this process  and we 
have seen that demonstrated again this week in the preparation and engagement we have seen 
from Mr. Korte and his delegation. I would like to especially acknowledge the very thorough 
remarks we have heard this morning from Mr. Korte. Clearly the EU  worked very hard to process 
the views delivered by Members on Wednesday and we appreciate the responses presented this 
morning.  
5.148.   The United States won 't be persuaded by every response but we do appreciate the detailed 
engagement we have seen from the EU. W e have also appreciated the contributions of 
Ambassador Zapata as discussant for this TPR and those of the Secretariat in presenting very solid 
materials for Members to draw from in preparing for our participation in this review. We agree with 
Mr. Korte 's observation on Wednesday that the TPR documentation produced by the Secretariat is 
a tremendously rich resource for understanding the trade policies and processes of all Members 
and perhaps particularly so with regard to a Member whose trade policy processes often appear to 
be especially elaborate and complex.  
5.149.   This morning , I wish to very briefly mention a few points and observations arising from the 
first day of this Review including based upon the statements we have heard from ot her Members.  
5.150.   While not directly highlighted in our own statement it has been striking to observe the 
huge interest within our Membership on the trade - and WTO -specific implications of the United 
Kingdom 's prospective withdrawal from the EU. As is the case with other Members, the United 
States will be approaching these issues with keen interest and obviously with the determination to WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  ensure that our export ers of goods and suppliers of services suffer no disadvantages as a result of 
the Brexit process. We loo k forward to engaging with both the UK and the EU authorities on these 
questions when the time is right.  
5.151.   With respect to other specific issues raised in written questions and during the course of 
Wednesday 's meeting, we note the heavy emphasis and share d concerns of many Members with 
respect to matters relating to the EU 's implementation of the SPS and TBT obligations. Our 
bilateral engagement with the EU over a great many years has taught us how difficult these issues 
are to navigate. But it is critical th at the EU continue to engage with the United States and all 
Members with similar concerns in order to reduce sources of trade friction in these areas.  
5.152.   We would emphasize again today , as we did on Wednesday , our deep concerns with 
respect to quite recent ac tions of the EU with regard to the regulation of endocrine disruptors. As 
in the case of many other products and substances over the years, t hese recent moves appear to 
place considerations of hazard over considerations of risk in ways that have been prove n to be 
problematic against the backdrop of the obligations of the SPS Agreement. We note that this 
particular issue was raised by nearly a quarter of Members taking the floor in Wednesday 's 
meeting and we hope these concerns can be taken into account with  urgency.  We appreciate what 
we heard this morning about the process remaining open but we do hope that there will be 
continued opportunities to pursue the concerns that have been raised in many successive 
meetings of the SPS Committee.  
5.153.   Finally, the Unite d States felt that the concerns raised by one Member concerning  a trade 
remedies related matter currently in dispute were unappropriated for this forum. As the United 
States has stated multiple times in various fora in this Organization, we do not consider  it 
appropriate for Members to discuss matters currently in dispute outside of the DSB. The United 
States has covered in the DSB the issue of the meaning attached to a single provision of China 's 
protocol of accession and we would refer all Members of this  Body to the full statement delivered 
by the United States in the DSB.  
5.154.   To conclude, we thank again the EU for its diligence in approaching this exercise and we 
hope that this TPR has been as useful for the EU as it has been for the United States and other 
Members.  
JAPAN  
5.155.   First, let me thank the EU delegation for providing us with comprehensive and informative 
oral explanations. We would also like to express our appreciation for the insightful comments from 
the discussant, Ambassador Zapata, as well as the ha rd work done by the Secretariat for this TPR.  
5.156.   As mentioned by DDG Korte, Japan and the EU reached an agreement in principle on an 
Economic Partnership Agreement. This is a clear message from Japan and the EU to reaffirm our 
strong commitment to the free tr ade. In the current rise of anti-globalization sentiment and 
protectionism.  
5.157.   We are confident that this EPA will not only contribute to the economic prosperity of both 
EU and Japan, but also will give a positive impact on global economy.  
5.158.   Japan is willing to  work closely with the EU together with other Members for  our common 
objectives of maintaining and strengthening the multilateral trading system including a successful 
MC11.  
5.159.   To conclude, I would like to congratulate the European Union for this successful T PR. 
CHINA  
5.160.   My delegation values very much the exchanges with our EU colleagues on policies and their 
development under this trade policy review. We commend the EU 's positive role in and also 
contribution to the multilateral trading system. We have also give n our comments and expressed 
some of our key concerns in our bilateral economic and trade relations in a frank manner.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  5.161.   On that, my delegation would like to thank the responses and explanations provided by 
DDG Mr. Korte in his statement. While we may not al ways agree with each other when  going into 
details of some of the issues. We nevertheless see that such dialogue is a reflection of our ever 
close and mature bilateral economic trade and investment relations.  
5.162.   To our satisfaction, such a relationship is sol idly based on the core principles and rules of 
the multilateral trading system to which we both have vowed  to safeguard.  
5.163.   China looks forward to our continued interaction and cooperation with the EU in the WTO, 
in particular in our work leading up to MC11 i n Buenos Aires.  
5.164.   Finally, let me thank the EU delegation again for the very informative responses and also 
the written replies. We would also like to thank the discussant, Ambassador Zapata and the 
Secretariat for the excellent proceeding of this Trade Poli cy Review.  
DEPUTY  DIRECTOR -GENERAL  JOOST  KORTE  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
5.165.   Let me also thank everybody for the very rich and good discussion we had again this 
morning and, of course, on Wednesday. I don 't see any particular point which I need to really 
respond to  other than that we have taken very good note of the fact that 25% of the Members had 
an issue with endocrine disruptors and SPS in general. This , I think , is one of the most important 
messages we have to convey to Brussels. I do acknowledge that point ver y clearly.  
5.166.   On Brexit, I think I have said all I could say today, but I can also tell you that we will, of 
course, fully engage with the WTO Membership sooner rather than later. We hope to do this very 
fast. 
5.167.   Those were the main points I would like to respo nd to and since this is probably the last 
time I can take the floor, not that I regret it because I don 't think I have never spoken so much, I 
would like to start by thanking my own team who have done a fantastic job over the last months. 
As I think our co lleague from the United States pointed out, this is a collective effort that requires 
a huge investment from colleagues in DG Trade but also from other services of the Commission 
and also from our Member States. So it is a collective effort that brings tog ether the Commission 
and the Member States for this exercise. I would also like to thank all those who participated in 
the discussi on which was helpful and rich. And, again, we will report all this back and take it 
forward as good as we can. I would also l ike to thank Ambassador Zapata for his very useful 
contributions to the discussion and you, Ambassador Gonzalez, for your very skilful handing of this 
meeting.  Thank you very much.  WT/TPR/M/357  • European Union  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The thirteenth Trade Policy Review o f the European Union has offered us a good opportunity 
to deepen our understanding of the trade, economic, and investment policies of the EU which 
remains the biggest trader of goods and services in the world and one of the most important 
members of the WT O and the multilateral trading system. Well over 1,000 questions were 
submitted to the EU before the meeting from 38 Members and over 50 delegations intervened, 
which itself underlines the importance attached to the EU 's trade and investment policies and 
practices. Just as it was in the last Review in 2015, the EU remains of crucial significance to world 
trade; it is the second largest exporter and importer of goods, the largest trader of services and 
ranks first in both inbound and outbound investment.  
6.2.  I would like to thank the EU delegation, led by Deputy Director -General Joost Korte, our 
discussant Ambassador Roberto Zapata Barradas of Mexico and all the delegations that took the 
floor for their valuable contributions to this Review.  
6.3.  The EU is a major tr ading block not just because it is a big market of over 500 million people 
but also because it has an open and transparent trade and investment regime. Members 
appreciated that the EU, as a large open economy, continues to play a crucial role in the global  
economy and international trade. As Mr Korte pointed out in his opening statement, the EU 
remains firmly committed to the multilateral trading system and the principles which the WTO 
represents. Members commended the EU for its continued efforts to advanc e negotiations inter alia 
on agriculture, disciplines on fisheries subsidies, environmental goods, and trade in services.  
6.4.  It was also noted that the EU faces several internal problems. As stated by the EU on the first 
day, the euro crisis may be over and u nemployment falling. However, the economic recovery 
across the EU is weak in general and uneven among the Member States. At the same time the 
international trading community faces many uncertainties - notably over Brexit, which will have 
implications for t he EU 's trading partners and the EU 's WTO Schedule of Commitments. In this 
regard, Members expected that any process to make adjustments to the Schedule of the EU as a 
result of Brexit would be open, transparent, WTO -compliant, and include consultations wi th third 
countries.  
6.5.  Nevertheless, despite internal problems and global uncertainty, the EU has not retreated from 
trade, nor has it introduced new policies intended to restrict trade. Instead it has continued to 
pursue trade liberalization through bilatera l free trade agreements while continuing to provide non -
reciprocal preferential access for developing countries under the EBA, GSP, and GSP -plus schemes. 
Furthermore, during the review period, the EU contributed to the successful expansion of the 
Informati on Technology Agreement, and is constructively engaged in the Environmental Goods 
Agreement and the plurilateral Trade in Services (TISA) negotiations.  
6.6.  Members welcomed the EU 's commitment to, and active participation in the WTO, including 
its efforts to m ake a success of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference which will take place this 
December in Buenos Aires.  
6.7.  Members appreciated that, since the previous Review in 2015, the EU has undertaken several 
initiatives aimed at facilitating trade, including: its rat ification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement; 
and the entry into force of the Union Customs Code to simplify and modernize customs procedures 
which includes the use of improved technology to facilitate trade.  
6.8.  Several delegations also noted that they were following with interest several new 
developments including; implementation of the new trade and investment policy initiatives in the 
Trade For All strategy of October 2015; the digital single market strategy; the e commerce 
package; and the implications of  the ruling by the Court of Justice of the EU on competence 
relating to the EU -Singapore Free Trade Agreement. In addition, the importance of labour mobility 
and mutual recognition of qualifications were noted as well as the reform of financial services an d 
the liberalization of railways and of port services.  
6.9.  Of course, not all the EU 's policies are seen as positive. In particular, many Members noted 
that agriculture remains an exception to the overall openness of the EU 's trade regime. They 
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  products, such as agricultural products, fish, and some textiles. High tariffs, tariff escalation, non -
ad valorem tariffs, and the many tariff quotas with high out -of-quota duties  continue to be 
significant import barriers. At the same time, while some Members were concerned about the EU 's 
approach to domestic support in the agricultural sector, they commended recent reforms of the 
Common Agricultural Policy towards less trade -distortive measures and fewer payments linked to 
production. However, they remain concerned about the total value of support, voluntary coupled 
support in all -but-one member State, and the absence of market access reform. Furthermore, 
while praising the EU 's role in getting an agreement on the elimination of export subsidies in 
MC10, they noted that the EU has yet to modify its Schedule to reflect the agreement.  
6.10.   Members were encouraged by reforms in fisheries policies and they urged the EU to increase 
transpare ncy and take further steps to reduce support for fisheries, while welcoming the 
engagement of the EU in the negotiations on fisheries subsidies in line with the sustainable 
development goal target.  
6.11.   Members also raised concerns about the use of trade remedy  actions and the trade impact 
of steel surveillance measures taken by the EU, and encouraged the EU to take such measures in 
accordance with WTO disciplines under its new regulations.  
6.12.   Recognizing the importance of protecting human, animal and plant health as well as the 
environment, some Members stated that a number of sanitary and phytosanitary measures in the 
EU are not based on objective criteria offered by scientific assessments of risk as required under 
the WTO SPS Agreement. In this regard, mention wa s made inter alia of: the EU 's proposed 
regulations on endocrine disruptors; current maximum residue limits; and delays in the EU 's 
authorization process for genetically modified products.  
6.13.   Other points that were raised several times in Members ' interventio ns included the need for  
more information from the EU on the public procurement market, the investment regime, the 
concept of the multilateral investment court, geographical indications, the EU 's actions on climate 
change, as well as various TBT issues in cluding aspects of the REACH initiative.  
6.14.   In conclusion, Members welcomed the EU 's commitment to the multilateral trading system 
and appreciated that the EU remains open to trade and investment. However, several concerns 
remain, some of which have been rais ed in previous Trade Policy Reviews, such as agricultural 
policies, SPS and TBT measures, and the use of trade remedies. Furthermore, new issues that 
have arisen over the past two years, such as Brexit, should be addressed, recognizing that many 
WTO Member s outside the EU are interested and will be affected by the results.  
6.15.   I hope that the EU delegation will take into account and further reflect on the many 
constructive comments, both broad and detailed, that it has received during this Review. Finally, I 
would like to thank all those that participated in our discussion, and I look forward to getting the 
answers to any outstanding questions within the next month, at which point the Review will be 
successfully concluded.   
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