Research methodologies on the effects of trade agreements

22.12.2016

Question for written answer E-009748-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Tibor Szanyi (S&D)

The Commission’s recent report studying the effects that prospective trade agreements have on European agriculture revealed the potential negative impacts on poultry, rice, sheep meat, and especially beef.

Although running simulations on potential impacts is a worthy cause, the study does not include ‘Mediterranean’ products (wine, fruit, vegetables and olive oil). In assessing a trade deal, this information would prove invaluable in the negotiation and decision-making process.

1. Does the Commission have plans to study the impact on a wider range of agricultural products (i.e. ‘Mediterranean’ products)?

2. Does the Commission plan to invest in developing research methodologies that are capable of quantifying the impact on products for which this is currently unquantifiable?

3. The Commission has stated that this report assists in informing decision-making and negotiating, but non-tariff barriers were outside of the study’s scope. Is there a way to tangibly study the impacts of non-tariff barriers on trade deals?