Today, the European Commission unveiled a proposal that will allow the European Union to protect its trade interests despite the paralysis of the multilateral dispute settlement system in the World Trade Organization (WTO). To further increase the focus on compliance and enforcement of the EU’s trade agreements, the Commission created today the position of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “A stronger Europe in the world implies efficient EU leadership on global trade and appropriate powers to ensure that international trade rules are respected. For that reason, I start my mandate by taking swift action to strengthen our trade toolbox. Today’s proposals will let us defend our interests in these particularly uneasy times for international trade. As many European jobs are at stake, the EU needs to be equipped to ensure that our partners respect their commitments and that’s what this proposal aims for.”
Commissioner for Trade, Phil Hogan, said: “This is a critical moment for multilateralism and for the global trading system. With the Appellate Body removed from the equation, we have lost an enforceable dispute settlement system that has been an independent guarantor that the WTO’s rules are applied impartially. Whilst we seek to reform the WTO and re-establish a well-functioning WTO system, we cannot afford being defenceless if there is no possibility to get a satisfactory solution within the WTO. The amendments we propose will allow us to defend our companies, workers and consumers, whenever our partners do not play by the rules.”
Today’s proposal to amend the existing Enforcement Regulation comes as a direct reaction to the blockage yesterday of the operations of the WTO Appellate Body. The current regulation – a basis under EU law for adopting trade countermeasures – requires that a dispute go all the way through the WTO procedures, including the appeal stage, before the Union can react. The lack of a functioning WTO Appellate Body allows WTO Members to avoid their obligations andescape a binding ruling by simply appealing a panel report.
The Commission’s proposal will enable the EU to react even if the WTO is not delivering a final ruling at the appellate level because the other WTO member blocks the dispute procedure by appealing into the void.
This new mechanism will also apply to the dispute settlement provisions included in regional or bilateral trade agreements to which the EU is party. The EU must be able to respond resolutely in case trade partners hinder effective dispute settlement resolution, for instance, by blocking the composition of panels.
In line with the Political Guidelines of President von der Leyen, the Commission is further reinforcing the Union’s tools to focus on compliance and enforcement of the EU’s trade agreements and created the post of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer that will be filled in early 2020.
Ensuring the respect of the commitments agreed with other trade partners is a key priority of the von der Leyen Commission. The EU is therefore increasing its focus on enforcing its partners’ commitments in multilateral, regional and bilateral trade agreements. In so doing the Union will rely on a suite of instruments. The proposal presented today will now be subject to validation by the European Parliament and the EU Member States in the Council in a normal legislative process.
Compliments of the European Commission

The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) today adopted an opinion on a recommendation from the Council of the European Union on the appointment of a member of the ECB’s Executive Board.
The Governing Council had no objection to the proposed candidate, Isabel Schnabel, who is a person of recognised standing and professional experience in monetary or banking matters, as required by Article 283(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Ms Schnabel currently serves as a member of the German Council of Economic Experts and is a professor for financial economics at Bonn University.
Following the Governing Council’s opinion and an opinion of the European Parliament, the new member of the Executive Board will be appointed by the European Council. The Governing Council’s opinion, which will be published shortly in the Official Journal of the European Union, will be made available on the ECB’s website in all official EU languages.
Ms Schnabel will serve a non-renewable eight-year term, succeeding Sabine Lautenschläger, who resigned from her position with effect from 31 October 2019.
Compliments of the European Central Bank

The European Commission today presented The European Green Deal – a roadmap for making the EU’s economy sustainable by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities across all policy areas and making the transition just and inclusive for all.
President Ursula von der Leyen said: ‘The European Green Deal is our new growth strategy – for a growth that gives back more than it takes away. It shows how to transform our way of living and working, of producing and consuming so that we live healthier and make our businesses innovative. We can all be involved in the transition and we can all benefit from the opportunities. We will help our economy to be a global leader by moving first and moving fast. We are determined to succeed for the sake of this planet and life on it – for Europe’s natural heritage, for biodiversity, for our forests and our seas. By showing the rest of the world how to be sustainable and competitive, we can convince other countries to move with us.‘
Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans added ‘We are in a climate and environmental emergency. The European Green Deal is an opportunity to improve the health and well-being of our people by transforming our economic model. Our plan sets out how to cut emissions, restore the health of our natural environment, protect our wildlife, create new economic opportunities, and improve the quality of life of our citizens. We all have an important part to play and every industry and country will be part of this transformation. Moreover, our responsibility is to make sure that this transition is a just transition, and that nobody is left behind as we deliver the European Green Deal.’
The European Green Deal provides a roadmap with actions to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy and stop climate change, revert biodiversity loss and cut pollution. It outlines investments needed and financing tools available, and explains how to ensure a just and inclusive transition.
The European Green Deal covers all sectors of the economy, notably transport, energy, agriculture, buildings, and industries such as steel, cement, ICT, textiles and chemicals.
To set into legislation the political ambition of being the world’s first climate neutral continent by 2050, the Commission will present within 100 days the first ‘European Climate Law’. To reach our climate and environmental ambition, the Commission will also present the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the new Industrial Strategy and Circular Economy Action Plan, the Farm to Fork Strategy for sustainable food and proposals for pollution-free Europe. Work will immediately start for upping Europe’s 2030 emissions targets, setting a realistic path to the 2050 goal.
Meeting the objectives of the European Green Deal will require significant investment. Achieving the current 2030 climate and energy targets is estimated to require €260 billion of additional annual investment, representing about 1.5% of 2018 GDP. This investment will need the mobilisation ofthe public and private sectors. The Commission will present in early 2020 a Sustainable Europe Investment Plan to help meet investment needs. At least 25% of the EU’s long-term budget should be dedicated to climate action, and the European Investment Bank, Europe’s climate bank, will provide further support. For the private sector to contribute to financing the green transition, the Commission will present a Green Financing Strategy in 2020.
Fighting climate change and environmental degradation is a common endeavour but not all regions and Member States start from the same point. A Just Transition Mechanism will support those regions that rely heavily on very carbon intensive activities. It will support the citizens most vulnerable to the transition, providing access to reskilling programmes and employment opportunities in new economic sectors.
In March 2020, the Commission will launch a ‘Climate Pact’ to give citizens a voice and role in designing new actions, sharing information, launching grassroots activities and show-casing solutions that others can follow.
The global challenges of climate change and environmental degradation require a global response. The EU will continue to promote its environmental goals and standards in the UN’s Biodiversity and Climate Conventions and reinforce its green diplomacy. The G7, G20, international conventions, and bilateral relationships will be used to persuade others to step up their efforts. The EU will also use trade policy to ensure sustainability and it will build partnerships with its neighbours in the Balkans and Africa to help them with their own transitions.
Next steps
The Commission invites the European Parliament and the European Council to endorse the Commission’s ambition for Europe’s future economy and the environment and to help realise it. The Commission will bring forward the measures announced in the European Green Deal roadmap.
Background
Climate change and environmental degradation present an existential threat to Europe and the world. To overcome this challenge, Europe needs a new growth strategy that transforms the Union into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050, where economic growth is decoupled from resource use and where no one and no place is left behind.
The European Union already has a strong track record in reducing its emissions of greenhouse gases while maintaining economic growth. Emissions in 2018 were 23% lower than in 1990 while the Union’s GDP grew by 61% in the same period. But more needs to be done. The EU, given its extensive experience, is leading the way in creating a green and inclusive economy.
The Green Deal Communication sets the path for action in the months and years ahead. The Commission’s future work will be guided by the public’s demand for action and by undeniable scientific evidence as demonstrated most comprehensively by IPCC, IPBES, Global Resources Outlook and EEA SOER 2019 reports. Our proposals will be evidence-based and underpinned by broad consultation.
An overwhelming majority of Europeans consider that protecting the environment is important (95%). Almost 8 in 10 Europeans (77%) say that protection of the environment can boost economic growth. The results of the Eurobarometer survey concerning environmental attitudes of EU citizens confirm the wide public support for environmental legislation at EU level and EU funding for environmentally friendly activities.
Compliments of the European Commission

MEPs will debate the “European Green Deal” to make the EU the first climate-neutral continent, on Wednesday 14:00, in an extraordinary plenary sitting in Brussels.

Following the Commission’s expected announcement of the “European Green Deal” on Wednesday 11 December, the European Parliament will have a first debate on it with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans who will close the debate.
The European Green Deal will focus on the fight against climate change and other environmental objectives in areas such as transport, energy, pollution, agriculture, circular economy and biodiversity.
The Commission’s communication is expected to include a timeline for the upcoming proposals. Parliament has already stressed that the EU should cut emissions by 55% by 2030 to become climate neutral by 2050 and that an ambitious long-term EU budget for 2021-2027 is needed urgently.
Compliments of the European Parliament

For the first time ever, nearly all European Ambassadors to the United States went on a joint trip outside of the Beltway to showcase EU unity and celebrate the close political, economic, and cultural ties between the European Union and the State of Maryland
Are you sure this is going to work? Can we manage so many events simultaneously? Will we be able to remain on schedule with multiple parallel programs across the State of Maryland?
When the ambassador of the European Union to the United States, Stavros Lambrinidis, came up with the idea of a joint trip of EU ambassadors to Maryland, some of us at the EU Delegation to the US — and probably in some Member States’ embassies too — started scratching our heads. And yet, it worked out remarkably well.
While European embassies and the EU Delegation regularly organize joint missions across the United States, it is the first time that such a trip is organized at the ambassador level in the country. And all are eager to repeat this again in another State.
23 European Ambassadors knock on Governor Hogan’s door
The full-day trip started in the early hours of Tuesday, December 3rd, with 22 European Union Member States’ ambassadors and the EU ambassador departing Washington, DC, for a meeting with Maryland Governor Larry Hogan in Annapolis, MD.
The meeting with Governor Hogan started with a lot of pictures being taken in front of the Maryland State House Christmas tree…including a few ambassadorial selfies.
Governor Hogan and the European ambassadors then talked about the benefits of strong trade and investment ties between Maryland and the European Union, supporting jobs and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic — including 120,000 jobs in Maryland. Governor Hogan, who also serves as the Chair of the National Governors Association and is part of the U.S. Climate Alliance, also discussed our common policy goals in areas such as climate action with the visiting ambassadors.
23 Ambassadors across the State of Maryland
Following their joint meeting in Annapolis, the European ambassadors split into multiple groups to engage with Marylanders, in all their diversity, with a particular focus on youth — from a public charter school to universities and the U.S. Naval Academy. Ambassadors also talked with business and environmental protection actors.
At the U.S. Naval Academy, several European ambassadors paid tribute to the late Senator John McCain, a lifelong advocate of vibrant transatlantic relations.
Reunited for a flag changing ceremony at Fort McHenry
The ambassadors then reconvened in Baltimore where they visited historic Fort McHenry, which played a role in defending the city in 1812 and inspired America’s national anthem. In the freezing cold, the ambassadors assisted rangers in changing the flag.
A celebration of Maryland in Baltimore
Final stop: the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.
More than 200 Baltimoreans — many of whom from European diasporas — gathered to get to meet the ambassadors, Mayor Bernard ‘Jack’ Young, and senior state officials. Mayor Young handed over a Mayoral Salute to the European Union.
The trip ended with several dance shows, wrapping up a visit that brought Europeans and Marylanders even closer.
And the question now is: where will European Ambassadors go next? Stay tuned…
Compliments of the Delegation of the European Union to the United States

The European Accessibility Act aims to ensure more products and services are accessible for elderly people and people living with a disability. 

On 13 March Parliament approved the European Accessibility Act (EAA). The new rules are a step towards a fairer and more inclusive Europe and will improve the daily lives of the elderly and people with disabilities across the EU.
The final text will still need to be approved by the Council before it can enter into force. Once the legislation has been published in the EU’s official journal, member States will have three years to transpose the new provisions into national law and six years to apply them. 
More accessible products and services
More than 80 million people live with disabilities in the EU and many have difficulties using everyday products, such as smartphones, computers, e-books, and encounter problems in accessing key services via ticket machines or ATMs.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) requires the EU and member states to ensure accessibility. Measures at EU level are needed to set common accessibility requirements for key products and services.

The European Accessibility Act sets standards for key products and services:

ticketing and check-in machines

ATMs and other payment terminals

PCs and operating systems

smartphones, tablets and TV equipment

access to audio-visual media services, e-books

e-commerce

some elements of passenger transport services

electronic communications, including the 112 emergency number

Opportunities for businesses and consumers
Having common standards at EU level will prevent member states from developing different laws? This will make it easier and more attractive for businesses to sell accessible products and services in the EU and abroad.
The new rules will encourage competition between economic operators and promote the free movement of accessible products and services. It is expected to give consumers more choice of accessible products and service and reduce their cost.
Exemptions for micro-enterprises
Because of their size and limited resources, exemptions would apply to some micro-enterprises, which are small companies with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet of less than €2 million.
However, these firms will be encouraged to manufacture and distribute products and provide services that comply with the accessibility requirements of the new rules.
EU countries will have to provide guidelines to these micro-enterprises to facilitate the implementation of the legislation.

Read our overview explaining how the EU improves public health.
Compliments of the European Commission

The European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) published today joint draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) to amend the Delegated Regulation on the risk mitigation techniques for non-cleared OTC derivatives (bilateral margining) as well as a joint statement on the introduction of fallbacks in OTC derivative contracts and the requirement to exchange collateral. BothRTS and the statement were developed to facilitate further international consistency in the implementation of the global framework agreed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) and the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
First of all, in view of the clarifications and changes of the global framework made over the past months by the BCBS and IOSCO, the report and related RTS clarify the expectations in relation to the threshold above which initial margin is expected to be exchanged, as well as introduce a further phase-in of one year for the smaller counterparties in scope for the initial margin requirements. Secondly, taking into account the progress made globally towards the implementation of the international framework as well as the risks that the BCBS and IOSCO framework was developed to address, a few amendments have been included in relation to the treatment of physically settled FX forward and swap contracts, intragroup contracts and equity option contracts. Lastly, the statement clarifies the view of the ESAs that amendments made to outstanding uncleared OTC derivative contracts for the sole purpose of introducing such fall-backs should not create new obligations on these legacy contracts.
Legal basis, background and next steps
The ESAs’ RTS and the statement were developed in order to facilitate further international consistency in the implementation of the global framework agreed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) and the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
 
The ESAs have developed the RTS under Article 11(15) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and Council on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (EMIR).
The ESAs have now submitted the draft RTS to the Commission for endorsement in the form of a Commission Delegated Regulation, i.e. a legally binding instrument applicable in all Member States of the European Union. Following the endorsement, they are then subject to non-objection by the European Parliament and the Council.
The ESAs cannot disapply EU law. However, in view of the remaining steps mentioned above that the draft RTS need to go through before being finalised and entering into force, and in light of some of the soon approaching deadlines, with regards to the bilateral margin requirements and the treatment of physically settled FX forward and swap contracts, intragroup contracts, equity option contracts and the implementation of the last phase of the initial margin requirements as proposed in the draft RTS, the ESAs expect competent authorities to apply the EU framework in a risk-based and proportionate manner until the amended RTS enter into force.
Lastly, with regards to the statement in relation to fall-backs, the ESAs believe it useful to ensure legal certainty on this issue, in case or to the extent this is not already provided in some jurisdictions. While, neither the ESAs nor competent authorities possess any formal power to disapply directly applicable EU legal text, the ESAs are in contact with the co-legislators to see how a legislative change could be achieved to ensure this legal certainty.
Compliments of the European Commission

Today the von der Leyen Commission revealed its working methods which will be the basis for the new College to deliver on the President’s Agenda for Europe during the next five years. They put collegiality, transparency and efficiency first.
The Working Methods introduce a number of novelties to the way the Commission works, notably with regards to the role of the Executive Vice-Presidents, the High Representative/Vice-President, the Vice-Presidents and Commissioners’ Groups. They also set up a new body for coordinating external relations questions, the Group for External Coordination (EXCO) and define how the Commission will follow up on its pledge to act on European Parliament Resolutions based on Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Finally, the Working Methods also pave the way for the digital transformation of the Commission, whereby meetings shall become paperless.
The main guiding principles when working together
The European Commission takes decisions collectively. All Members of the Commission are equal when making decisions and equally accountable for these decisions. Once decisions are taken, every Member of the Commission must take ownership of them, promote and defend them. Three Executive Vice-Presidents have a dual function, acting both as Vice-Presidents and managing a policy area. The Executive Vice-Presidents, the High-Representative/Vice-President and Vice-Presidents are in charge of political steering and coordinating the work in their area of responsibility, notably though so-called ‘Commissioners’ Groups’. President von der Leyen has established six Commissioners’ Groups covering the six Political Priorities: a European Green Deal; a Europe Fit for the digital age; an Economy that works for all; Promoting our European Way of Life; a Stronger Europe in the world and a New Push for Democracy.
Transparency should characterise the work of all the Members of the Commission and of their Cabinets. All Members of the Commission will make public all meetings and contacts relating to EU policies and decision-making.
A geopolitical Commission
For the first time, a specific group will be in charge of coordinating external affairs aspects of the Commission’s work. Preparing the College meetings, the new Group for External Coordination (EXCO) will discuss on a weekly basis current international issues and coordinate positions to be taken in international fora or during Summits, amongst other things. The Group will be central in aligning the internal and external dimensions of the Commissions’ work.
Committed to a Democratic Union
To demonstrate the importance the European Commission attaches to what citizens and their directly elected representatives in the European Parliament say, the College will discuss in their meetings every decision relating to whether or not to register proposed European Citizens’ Initiatives. It will also discuss and adopt decisions concerning European Parliament resolutions and Council requests on legislative initiatives under Articles 225 and 241 TFEU –in full respect of the proportionality, subsidiarity and better law-making principles. The Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, Maroš Šefčovič, will inform the European Parliament on the follow-up proposed within three months of the adoption of the relevant resolution.
In line with their mission letters, Members of the College shall visit every Member State within the first half of the Commission’s mandate at the latest. They are expected to meet regularly with national Parliaments and take part in Citizens’ Dialogues across the Union, notably as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Cutting red tape
The College will apply the “one in, one out” principle whereby each legislative proposal creating new burdens should relieve people and business of an equivalent existing burden at EU level in the same policy area. The Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight will oversee the application of the principle and ensure that it is applied coherently across the Commission services.
A digital Commission
The European Commission strives to become a digitally transformed, user-focused and data-driven administration. The College will lead by example by holding paperless meetings supported by an e-College tool. The aim is to gradually introduce paperless meetings at all levels of the organisation. This will be done in full respect of data protection and security requirements.
A greener Commission
The Commission will step up its efforts to improve the environmental impact of its activities in the area of energy, water and paper consumption, waste management, and CO2 emissions. It will do so through new initiatives in the framework of its Environmental Management System, an improved implementation of circular economy principles in green public procurement and strengthening staff’s ability to adopt ecological behaviour.
Compliments of the European Commission

On 1 December, Josep Borrell assumed the post of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.
Josep Borrell, former Foreign Minister of Spain, assumed the post as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission, headed by new President Ursula von der Leyen.
 
In the next 5 years, High Representative/Vice-President Borrell will be at the helm of the EU’s foreign policy. The need for European leadership in the world is more pronounced than ever before, and Europe must use its diplomatic and economic strength to support global stability and prosperity, as stated in the Mission letter by the Commission President-elect.
In his personal message upon taking office, High Representative/Vice-President Borrell said he would be guided by principles of realism, unity and partnerships in building the EU as an even stronger world-oriented actor. He reminded the European Union had what it takes to deliver on this crucial mission. “We have all the tools and resources at hand – from diplomacy to trade, development cooperation and crisis management. We set global rules and standards and act as a steadfast defender of multilateralism and democratic values. The combination of these assets makes us a leader in responding to global challenges and showing the way forward”, he wrote.
During his hearing in the European Parliament, Borrell stressed his intention to engage in reforms in the Western Balkans, support democracy and the integrity of Ukraine, address the challenges in the Southern neighbourhood, develop a new strategy towards Africa, work on political relations with Asia, step up cooperation with Latin America and reinforce transatlantic relations.
 
“We are the best combination of political freedom, economic prosperity and social cohesion. We have the resources, the support of our population and strong institutions. We need to build on this”, Borrell said.
 
Tasked to work for a stronger Europe in the world, Borrell underlined some of the key building blocks of Europe’s role. “We  are  a  key  normative  power  in  setting  world-wide  rules  and  standards.  We have a powerful common trade policy. Powerful because it is common. We are a true leader in shaping the 2030 Agenda, which  represents the new global consensus on building sustainability. Our budget, together with those of the Member States, makes us a financial super-power, and our diplomatic capacity is among the strongest in the world.”
 
Borrell pledged to work with all EU Member States to achieve more unity needed for Europe to be geopolitically relevant.
 
Referring to partnerships and multilateralism as part of Europe’s “collective DNA”, he stressed that Europe has to position itself in the growing confrontation between the US and China. “We have to back rules-based multilateralism and promote our own approach, avoiding  being squeezed between the two of them.” The rules-based system can and should be reformed, but not abandoned, Borrell said.
As foreign policy chief, High Representative/Vice-President Borrell is also responsible for EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy and head of the European Defence Agency. “Defence is part of our security and sometimes threats start far away from our own borders,” he said. “We have taken many initiatives in this area, and will continue to contribute to develop more usable defence capabilities.”
 
Striving for more strategic, more assertive and more united Europe in the world, High Representative/Vice-President Borrell is relying on the European External Action Service, EU civilian and military missions and operations and more than 140 EU Delegations across the world.
 
He succeeds Federica Mogherini, who served as High Representative/Vice-President from 2014-2019.
Compliments of the Delegation of the European Union to the United States

The von der Leyen team voted into office by the European Parliament
On 27 November during the plenary session in Strasbourg, a large majority of members of the European Parliament voted in favour of the von der Leyen Commission. Ahead of the vote, the President-elect presented her team of Commissioners to the European Parliament. She reaffirmed her strong commitment to working closely with the European Parliament on the defining issues of our generation: fighting climate change, harnessing digitalisation, building a social market economy for today’s world. She called for Europe to show leadership in the world and for the Commission to be geopolitical in the way that it thinks and acts. She underlined the need for Europe to care for the things Europeans cared for and to find common solutions to shared challenges.