natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
- The existence of many different bilateral agreements does improve reciprocal market access for the countries concerned but leads in the medium and long term to a weakening of the multilateral trade system, since the incentives diminish for each individual country to secure liberalised market access on a universal basis (preference erosion).
- The existence of many different bilateral agreements does improve reciprocal market access for the countries concerned but leads in the medium and long term to a weakening of the multilateral trade system, since the incentives diminish for each individual country to secure liberalised market access on a universal basis (preference erosion).
- Potentially, the developing countries are placed at a disadvantage since they are less attractive as partners to an agreement.
- Potentially, the developing countries are placed at a disadvantage since they are less attractive as partners to an agreement.
With the multilateral system at a continuing standstill or making only minor progress, however, the European Union is faced with a dilemma.
With the multilateral system at a continuing standstill or making only minor progress, however, the European Union is faced with a dilemma.
Either it can secure its short-term interests through bilateral free trade agreements, although this would involve undermining the multilateral approach.
Either it can secure its short-term interests through bilateral free trade agreements, although this would involve undermining the multilateral approach.
On the other hand, it can refrain from negotiating and concluding bilateral free trade agreements.
On the other hand, it can refrain from negotiating and concluding bilateral free trade agreements.
This could entail short-term drawbacks but would in the long term strengthen the WTO, which will ultimately be of more benefit to the Union’s interests.
This could entail short-term drawbacks but would in the long term strengthen the WTO, which will ultimately be of more benefit to the Union’s interests.
One remedy could be to pursue a reactive but ambitious approach: free trade agreements should be negotiated and concluded only with the countries or groups of countries in which our competitors have already negotiated or concluded their own free trade agreements and where consequently businesses in Europe are threatened with competitive disadvantages.
One remedy could be to pursue a reactive but ambitious approach: free trade agreements should be negotiated and concluded only with the countries or groups of countries in which our competitors have already negotiated or concluded their own free trade agreements and where consequently businesses in Europe are threatened with competitive disadvantages.
At the same time, these free trade agreements should, however, cover areas that go beyond the WTO standard and hence open up new paths for the further development of the WTO.
At the same time, these free trade agreements should, however, cover areas that go beyond the WTO standard and hence open up new paths for the further development of the WTO.
Compatibility with the relevant WTO rules must be a precondition of conclusion of bilateral free trade agreements.
Compatibility with the relevant WTO rules must be a precondition of conclusion of bilateral free trade agreements.
This also means that ways must be sought of tying down as much content as possible in the bilateral agreements through standards laid down in plurilateral agreements.
This also means that ways must be sought of tying down as much content as possible in the bilateral agreements through standards laid down in plurilateral agreements.
The area of rules of origin is an example that comes to mind here.
The area of rules of origin is an example that comes to mind here.
The European Parliament must be involved in defining the mandate and monitoring the negotiations.
The European Parliament must be involved in defining the mandate and monitoring the negotiations.
In the event of our contractual partners not fulfilling their agreed commitments, the suspension of the agreement or certain parts of it at the initiative of the European Parliament should be specified in the agreements.
In the event of our contractual partners not fulfilling their agreed commitments, the suspension of the agreement or certain parts of it at the initiative of the European Parliament should be specified in the agreements.
Championing European positions more effectively
Championing European positions more effectively
In the multilateral system and in bilateral negotiations there will be more emphasis in the future on championing European interests effectively.
In the multilateral system and in bilateral negotiations there will be more emphasis in the future on championing European interests effectively.
At the outset, therefore, precise targets should be defined by Parliament and the Council and care should then also be taken during the conduct of negotiations to secure equivalent concessions in exchange for our offers.
At the outset, therefore, precise targets should be defined by Parliament and the Council and care should then also be taken during the conduct of negotiations to secure equivalent concessions in exchange for our offers.
The European Union, as still the world’s largest trading bloc today, must pay closer attention not to surrender its own interests without comparable concessions from competitors.
The European Union, as still the world’s largest trading bloc today, must pay closer attention not to surrender its own interests without comparable concessions from competitors.
The European Union’s trade policy must be directed towards its own objectives and not be influenced by unrelated political considerations.
The European Union’s trade policy must be directed towards its own objectives and not be influenced by unrelated political considerations.
Legitimate concerns in other policy areas should be pursued in special negotiations, the outcome of which can then be combined with the negotiating outcomes of trade policy.
Legitimate concerns in other policy areas should be pursued in special negotiations, the outcome of which can then be combined with the negotiating outcomes of trade policy.
Taking trade policy hostage in an attempt to push through other policies at the expense of European trading interests must be ruled out.
Taking trade policy hostage in an attempt to push through other policies at the expense of European trading interests must be ruled out.
Achieving better rule-making in the European Union and a global framework
Achieving better rule-making in the European Union and a global framework
The process of better rule-making and deregulation initiated with the Lisbon Agenda would, if successfully implemented, also enhance the international competitiveness of the European Union.
The process of better rule-making and deregulation initiated with the Lisbon Agenda would, if successfully implemented, also enhance the international competitiveness of the European Union.
In this context, it is high time to pay more attention to the consistency between internal and external policies.
In this context, it is high time to pay more attention to the consistency between internal and external policies.
Experience shows that, where there is agreement on European standards, these often become the reference model for solutions with our trading partners.
Experience shows that, where there is agreement on European standards, these often become the reference model for solutions with our trading partners.
The widest possible degree of agreement on European standards is therefore also essential from the point of view of international competitiveness.
The widest possible degree of agreement on European standards is therefore also essential from the point of view of international competitiveness.
When creating European rules and standards, the impact on competitiveness on the global scale should always be considered.
When creating European rules and standards, the impact on competitiveness on the global scale should always be considered.
In addition, it should always be verified beforehand what standards apply with the Union’s trading partners and whether the adoption of established practices or even a compatible European solution are possible.
In addition, it should always be verified beforehand what standards apply with the Union’s trading partners and whether the adoption of established practices or even a compatible European solution are possible.
Global standards are best agreed multilaterally but at least, as far as possible, plurilaterally.
Global standards are best agreed multilaterally but at least, as far as possible, plurilaterally.
Effective protection for intellectual property
Effective protection for intellectual property
It is estimated that product piracy causes damage to the tune of € 659 billion or between 5% and 9% of world trade
It is estimated that product piracy causes damage to the tune of € 659 billion or between 5% and 9% of world trade
Wildemann, Horst et al., ‘Plagiatschutz - Handlungsspielräume der produzierenden Industrie gegen Produktpiraterie’, Munich, first edition, 2007, p.
Wildemann, Horst et al., ‘Plagiatschutz - Handlungsspielräume der produzierenden Industrie gegen Produktpiraterie’, Munich, first edition, 2007, p.
European businesses are particularly affected.
European businesses are particularly affected.
Consistent enforcement and above all implementation of intellectual property rights are therefore required at both multilateral and bilateral levels.
Consistent enforcement and above all implementation of intellectual property rights are therefore required at both multilateral and bilateral levels.
The Commission and the Member States really must step up their existing efforts.
The Commission and the Member States really must step up their existing efforts.
Achieving better market access for businesses from the Union
Achieving better market access for businesses from the Union
The European Union has one of the most open markets worldwide.
The European Union has one of the most open markets worldwide.
Unfortunately, businesses from the Union are often confronted not only with tariff barriers but also increasingly with non-tariff barriers to trade.
Unfortunately, businesses from the Union are often confronted not only with tariff barriers but also increasingly with non-tariff barriers to trade.
Whilst past trade rounds focused to a large extent on measures to phase out customs duties, the focus must now shift more to the non-tariff barriers to trade.
Whilst past trade rounds focused to a large extent on measures to phase out customs duties, the focus must now shift more to the non-tariff barriers to trade.
Since the terror attacks of 11 September 2001 a large number of security-related measures have been introduced which often impose considerable burdens on the businesses concerned and hamper trade flows.
Since the terror attacks of 11 September 2001 a large number of security-related measures have been introduced which often impose considerable burdens on the businesses concerned and hamper trade flows.
A new sense of proportion must be aimed for here which strikes a balance between legitimate security concerns and trading interests.
A new sense of proportion must be aimed for here which strikes a balance between legitimate security concerns and trading interests.
Supposed security rules must not be allowed to become the non-tariff trade barriers of the 21st century.
Supposed security rules must not be allowed to become the non-tariff trade barriers of the 21st century.
Opening up public procurement markets
Opening up public procurement markets
With the relative openness of its public procurement markets, the Union does enjoy a relatively special status by international comparison.
With the relative openness of its public procurement markets, the Union does enjoy a relatively special status by international comparison.
Negotiations should be stepped up to achieve reciprocity in the opening of markets on the part of trading partners.
Negotiations should be stepped up to achieve reciprocity in the opening of markets on the part of trading partners.
In so doing, there is still no alternative to the Commission strategy of pointing out that, where necessary, reciprocal access restrictions will be introduced.
In so doing, there is still no alternative to the Commission strategy of pointing out that, where necessary, reciprocal access restrictions will be introduced.
However, exaggerated demands that could be misused in order to close procurement markets in Europe as a protectionist step should be avoided.
However, exaggerated demands that could be misused in order to close procurement markets in Europe as a protectionist step should be avoided.
The aim must be for other economies to open up their markets.
The aim must be for other economies to open up their markets.
Preserving the effectiveness of trade defence instruments
Preserving the effectiveness of trade defence instruments
Against a background of growing liberalisation it is absolutely essential for the European Union to be able to defend itself at short notice and effectively from unfair trade practices.
Against a background of growing liberalisation it is absolutely essential for the European Union to be able to defend itself at short notice and effectively from unfair trade practices.
The European Union’s trade defence instruments have generally speaking proved their worth in the fight against dumping and some subsidies.
The European Union’s trade defence instruments have generally speaking proved their worth in the fight against dumping and some subsidies.
A clear distinction needs to be made between anti-competitive, monopoly-oriented dumping and forms of price dumping that are in line with competition rules.
A clear distinction needs to be made between anti-competitive, monopoly-oriented dumping and forms of price dumping that are in line with competition rules.
Only anti-competitive dumping should be tackled with anti-dumping measures.
Only anti-competitive dumping should be tackled with anti-dumping measures.
Where such practices can be proved and European businesses are being harmed, effective measures must be taken at short notice to avoid distortion of the market.
Where such practices can be proved and European businesses are being harmed, effective measures must be taken at short notice to avoid distortion of the market.
At WTO level, negotiations are currently taking place on trade defence instruments, and the discussion process initiated by the relevant Green Paper
At WTO level, negotiations are currently taking place on trade defence instruments, and the discussion process initiated by the relevant Green Paper
‘Europe’s trade defence instruments in a changing global economy’ COM(2006)0763 . comes therefore at the most unfavourable time imaginable.
‘Europe’s trade defence instruments in a changing global economy’ COM(2006)0763 . comes therefore at the most unfavourable time imaginable.
This process should focus above all on the reform of procedures and set out to achieve an objective system of evaluation and decision-making which should be as free as possible of political considerations.
This process should focus above all on the reform of procedures and set out to achieve an objective system of evaluation and decision-making which should be as free as possible of political considerations.
Since the European Union by comparison with our competitors has at its disposal comparatively liberal trade defence mechanisms, there should be no attempt at further relaxation of the implementing provisions.
Since the European Union by comparison with our competitors has at its disposal comparatively liberal trade defence mechanisms, there should be no attempt at further relaxation of the implementing provisions.
Reforming the institutional framework
Reforming the institutional framework
The European Union’s trade policy has a far-reaching influence on the life of its citizens.
The European Union’s trade policy has a far-reaching influence on the life of its citizens.
Greater involvement of the European Parliament is therefore necessary in order to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of decision-making.
Greater involvement of the European Parliament is therefore necessary in order to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of decision-making.
Important issues such as trade agreements that impact on internal policies or arrangements concerning trade defence instruments should be transferred to the codecision procedure as is also envisaged in the draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.
Important issues such as trade agreements that impact on internal policies or arrangements concerning trade defence instruments should be transferred to the codecision procedure as is also envisaged in the draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.
on Global Europe – External aspects of competitiveness
on Global Europe – External aspects of competitiveness
The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following suggestions in its motion for a resolution:
The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following suggestions in its motion for a resolution:
Considers that the development of trade is not an end in itself but must be assessed in the light of its impact on economic growth, employment and sustainable development; points out that the analysis of European economic competitiveness, instead of solely focusing on trade figures, should also focus on the proportion of total world output achieved by European producers and on employment trends;
Considers that the development of trade is not an end in itself but must be assessed in the light of its impact on economic growth, employment and sustainable development; points out that the analysis of European economic competitiveness, instead of solely focusing on trade figures, should also focus on the proportion of total world output achieved by European producers and on employment trends;
Considers greater external competitiveness to be vital in order to attain the Lisbon growth and employment goals and to assist the promotion of sustainable development worldwide; believes that the EU, when taking external action, must encourage reform and international cooperation in the economic sphere so as to create a favourable environment; intends, to that end, to work towards greater consistency and compatibility in its macroeconomic policies, improved monetary and financial security, cooperation in tax matters and the elimination of unfair tax competition;
Considers greater external competitiveness to be vital in order to attain the Lisbon growth and employment goals and to assist the promotion of sustainable development worldwide; believes that the EU, when taking external action, must encourage reform and international cooperation in the economic sphere so as to create a favourable environment; intends, to that end, to work towards greater consistency and compatibility in its macroeconomic policies, improved monetary and financial security, cooperation in tax matters and the elimination of unfair tax competition;
Regrets that EU citizens equate globalisation with falling European output and job losses; points to the need for the EU to adopt a suitable strategy for implementing the reforms needed to enable the EU to take advantage of globalisation, thereby boosting production and employment;
Regrets that EU citizens equate globalisation with falling European output and job losses; points to the need for the EU to adopt a suitable strategy for implementing the reforms needed to enable the EU to take advantage of globalisation, thereby boosting production and employment;
Considers it necessary, firstly, to pursue a monetary policy based on price stability so as to be able to finance technological progress and assist SMEs by enabling them to enter markets outside the Euro zone; secondly, to establish business-friendly taxation systems that are likely to increase the number of start-ups and, to that end, to cut taxes that undermine efficiency and impede job creation, especially for particular social groups such as women, the long-term unemployed, and the elderly ; and, thirdly, to increase competition on the internal market, bearing in mind that the fiercer competition is within the EU , the more able EU-based companies will be to compete outside the EU ;
Considers it necessary, firstly, to pursue a monetary policy based on price stability so as to be able to finance technological progress and assist SMEs by enabling them to enter markets outside the Euro zone; secondly, to establish business-friendly taxation systems that are likely to increase the number of start-ups and, to that end, to cut taxes that undermine efficiency and impede job creation, especially for particular social groups such as women, the long-term unemployed, and the elderly ; and, thirdly, to increase competition on the internal market, bearing in mind that the fiercer competition is within the EU , the more able EU-based companies will be to compete outside the EU ;
Notes that exchange rates are a major factor in the development of international trade; calls on the Commission to make concrete proposals on measures to be taken when exchange rates are such as to undermine the EU's competitiveness, and to consider the inclusion of such measures in the upcoming revision of the EU's trade defence instruments;
Notes that exchange rates are a major factor in the development of international trade; calls on the Commission to make concrete proposals on measures to be taken when exchange rates are such as to undermine the EU's competitiveness, and to consider the inclusion of such measures in the upcoming revision of the EU's trade defence instruments;
Notes, with interest, that the Commission is eager to ensure that the impact trade has on the environment is taken into account ; considers that this should take the form of impact studies assessing the effect that trade has on the environment and the climate, and that corrective measures are taken where necessary, including new fiscal measures as recommended by the HighLevel Group on Competitiveness, Energy and the Environment;
Notes, with interest, that the Commission is eager to ensure that the impact trade has on the environment is taken into account ; considers that this should take the form of impact studies assessing the effect that trade has on the environment and the climate, and that corrective measures are taken where necessary, including new fiscal measures as recommended by the High-Level Group on Competitiveness, Energy and the Environment;
Notes that the Commission intends to take into consideration the fact that supply and production chains have undergone a transformation in that they are now outsourced ; considers that the priority of EU's trade policy must be to increase jobs and to create added value ;
Notes that the Commission intends to take into consideration the fact that supply and production chains have undergone a transformation in that they are now outsourced ; considers that the priority of EU's trade policy must be to increase jobs and to create added value ;
Emphasises that the main reason for the EU’s economic success is the activity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that produce within the EU and which must be enabled to maintain high-quality production at the upper end of value chains;
Emphasises that the main reason for the EU’s economic success is the activity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that produce within the EU and which must be enabled to maintain high-quality production at the upper end of value chains;