Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/357 |
G-I§5 |
European Union |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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(...) The EU is furthermore committed to concluding the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) considering that such an agreement would support efforts to address urgent climate and environmental challenges. (...)
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/357 |
G-I§6 |
European Union |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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The EU is pursuing a progressive trade and investment agenda, where, besides increased transparency and better understanding and communication of the gains of trade, the following elements are crucial: (1) making sure that benefits from trade are shared more equally; and (2) establishing a comprehensive, fair and effective regulatory interface between trade and investment and issues such as labour or environment.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/357 |
G-III§7 |
European Union |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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The EU Single Market accounts for more than 500 million consumers and 22 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The European Commission’s main goal is to ensure the free movement of goods within the single market, and to set high safety and health standards for citizens and the protection of the environment. In this respect, in 2016, eleven directives , setting essential requirements for products, entered into application. Furthermore, three Regulations which will become applicable in 2018 have been adopted. Finally, comprehensive guidance on the implementation of EU product rules, the so-called Blue Guide was updated and published in July 2016.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/357 |
G-III§42 |
European Union |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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Over the past decades the EU has put in place a broad range of environmental legislation. As a result, air, water and soil pollution has significantly been reduced. Chemicals legislation has been modernized and the use of many toxic or hazardous substances has been restricted. Today, EU citizens enjoy some of the best water quality in the world and over 18% of EU's territory has been designated as protected areas for nature. However, significant challenges remain for which the EU is taking action including at the international level.
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Hazardous
Pollution
Environment
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/357 |
G-III§43 |
European Union |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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Relevant information
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The 7th Environment Action Programme, presented in the previous government report, will guide European environment policy until 2020.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/357 |
G-III§44 |
European Union |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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On 2 December 2015, the European Commission adopted an ambitious new Circular Economy Package. It is aimed at using resources in a more sustainable manner for the benefit of both the economy and the environment, and to contributing to the sustainable development Goals under the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, notably on responsible consumption and production. The Package is now being implemented with a range of concrete actions. In this context, the EU is in the process of adopting new rules on waste, while a strategy on plastics use, reuse and recycling (including the issue of marine litter) is expected in the course of 2017.
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Keywords
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Sustainable
Environment
Natural resources
Waste
Recycle
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/357 |
G-III§45 |
European Union |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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An Action Plan against wildlife trafficking was presented in February 2016 focusing on greater enforcement, better cooperation and more effective prevention, and including measures to strengthen the EU's contribution to global efforts.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/357 |
G-III§46 |
European Union |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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The most prominent examples of EU instruments with environmental objectives are the Timber Regulation and related Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreements addressing trade in illegal timber, and the EU Regulation addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. With reference to the EU FLEGT Action Plan, in May 2016 the European Commission published the results of an independent evaluation of its implementation during the period 2003-2014. The evaluation showed that it has been an innovative response to the challenge of illegal logging and has improved forest governance in all targeted countries. A number of Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) with selected timber exporting countries that commit themselves to trade only in verified legal timber covered by FLEGT licenses are concluded or under negotiation. As of end of February 2017, the EU has signed VPAs with the following six countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ghana, Liberia, Republic of Congo and Indonesia. Negotiations are ongoing with the following nine countries: Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Guyana, Honduras, Laos, Malaysia, Viet Nam and Thailand. The FLEGT VPA with Indonesia has been operational since 15 November 2016.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/357 |
G-III§47 |
European Union |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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The Paris Agreement on Climate Change (COP21) sketches out the road towards a transition to a low greenhouse gas emission, resource efficient, and climate resilient global economy. This transition demands a fundamental shift in technologies, energy systems, business and investment behaviour, and ultimately, in society as a whole. To date, 190 countries have submitted their national plans (indicative nationally determined contributions).
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Climate
Emissions
Natural resources
Energy
Green
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/357 |
G-III§48 |
European Union |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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The EU's leadership ahead of and during COP21, including through its collective diplomatic outreach under the framework of the 2015 climate diplomacy action plan, contributed to the positive outcome. In particular, the EU and its Member States played a critical role in shifting negotiations dynamics at the crucial stage of COP21 and, as a result, the Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016, after the EU had ratified it. In November 2016, at the meeting held in Marrakech (COP22), the EU committed itself to defend and implement the Paris Agreement, continuing to lead the way towards a more sustainable and competitive economy.
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