One of the most interesting publications of trade policy think tanks and research institutions this week is by the Hinrich Foundation and delves into the global solar panel supply chain. The OECD has updated its trade facilitation database and the International Institute for Sustainable Development has released a detailed explainer …
Energy & Environment
ECT Secretary General to European Parliament: at least adopt reform before leaving
The future of the Energy Charter Treaty is on the line. The institution’s secretary-general couldn’t just stay silent.
Week in Brussels: Trade at EUCO, leaving the Energy Charter Treaty, Moldova trade
In this week’s Brussels trade policy roundup – what capitals think of various trade files, the beginning of the end for the Energy Charter Treaty, and Moldova. By Rob Francis, with some input from Iana Dreyer.
EU carbon border levy edges closer to implementation
The European Parliament’s environment committee approved the inter-institutional agreement on the EU’s planned carbon border measure which was struck last December. Below, key details of the new legislation – the world’s first carbon border levy – and on when it’s coming into force.
Week in Brussels: Latin American FTAs, trilogue troubles, Brit subsidy and cyber worries
It’s been a dense and intense week in EU trade. Here a few snippets. By Rob Francis and Iana Dreyer. Sweden wants those FTAs – but there’s trouble ahead on the Latin American front Sweden’s trade minister Johan Forssell confirmed on Tuesday (24 January) that the Swedish presidency of the …
CBAM: Proponents in relentless push to include export rebates
The final text of the agreement on the EU’s carbon border measure is expected to be ready in early February.
EU free trade agreements and sustainability: a 2023 preview
The EU looks likely to conclude more trade deals in 2023 and finalise some critical legislative files in the lead-up to EU elections in 2024. But global geopolitical tensions are unlikely to ease, and this will lead to potential tensions with other key players, notably the United States as well …
Analysis: Pecularities of the upgraded EU Chile trade agreement
The EU and Chile recently concluded negotiations to upgrade a twenty-year old Association Agreement that includes a free trade agreement. The text is now available So: what’s particularly interesting about this agreement? By Chris Horseman, Rob Francis and Iana Dreyer.
CBAM deal leaves room for support for exporters, emergency free emission allowances
EU legislators over the weekend reached a provisional agreement on the final details concerning the EU’s planned levy on imports of certain products based on their carbon emissions.
The G7’s Climate Club: what it is and what it isn’t
Governments of the Group of Seven countries agreed on the terms of a ‘climate club’ at their summit on Monday. The G7 announcement fulfils a key goal of Germany, which presided the group this year. So what is this about?