EU set to lower anti-dumping duties on Chinese products
China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in December 2001. Now, 15-years following the Chinese accession in the WTO, the transposition periods – allowing differential treatment of products originating from China – are going to expire. So far, the transposition period gave the EU the right to impose higher anti-dumping duties on Chinese products compared […]
EU to limit access to firearms
Following the terrorist attacks in Paris last year, the European Commission embarked on revising the EU directive regulating the ownership of firearms by individuals such as sport shooters, hunters and collectors. The proposal, described as essential and much needed, is set to improve clarity for the whole ‘legal firearms’ system. At the same time, if […]
EU-US TTIP negotiations intensify
EU-US negotiations over a new trade deal have now reached a crucial moment. EU officials and their American counterparts are currently discussing – and trying to reach a deal – over the most controversial topics. The last round of the negotiations focused first and foremost, on market access for EU and US firms, regulatory cooperation […]
EU to strengthen rail passengers’ rights
The EU first introduced rail passengers’ rights protection back in 2007. Less than a decade later, the rules are under review again. According to the Commission, there are still many areas where the scope of passengers’ rights can be broadened, and new mechanisms for their more effective enforcement could be introduced on national and European […]
EU to decrease energy use in heating and cooling
On 16 February 2016, the European Commission published a new strategy how to lower the amount of energy used to heat and cool buildings, including households, offices, hospitals, schools, industry and food refrigeration throughout the supply chain. The European Commission estimates that heating and cooling consume half of the energy used in Europe, and even […]
European Parliament concerned over trade negotiations
On the 3 February 2016, the European Parliament concluded the recommendation addressed to the European Commission in respect of the on-going negotiations of the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) between countries representing almost 70% of global trade in services. TiSA is being negotiated by 23 countries, which are aiming at reducing trade barriers for services. […]