Trade MEPs back informal deal on EU anti-dumping measures
Members of the INTA committee confirmed a recent informal agreement with EU ministers on new anti-dumping measures protecting jobs and industry on Thursday.
For the first time worldwide, the EU’s trade defence legislation would take account of international labour and environmental standards, under an informal agreement struck by Parliament’s negotiating team and EU ministers in Strasbourg on 3 October. The EU is currently updating its antidumping law, to counter unfair trade practices by third countries whose states interfere extensively in the economy.
In negotiations, MEPs also ensured that there will be no additional burden of proof on EU companies in anti‑dumping cases, small and medium sized enterprises will get help to deal with procedures and trade unions may give input to decisions on trade defence measures.
The informal agreement was approved by 31 votes to 2 with 5 abstentions.
Next Steps
The agreement will now be put to a vote by the full house at the November plenary session in Strasbourg.
Quick facts
Under the new rules, the EU would use the same anti‑dumping methodology for all WTO members, and target “significant market distortions”, i.e. where prices are not market-based. Broader plans to update the EU’s “trade defence instruments” with a view to raising tariffs against dumped or subsidised imports are currently being negotiated with EU ministers.
Procedure: Co-decision, first-reading
Contacts:
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Bálint Péter LINDER
Press Officer