Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Global Europe: a stronger partnership to deliver market access for european exporters {SEC(2007) 452} {SEC(2007) 453}
Date: 2007-04-18
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: common commercial policy, competitiveness, export (EU), free-trade agreement, globalisation, international competition, market access

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 18.4.2007 
COM(2007) 183 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

GLOBAL EUROPE:  
A STRONGER PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER MARKET ACCESS 
FOR EUROPEAN EXPORTERS 

{SEC(2007) 452} 
{SEC(2007) 453} 

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

GLOBAL EUROPE:  
A STRONGER PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER MARKET ACCESS 
FOR EUROPEAN EXPORTERS 

1. Introduction 

In today's global economy European companies have never been more dependent on effective 
access  to  the  markets  of  our  trading  partners.  European  companies  are  making  capital-
intensive investments in third countries and creating supply chains that are both complex and 
global. European exporters are increasingly looking to succeed not just in the large economies 
of the developed world, but in emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil and Russia.  

The Global Europe framework of 20061 argued that trade policy can make a key contribution 
to growth and jobs in Europe by ensuring that European companies remain competitive and 
that they have genuine access to the export markets they need. Europe is right to open its own 
markets  in  a  way  that  stimulates  competitiveness  and  innovation,  provides  access  to  raw 
materials and attracts inward foreign investment: this is the right response to globalisation. In 
parallel,  we  can  and  should  expect  open  markets  and  fair  trading  conditions  abroad.  In 
particular,  the  emerging  economies  that  have  benefited  from  the  global  trading  system  to 
achieve  high  growth  rates  should  now  bring  down  their  own  barriers  and  further  open  their 
markets.  This  is  in  their  own  interests,  as  well  as  those  of  the  global  trading  system  more 
widely.  In  a  highly  competitive  global  economy,  market  access  will  significantly  influence 
our economic export strength.  

Europe's  first  and  clearest  priority  in  maintaining  open  global  markets  is  through  its 
commitment  to  the  WTO,  the  multilateral  trading  system  and  the  Doha  Round.  Progressive 
global liberalisation is not only the most effective way of creating an open trading system, but 
it  is  the  only  way  that  genuinely  delivers  for  all,  developing  and  developed  countries  alike. 
However, a renewed policy on market access that focuses on particular problems or markets is 
an essential part of the EU's wider strategy.  

This Communication proposes a stronger Partnership to deliver market access between the 
Commission, Member States, and business, based on extensive public consultation. It sets out 
a  clearer,  more  results-oriented  approach  that  focuses  on  concrete  problems  that  EU 
businesses  face  in  third  country  markets.  It  identifies  both  the  weaknesses  of  the  current 
system,  and  the  extent  to  which  EU  policy  has  to  change  to  reflect  a  changing  global 
economy.  

1 

Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council,  the  European  Parliament,  the  European 
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Global Europe – Competing in 
the world – A contribution to the EU's Growth and Jobs Strategy - COM(2006) 567, 4.10.2006. 

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It foresees a greater decentralisation of the current system and better use of local knowledge 
and initiative through the development of locally based EU Market Access Teams drawn from 
Commission Delegations, Member State Embassies and business organisations. It also asks if 
we  could  better  prioritise  the  use  of  our  capacities  to  ensure  that,  while  all  market  access 
complaints  are  properly  considered,  the  EU  targets  the  most  pressing  problems.  It  sets  out 
how we can make the current system more efficient, and more transparent for EU businesses. 

A strong market access policy is a key function of the common commercial policy, and a key 
area in which the EU can deliver real economic benefits for its Member States. When it comes 
to  taking  action  against  trade  barriers,  we  need  to  identify  ways  to  improve  the  use  of  the 
existing tools  and  –  where  possible  -  to develop new ones. This paper sets out how we can 
strengthen that policy for the future. 

2. Market access in a changing global economy 

Progress since 1996 

The EU Market Access Strategy was launched in 19962 with the aim of enforcing multilateral 
and  bilateral  trade  agreements  and  ensuring  that  third  country  markets  were  open  to  EU 
exports.  This  strategy  aimed  to  provide  exporters  with  information  on  market  access 
conditions  and  a  framework  within  which  to  tackle  the  barriers  to  trade  in  goods,  services, 
intellectual property and investment.  

The Market Access Database was created as the main operational tool of this strategy. It is a 
free, on-line service for EU exporters, incorporating information on market access conditions 
in around 100 countries and an evolving public record of currently around 500 market access 
barriers reported, primarily by business, to the Commission. The information sections of the 
database are well utilised and generally very popular with users. 

As a result of the priority the EU has given to multilateral efforts to reduce trade barriers, the 
Commission's focus has to some extent shifted away from specific barrier removal. There is a 
strong need to correct this, both because of the growing importance and complexity of non-
tariff  barriers  and  because  of  the  demands  of  stakeholders.  This  can  be  achieved  through 
improved  consultation  with  business  and  Member  States  and  a  more  focused  approach  to 
tackling barriers and optimum deployment of resources. Failure to improve coordination will 
make  it  much  more  difficult  to  detect,  analyse  and  assess  priority  cases,  and  to  achieve 
systematic success in eliminating barriers. 

The changing nature of barriers in the global economy 

The nature of barriers to trade in the global economy has changed. Where market access once 
focused on border tariffs, non-tariff and other “behind the border” barriers in the markets of 
our trading partners are increasingly important (see box below). A clear distinction should be 
drawn between unnecessary barriers to trade and justified and legally defensible measures to 
fulfil  legitimate  policy  objectives,  such  as  security,  protection  of  human,  animal  and  plant 
health and of the environment. While it is necessary to regulate trade, this must be done in a 

2 

Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council,  the  European  Parliament,  the  Economic  and 
Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: The Global Challenge of International Trade: A 
Market Access Strategy for the European Union - COM(96) 53, 14.2.1996. 

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transparent and non-discriminatory manner, which is not more trade-restrictive than necessary 
in pursuing other legitimate policy objectives.  

These  new  types  of  barriers  are  more  complicated,  technically  challenging  and  time 
consuming to detect, analyse and remove. Many market access problems now arise because 
existing rules are not correctly implemented or enforced. Furthermore, the expansion of WTO 
rules  has  not  fully  kept  pace  with  the  expanding  range  of  barriers  in  the  global  economy. 
While the GATT and the WTO has been remarkably effective in removing tariff barriers to 
trade, and has moved into areas such as the policing of sanitary restrictions on trade, there are 
still many areas where WTO rules need to be developed and evolve in order to address non-
tariff  barriers.  In  addition,  the  more  we  can  share  best  practice  and  approximation  of 
environmental and social standards with trading partners, the better for EU business. 

Trade barriers in the modern global economy 

1. Tariff barriers. Although these have been eroded by successive multilateral trade rounds, 
high tariffs still pose problems for EU exporters. 

2.  Burdensome  customs  procedures  for  import,  export  and  transit  as  well  as  unfair  or 
discriminatory tax rules and practices. 

3.  Technical  regulations,  standards  and  conformity  assessment  procedures  that  are  not  in 
line with WTO rules on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement).  

4. Misuse of sanitary and phytosanitary measures i.e. those that are not justified on health 
and safety grounds within existing WTO rules.  

5. Restrictions on access to raw materials, particularly restrictive export practices, including 
export taxes, which drive up prices for products such as hides and skins, and key mineral and 
metal goods, as well as dual pricing practices. 

6. Poor protection of intellectual property rights including geographical indications and the 
lack of proper implementation and enforcement. 

7.  Barriers  to  trade  in  services  and  foreign  direct  investment  such  as  unjustified  foreign 
ownership caps, joint venture obligations and discriminatory treatment. 

8.  Restrictive  government  procurement  rules  and  practices  that  prevent  EU  companies 
from bidding effectively for public contracts in third countries. 

9. Abusive and/or WTO-incompatible use of trade defence instruments by third countries. 

10. Unfair use of state aids and other subsidies by third countries in a way that constitutes 
market access barriers. 

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Stakeholders' support for change 

In  2006  the  Commission  commissioned  an  evaluation  study3  and  undertook  an  internet 
consultation on the European Union's approach to market access4. The consultation attracted 
more  than  150  responses  from  Member  States,  EU  business,  and  other  stakeholders.  The 
evaluation and consultation process established the following key conclusions:  

•  The  EU  needs  to  improve  the  mix  of  policy  instruments  it  brings  to  securing  and 
preserving  market  access  –  combining  a  commitment  to  multilateral  and  bilateral  trade 
negotiations with committed action to ensuring those agreements are enforced. 

•  While  export  promotion  rightly  remains  the  essential  role  of  EU  Member  States,  many 
European  companies  work  on  a  European,  and  increasingly  a  global,  scale.  The 
Commission,  Member  States  and  business  need  to  work  more  closely  together  in 
partnership to maximise our leverage in tackling and preventing barriers, both in Brussels 
and third countries.  

•  The  EU  needs  to  be  better  at  prioritising  action  against  barriers  in  order  to  achieve  the 

greatest economic impact for the EU.  

•  The EU needs a more efficient and transparent service for businesses. Small and medium 
sized  enterprises  (SMEs)  are  increasingly  active  in  export  markets  and  often  face  the 
greatest challenges in addressing trade barriers. SME problems with market access need to 
be  taken  carefully  into  account  in  the  practical  implementation  of  the  strategy.  The 
Commission  adopted  a  Communication5  in  November  2005,  which  includes  specific 
reference  to  addressing  the  needs  of  SMEs  in  this  area.  The  Commission  can  further 
improve its Market Access Database to make it more user friendly. 

The results of our evaluation and consultations make clear that market access is felt to be an 
area that deserves stronger action at the EU level. EU business wants a more result-oriented 
approach to help overcome the concrete problems they face in accessing third country markets 
with  a  speed  and  effectiveness  that  reflect  modern  commercial  reality.  Member  States  have 
consistently expressed their view that a more effective and assertive EU policy is needed.  

3. Proposals for a stronger Partnership to deliver market access  

The reasons for focusing on market access are as valid today as they were in 1996, if not more 
so. Our task is to strengthen and adapt the existing framework for market access policy and 
improve the concrete tools that are part of that framework. 

3.1. The right mix of policy instruments 

The WTO system and multilateral cooperation remain the single most important mechanism 
for  securing  and  guaranteeing  market  access  in  the  global  trading  system,  although  others 
such as the World Customs Organisation also play an important role. But we cannot rely on a 

3 

4 
5 

This report can be downloaded at: 
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/november/tradoc_130518.2.pdf. 
This report can be downloaded at http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/sectoral/mk_access/cs101106_en.htm 
Commission  Communication  “Implementing  the  Community  Lisbon  Programme  –  Modern  SME 
Policy for Growth and Employment” - COM(2005) 551, 10.11.2005. 

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single avenue or mechanism to tackle trade barriers. We must use multilateral and bilateral, as 
well as both formal and informal, instruments. 

In the WTO, successful completion of an ambitious Doha Round of trade negotiations is the 
priority for the EU. The scope for using accession negotiations to secure greater market access 
is  diminishing,  as  some  of  the  most  important  trading  countries  such  as  China  have  now 
joined  the  WTO,  and  others  such  as  Russia  are  entering  the  closing  stretch  of  negotiations. 
Multilateral activity will be complemented by the launch of negotiations on a new generation 
of  bilateral  Free  Trade  Agreements,  going  beyond  current  WTO  rules,  with  regions  and 
countries  such  as  ASEAN,  Korea,  India,  Andean  countries  and  Central  America,  as  well  as 
the pursuit of ongoing negotiations with Mercosur and the Gulf Cooperation Council, and by 
the conclusion of sectoral agreements. 

We  should  also  seek  to  reinforce  our  position  in  international  normative  bodies  such  as  the 
International  Standards  Organisation  (ISO).  This  will  help  us  better  influence  international 
regulatory cooperation, for example by promoting the use of voluntary international standards 
drawn up by the international standardisation bodies. In addition new generation FTAs should 
include  a  regulatory  approximation  component.  The  EU  should  also  facilitate  the  active 
participation of developing countries in such regulatory dialogues.  

However, agreeing rules is only the start of the process. A clear focus must be maintained on 
enforcement and in ensuring that third countries comply with their obligations under bilateral 
and  multilateral  agreements.  To  facilitate  this,  rights  under  the  WTO  Dispute  Settlement 
Understanding  should  be  pursued  actively.  Multilateral  and  bilateral  negotiations  should  be 
used to establish flexible dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms, based on mediation, 
in order to address problems with partner countries. We should also encourage others to make 
greater use, as the EU has, of the notification procedures under the Agreements on Technical 
Barriers  to  Trade  to  head  off  trade  restrictions.  In  addition,  we  should  amend  the  Trade 
Barriers  Regulation  to  include  complaints  against  violation  of  bilateral  treaties  to  which  we 
are  a  party.  The  EU  may  also  further  develop  co-operation  with  third  countries  to  address 
barriers  of  common  concern.  For  example,  the  EU  should  integrate  such  discussions  into 
existing  strategic  partnerships  with  key  emerging  and  developed  country  markets:  we  are 
already working closely with the United States on market access issues.  

The absence of efficient competition laws can also limit market access. We need to continue 
our efforts to promote the introduction of appropriate competition rules in third countries. 

Enforcement of market access rules also depends on an effective technical and administrative 
system.  Many  developing  countries  in  particular  do  not  have  sufficient  administrative 
capacities,  training  or  technical  equipment.  Trade  related  assistance  can  assist  in  reducing 
these constraints. The Commission, and the EU as a whole, is committed to increasing trade-
related assistance as part of its overall strategy on Aid for Trade6.  

Finally, political contacts and trade diplomacy will play an increasingly important role in the 
joint  efforts  of  the  Commission,  Member  States  and  business  effectively  to  tackle  barriers, 
and will complement other, more medium to long-term, policy instruments.  

6 

Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament:  "Towards  an  EU 
Aid for Trade Strategy - the Commission's contribution" - COM(2007) 163, 4.4.2007. 

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3.2. A new relationship with Member States and business 

The Commission's role at the centre of the common commercial policy is vital. But it is clear 
that  to  be  more  effective  the  Commission  needs  to  establish  a  new  partnership  with  both 
Member States, who have their own competences in this area, and European business.  

The Commission, Member States and business need to establish improved ways of working. 
This implies much more systematic contact and cooperation at all levels, both within the EU 
and  in  third  countries.  The  Commission,  Member  States  and  business  should  work  better 
together  to  establish  priorities  for  action  in  barrier  removal,  as  well  as  linking  up  databases 
and developing a network of market access specialists.  

This  is  particularly  important  on  the  ground  in  key  third  country  markets,  where  local 
knowledge  is  strongest.  Commission  Delegations,  Member  State  embassies  and  European 
businesses  operating  in  foreign  markets  are  familiar  with  the  local  administrative  structures 
and  processes  and  usually  best  placed  to  offer  initial  reviews  of  market  access  problems, 
identify  cases  requiring  coordinated  action  with  specialists  in  Brussels  in  areas  such  as 
intellectual  property,  technical  barriers  to  trade  (TBT)  and  sanitary  /  phytosanitary  (SPS) 
protection, and conduct local follow-up. In practical terms, there is much already going on in 
third  countries  to  pool  resources  and  contacts.  However  more  systematic  contacts  and 
coordination would improve intelligence gathering,  make it  possible to  identify  and react to 
relevant legislative proposals before they are adopted and use local knowledge and leverage to 
apply diplomatic pressure to tackle market access barriers quickly and effectively.  

The  Commission  proposes  the  creation  of  Market  Access  Teams  in  third  country  markets 
involving the Commission, Member States, the private sector (for example EU Chambers of 
Commerce),  and  where  appropriate  other  EU  stakeholders.  In  the  short  term,  a  list  of  pilot 
countries will be established to set up stronger networks and Market Access Teams. 

The  Commission  also  believes  that  the  Market  Access  Advisory  Committee,  composed  of 
representatives  of  Member  States  and  chaired  by  the  Commission,  should  become  more 
technically focused on market access issues7, including consideration of particular cases and 
exchange of best practices. It should also have a renewed emphasis on co-ordination, based on 
feedback  from  local  Market  Access  Teams,  and  work  closely  with  the  Trade  Barriers 
Regulation Committee. The 133 Committee, the overall advisory committee on trade policy, 
should  continue  to  be  the  forum  for  discussion  of  the  most  important  market  access  cases. 
However,  owing  to  the  complexity  and  variety  of  market  access  issues,  other  specialist 
committees will also continue to take the lead where appropriate. The Commission will also 
continue to discuss these issues on a regular basis with the European Parliament. 

It  is  clear  that  there  is  a  strong  desire  from  business  for  more  active  participation  in  barrier 
removal.  The  Commission  sees  merit  in  more  regular  trilateral  discussions  between  the 
Commission, EU business and Member States and proposes to create a specific forum for a 
regular  Member  State  /  Commission  services  /  EU  business  meeting,  possibly  linked  to  the 
Market Access Advisory Committee meeting. 

7 

Within the existing remit provided for by Council Decision 98/552/EC of 24 September 1998. 

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As  a  general  principle  for  working  together,  we  should  use  existing  mechanisms  better  and 
create a framework for regular contacts, rather than creating additional institutions for intra-
EU cooperation. 

3.3. Prioritising to make the best use of resources 

The anticipated increase in the already substantial number of trade barriers reported, coupled 
with the increasing complexity and difficulty of tackling them, means that it is important to 
ensure that we focus and act on the highest priority barriers. 

All  complaints  received  should  continue  to  be  examined,  but  in  the  light  of  objective 
prioritisation indicators discussed with EU Member States and EU business, including small 
and medium sized enterprises. These could include:  

•  the  potential  economic  benefits  for  EU  business  as  a  whole  in  the  short  and  the  medium 

term,  

•  whether  or  not  the  barrier  in  question  represents  a  serious  infringement  of  bilateral  or 

multilateral agreements, and  

•  the likelihood of resolution of the problem within a reasonable timeframe.  

In terms of the outcomes of the prioritisation process, priorities could be defined in terms of:  

•  countries  (both  industrialised  economies  and  emerging  economies,  but  excluding  least 

developed countries);  

•  sectors (a number of sectors have been identified, for example, in the consultation and in 

the framework of the industrial policy8); and/or 

•  categories of problem - IPR infringements for example.  

However,  prioritisation  must  not  be  a  straitjacket,  but  must  help  provide  guidance  to  using 
resources better. 

3.4. A more effective, efficient and transparent service 

…preventing new barriers coming into effect… 

A prevention based, "early warning" approach to monitoring regulations in third countries has 
the advantage of identifying possible barriers at an early stage, and tackling them at source, 
and letting our trade partners know of our concerns before draft legislation or regulations are 
set in stone. The Commission will encourage others to notify under the Technical Barriers to 
Trade Agreement and increase intelligence gathering efforts on upcoming legislation in third 
countries directly on the ground by the Market Access Teams. 

…improving the process leading to barrier removal… 

8 

Commission Communication: "Implementing the Community Lisbon Programme: A policy framework 
to  strengthen  EU  manufacturing  -  towards  a  more  integrated  approach  for  industrial  policy"  - 
COM(2005) 474, 5.10.2005. Its technical update of 4.9.2006 can be downloaded at 
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/enterprise_policy/industry/doc/sec_overview_update06.pdf 

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The biggest gap between the expectations created in 1996 and the results achieved is in the 
time taken for the successful removal of trade restrictions even in the most clear-cut cases of 
breaches of multilateral or bilateral agreements. Feedback from business makes clear that they 
need quicker, more responsive action. The Commission will improve and streamline the way 
it registers, analyses and tackles market access complaints, and the way in which it provides 
feedback to business. 

We will rely on EU business to provide much of the information on the barriers which affect 
their  trade  or  investment  with  third  counties,  and  ensure  Commission-wide  sharing  of  such 
incoming information. The objective would be to register in the Market Access Database all 
market  access  complaints  received.  We  will  establish  web-links  with  other  databases 
elsewhere in the EU (including with Member States and business, where possible) to ensure 
that  all  recorded  barriers  are  accessible  via  the  Market  Access  Database.  Cases  would  be 
given  a  unique  case  number  to  facilitate  their  tracking  through  the  system  in  a  transparent 
manner.  

Analysis  of  barriers  needs  to  involve  all  actors,  including  the  locally  established  Market 
Access Teams. And EU business should be kept regularly informed on ongoing work. 

The identification and analysis of barriers is the area where closer partnership with business 
and  Member  States  could  be  expected  to  have  its  greatest  impact  in  efficiency  and 
transparency.  

…and improving the Market Access Database 

The European Commission's Market Access Database provides rapidly accessible and reliable 
information with regard to applied tariffs, import formalities and documentary requirements 
for imports into third countries and also incorporates information on trade barriers restricting 
access  to  those  markets.  While  users  are  generally  satisfied  with  the  existing  system, 
improvements should be made. 

There  will  be  a  greater  focus  on  user-friendliness  and  simplification  of  the  Market  Access 
Database  that  will  make  it  easier  to  identify  and  report  problems.  The  Commission  will 
establish  improved  reaction  times  to  on-line  enquiries  and  commit  to  regular  updates  of  the 
information available in the Database. The current 'Comments' section of the Database will be 
upgraded  to  encourage  more  issues  and  problems  to  be  brought  to  the  attention  of  the 
Commission  via  e-mail.  A  promotional  campaign  will  be  launched  in  and  with  Member 
States,  to  publicise  widely  the  services  of  the  Market  Access  Partnership,  especially  among 
SMEs  via  the  forthcoming  EU-wide  network  supporting  business  and  innovation,  and  to 
encourage EU companies to register their complaints about barriers.  

In  response  to  requests  from  users  and  in  order  better  to  match  the  current  challenges  and 
needs of EU exporters, new sections of the Market Access Database will be developed over 
time to improve its coverage in areas such as services, IPR enforcement, and investment.  

Locally based Market Access Teams should produce regular reports on trade barriers in their 
host  countries  which  will  update  and  strengthen  the  picture  offered  by  the  Market  Access 
Database.  

The Commission will also look at ways to link the Market Access Database and the Export 
Helpdesk  for  Developing  Country  exporters.  Providing  access  to  this  information  for 

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developing  countries'  exporters  would  raise  their  capacity  for  export  to  other  countries  –  a 
helpful boost to south-south trade in particular. 

4. Conclusion  

A  stronger  Partnership  to  deliver  market  access  is  an  essential  component  of  the  Global 
Europe  Strategy  and  a  significant  contribution  to  the  Lisbon  agenda  for  growth  and  jobs. 
European companies – from strong global companies to up and coming SMEs – are fighting 
to succeed in global markets. A strong market access policy is a key function of the common 
commercial policy, and a key area in which the EU can deliver real economic benefits for its 
Member  States  and  European  citizens  and  businesses.  The  EU's  policy  of  1996  needs  to  be 
strengthened and adapted to a changing global economy in which both the markets to which 
we seek access and the barriers that prevent it are changing. 

The Commission therefore proposes: 

•  A reinforced commitment to using multilateral institutions, such as the WTO, and bilateral 
channels,  like  the  new  generation  FTAs  to  encourage  progressive  –  and  enforceable  – 
liberalisation, market opening, and approximation of standards and norms between the EU 
and its trading partners.  

•  Establishing  a  stronger  relationship  between  the  Commission,  Member  States,  and  EU 
business,  to  support  directly  economic  operators  in  overcoming  the  concrete  difficulties 
they encounter in accessing third country markets and in a manner and timeframe that is 
compatible with business reality.   

•  Decentralising  the  current  system  and  encouraging  local  initiative  in  third  countries 
through  the  development  of  locally  based  EU  Market  Access  Teams  involving 
Commission Delegations, Member State embassies and business organisations.  

•  Closer  technical  cooperation  in  Brussels  between  Member  State  officials  and  the 
Commission  on  market  access  issues,  and  intensified  consultation  with  a  wide  range  of 
industry representatives. 

•  Stronger  prioritisation  in  choosing  which  barriers  to  focus  on  to  make  best  use  of  our 
resources  in  certain  target  markets,  (but  excluding  the  least  developed  countries),  key 
sectors, and/or key areas such as intellectual property rights.  

•  An overhaul of the European Commission's Market Access Database.  

•  Improved  efficiency  and  transparency  in  the  Commission's  analysis  of  trade  barrier 

complaints, including a new streamlined system for registering complaints.  

The success of this initiative will depend on the strength of the new partnership that we are 
able to establish, dedicating sufficient resources to it, and making best use of these resources 
that  we  bring,  collectively,  to  the  project.  The  Commission  is  committed  to  taking  up  this 
challenge and invites all involved parties to contribute to implementing this new partnership. 

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