Sustainability Impact Assessment, EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement
On March 29, the European Commission (EC) published the final version of the Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) on the potential economic, social, environmental and human rights impact of the trade part of the association agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). A position paper, with comments on the main findings and recommendations of the report, was also presented.
According to the SIA, the EU-Mercosur agreement would have a positive impact on the economies of both blocs and could contribute to the recovery from the economic crisis caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the report states that the EU agricultural sector will also benefit from the agreement, with reduction of non-tariff barriers and protection of EU geographical indications in the American countries.
The report also highlights concerns about the agreement's potential impact on environment and human rights, noting that an adequate legal framework could help addressing these issues.
The final report can be found here.
The Position Paper can be found in the following link.
According to the SIA, the EU-Mercosur agreement would have a positive impact on the economies of both blocs and could contribute to the recovery from the economic crisis caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the report states that the EU agricultural sector will also benefit from the agreement, with reduction of non-tariff barriers and protection of EU geographical indications in the American countries.
The report also highlights concerns about the agreement's potential impact on environment and human rights, noting that an adequate legal framework could help addressing these issues.
The final report can be found here.
The Position Paper can be found in the following link.
Uzbekistan Accepted into EU GSP+ Arrangement
On April 9, the European Commission published a press release informing that the Republic of Uzbekistan has joined the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) under the unilateral Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP). Following the approval, the EU started applying preferential tariffs for products imported from Uzbekistan.