EU Government Notices on March 24

March 24, 2011 by Elizabeth Parker|International Sources

The European Union issued the following trade-related releases on March 24, 2011:

EU-U.S. air transport agreement. The European Parliament backed an updated EU-U.S. agreement on air transport that commits both parties to environmental and social standards in aviation and also provides for further liberalization of market access. Air transport agreements with Canada and Vietnam were also approved by the Parliament. (here)
GSP extended for developing nations. The European Parliament has voted to extend the EU's generalized tariff preferences for developing countries from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013. Parliament concerns of the decision-making process for GSP will be revisited in negotiations on the Omnibus review of the scheme later this year. (here)
EU-Gulf trade negotiations. The European Parliament updated a resolution in response to Bahrain's violent repression of demonstrators. The resolution calls for a strengthening of strategic links and trade negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its members. Parliament also called for the conclusion of the EU-Gulf free trade agreement. (here)
EU-Chile customs rules of origin. The European Commission has issued a proposal for the EU-Chile Special Committee on Customs Cooperation and Rules of Origin, concerning the definition of "originating products" and methods of administrative cooperation between the EU and Chile. (here)
EU-Canada cultural trade. The EU and Canada have signed a protocol on the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression. Among other things, the protocol aims to foster exchange opportunities for cultural goods through preferential treatment where applicable, create dialog on IPR, etc. (here)
IUU fishing. The European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries spoke to the Parliament, stating that to stop the import of products from IUU fishing, EU Member States should work with each other and with the European Commission to control incoming trade and check that those declarations are indeed true. (here)