What is the problem? The nature of trade barriers has changed over time

While tariff barriers and quantitative restrictions have overall decreased, non-tariff barriers (e.g. labelling and origin rules) and other regulatory restrictions have gained in importance.

The Commission will work towards favourable external trade conditions for digital goods and services, e.g. to deliver market access and investment opportunities, to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers at global level, to improve Intellectual Property Rights protection and avoid market distortions.

Why is EU action necessary? To improve international trade conditions

To create a positive environment for European companies providing services in third countries or to facilitate exports, the EU will support regulatory and policy reforms in these countries.

The trade interests of the European Information Society field must be defined and pursued through bilateral, regional or multilateral agreements.

A challenge for trade policy is to reinforce international norms and standards to tackle non-tariff barriers detrimental to EU industry.

Such different issues are addressed in various bilateral (e.g. Free Trade Agreements), pluri- and multilateral negotiations (e.g. Doha Round of WTO, Information Technology Agreement (see action 100)

What will the European Commission do?

In 2011

• Clarify priorities and goals of an international strategy
• Pursue its efforts in the different above mentioned negotiations

Contact:

maria.carbone@ec.europa.eu