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Managing bodies of the port shall define the port infrastructure charges in an autonomous way and according to their own commercial and investment strategy. The port infrastructure charges may be varied in accordance with commercial practices in relation to the frequent use of the port or in order to promote a more efficient use of the port infrastructure, short sea shipping, or the high environmental performance, energy efficiency or carbon efficiency of transport operations.

As described in the previous TPR report dealing with transport services in 2013 , in November 2012 the EU suspended the application of its aviation Emission Trading Scheme (Directive (EC) No. 2008/101) to non-EU airlines and to extra-EU flights in order to encourage multilateral discussion at ICAO on market-based measures. In October 2016, an agreement was reached at ICAO: it will oblige airlines to offset the growth of their CO2 emissions post-2020. To do so, airlines will buy "emission units" generated by projects reducing CO2 emissions in other sectors of the economy (e.g. renewable energies). In its first phase (2021-2026), 65 countries will participate on a voluntary basis. All EU member States will join from the start. In its second phase (2027-2035) participation is mandatory; except for those exempted (countries with small aviation activities). In that light, and if appropriate, the Commission may also make a proposal to review the scope of the European Union Emissions Trading System, with due consideration to be given to the necessary consistency with EU 2030 climate objectives and policy.

Table A2.2 Status of dispute-related WTO matters involving the EU, March 2015-February 2017
Subject of dispute Raised by/against (WTO document) Request for consultations Panel established/panel report circulated AB report circulateda Other developments
As respondent
Anti-dumping measures on biodiesel from Indonesia Indonesia (WT/DS480) 10.06.2014 Panel composed on 4 November 2015
(...)
Anti-dumping measures on biodiesel from Argentina Argentina (WT/DS473) 19.12.2013 Panel report circulated on 29 March 2016 AB report circulated on 6 October 2016 The reports were adopted on 26 October 2016. Argentina and the EU agreed on a reasonable period of time to implement of 9 months and 15 days expiring on 10 August 2017
(...)
Certain measures on the importation and marketing of biodiesel and measures supporting the biodiesel industry Argentina (WT/DS459) 15.05.2013 No In consultations
(...)
Certain measures affecting the renewable energy generation sector China (WT/DS452) 05.11.2012 No The EU accepted the request of Japan to join the consultations on 19 November 2012. Australia and Argentina requested to join the consultations on 19 November 2012
Certain measures concerning the importation of biodiesels Argentina (WT/DS443) 17.08.2012 No
(...)
As complainant
Recycling fee on motor vehicles Russian Federation (WT/DS462) 09.07.2013 Panel established, but not yet composed
(...)

The EU promotes a trade policy that aims at ensuring reliable, transparent and enforceable trade rules that foster sustainable growth and development.

Another important aspect of the EU’s trade policy is to ensure trade promotes inclusive growth, sustainable development and job creation. (...)

The EU's view is that trade policy will continue to be an important component of the post-2015 development agenda, particularly as a 'means of implementation' underpinning the future sustainable development goals through its positive role in relation to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The TFEU (Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union) describes common commercial policy as an integral part of the EU's overall external action. The EU's trade policy is required to address developmental, environmental, and social objectives, and contribute to the objectives set out in the Treaty on the European Union, including development and consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, and respect of human rights. Since its last TPR, the objectives of the EU's trade policy remain largely unchanged, which sees trade as a "powerful engine for growth and job creation" and will "tailor trade and investment policy for those countries most in need".

The European Commission adopted three Communications in this respect:
• the Communication on 'A Decent Life for All: Ending poverty and giving the world a sustainable future' of 27 February 2013;
• the Communication on 'A Decent Life for All: From Vision to Collective Action' of 2 June 2014;
• the Communication on 'A Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015' of 5 February 2015.

The EU is committed to actively helping people around the world trade their way out of poverty. In particular, one of the EU's basic objectives is to ensure that economic growth and development go hand in hand with social justice and sustainable environmental practices, thereby contributing to achieving sustainable development worldwide. The EU's GSP+ scheme and bilateral trade agreements are two of the main instruments in which this principle is applied, as described below.

On 1 January 2014 the revised GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) started to apply. The fundamental structure of three arrangements – general GSP, the Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance (GSP+), and Everything But Arms (EBA) – was kept, but most other aspects of the Scheme were substantially reformed to reflect changes in the international trade landscape.