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Thus, there is a clear call for a multilateral process on fisheries subsidies to deliver on SDG 14.6. For this reason in October 2016 the EU tabled a concrete textual proposal to ban certain capacity-enhancing subsidies and subsidies linked to IUU fishing. The proposal also provides for enhanced transparency and notification requirements and foresees special and differential treatment that would allow developing and least developed countries to derogate from such a ban under certain conditions linked to a sustainable management of the relevant fisheries.

The EU has played a leading role in the negotiations for an Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA). The aim of an EGA is to (i) eliminate tariffs on a broad range of environmental goods used, among other things, for renewable energy generation, waste management, water treatment and air pollution control, and (ii) address non-tariff issues in the sector and services linked to environmental goods though a future work programme.

The EU will continue working with all WTO members involved to bridge the gaps in the negotiations and reach an agreement as soon as possible, considering the importance of an EGA to contribute to address climate change and environmental changes.

In recent years, the EU has developed an ambitious bilateral agenda, which complements and reinforces its efforts within the multilateral trading system. Throughout the process, the EU is paying particular attention to the scope and depth of its trade agreements, to ensure they take into account the needs of today's economy, as well as of the economic realities of its partners and paying attention to full compliance with WTO rules, while supporting and promoting EU values and standards: the promotion of human rights, health and consumer protection and sustainable development, including labour rights and environmental protection.

The EU will continue playing an active role in implementing Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the SDGs within the EU and in development cooperation with partner countries. In particular, the EU will continue its efforts to implement the Trade and Sustainable Development chapters of its trade agreements more effectively, including through civil society mechanisms.

The EU and its Member States have begun a review of their 2007 joint Aid for Trade strategy, with a view to increasing the mutual supportiveness between development co-operation and trade agenda. The review is expected to be completed in the second half of 2017. The revised strategy would remain linked to the Aid-for-Trade Initiative and respond to the new 2030 Agenda, with the aim of further fostering EU values of social protection and environmental sustainability together with inclusive economic growth. The revised strategy might also seek to introduce differentiation in addressing in a more strategic manner the specific trade-related needs of various partner countries, notably the LDCs.

(...) Total state aid (excluding transport and agriculture) by member States increased from €60 billion in 2012 to €91 billion in 2014, largely due to an increase in aid for environmental protection (including energy saving). (...)

The latest reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, which took effect on 1 January 2014, established a legal commitment to sustainable fishing levels, a ban on discards (the landing obligation), and measures to reduce overcapacity while continuing the use of multi-annual recovery and management plans. In February 2017, there were 12 plans combining different fisheries management tools, including a maximum sustainable yield, the landing obligation, technical measures, and total allowable catches (TACs) and fishing quotas. In 2014, 31 stocks out of 59 were fished in accordance with estimates of the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and, by 2020, the TAC for all stocks are to be based on MSY estimates. EU fishing outside of EU waters is to be based on Regional Fisheries Management Organizations and through Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements, while the EU cooperates with third countries and international organizations on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing worldwide.

The EU continues to follow its Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. As such, it has set priorities and targets for certain aspects of the economy, these are:
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• Climate change and energy sustainability: greenhouse gas emissions 20% lower than 1990 levels, 20% of energy coming from renewables, 20% increase in energy efficiency; (...)

(...) Regarding Europe 2020 goals, most of the progress has been observed in the areas of climate change and energy sustainability and education. (...)