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Asia and the EU

Latest news about Asia and the European Union. The EU is deepening its strategic partnerships with China, India, Japan and negotiations are well underway on new partnership and free trade agreements with South Korea and with south-east Asian countries. Asia comprises high-income industrialised partners and dynamic emerging economies but is also home to two thirds of the world's poor. Development cooperation therefore remains high on the EU's agenda with Asia, and more than five billion euros allocated to Asia by the EU for the period 2007-2013. Policies are address common challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, security and stability, governance and human rights, as well as the prevention of, and response to natural and human disasters. The EU is stepping up its support to regional integration through the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and intensifying cooperation with the Association of South-East Asia Nations (ASEAN), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

EU agri-food trade continues to increase 22 April 2016, 11:40 CET
EU agri-food exports in February 2016 were worth EUR 10.2 billion, well above export values in January, and even slightly above exports in February last year, according to the EU's latest monthly statistical report.

EU - China partnership on 5G 28 September 2015, 22:49 CET
The EU and China have signed a milestone agreement in the global race to develop 5G networks, during today's EU-China High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue in Beijing.

Third annual report on the implementation of the EU-South Korea FTA 26 March 2015, 22:12 CET
The Annual Report on the implementation of the EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), presented today, provides further evidence on the contribution of trade to the economy. EU exports of goods to Korea increased by 35% since 2011, during the first three years of the agreement, the report shows.

EU-Japan relations - 22nd EU-Japan Summit 07 May 2014, 15:08 CET
The European Union and Japan are like-minded strategic partners and major economies sharing common values and principles. Their 22nd bilateral summit took place on 7 May in Brussels.

EU anti-dumping investigation on imports of solar panels from China 02 December 2013, 11:55 CET
EC documents on the EU’s anti-dumping investigation on imports of solar panels from China - EU market access investigations

Anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese solar panels 04 June 2013, 17:36 CET
The European Commission has decided to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of solar panels, cells and wafers from China.

Negotiations for an investment agreement with China 23 May 2013, 13:41 CET
The European Commission decided today to ask the EU Member States for their agreement on a mandate to open negotiations on an investment agreement with China. This is the first ever proposal for a stand-alone investment agreement since foreign direct investment became the exclusive competence of the EU under the Lisbon Treaty.

A Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Japan 15 April 2013, 11:56 CET
The EU and Japan on 25 March 2013 officially launched the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The aim is for a comprehensive agreement in goods, services and investment eliminating tariffs, non-tariff barriers and covering other trade-related issues, such as public procurement, regulatory issues, competition, and sustainable development. The first round of negotiations was held in Brussels from 15 to 19 April 2013.

China's anti-dumping duties on X-ray security scanners - WTO case 26 February 2013, 19:09 CET
A World Trade Organization panel report (DS425) found that China's anti-dumping duties on imports of X-ray security scanners from the EU were in breach of WTO anti-dumping rules. The report marks a clear victory for the EU. If the report is not appealed within 60 days, China will be expected to remove its anti-dumping duties on EU imports of X-ray security scanners.

EU - India relations 29 January 2013, 18:58 CET
The 13th EU-India Ministerial meeting takes place in Brussels on 30 January 2013. The meeting will be an opportunity to take stock of progress made in the bilateral relationship since the previous Summit in February 2012. The main discussion will focus on foreign policy issues of common concern and in further developing the bilateral relationship across the board.

Key elements of the EU-Singapore trade and investment agreements 21 November 2019, 16:47 CET
On 18 April 2018, the European Commission presented to the Council the EU-Singapore Trade Agreement and the EU-Singapore Investment Protection Agreement. The EU-Singapore trade and investment agreements takes EU and Singapore relations to a new level and creates more opportunities for EU and Singaporean businesses to grow and create new jobs. The negotiation of the trade and investment agreements was done in parallel to the negotiation of a soon-to-be-signed Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Once in force, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement will provide the legal framework to further develop the strong and longstanding partnership between the EU and Singapore.

EU anti-subsidy investigation on solar panel imports from China 08 November 2012, 13:46 CET
The European Commission has launched an anti-subsidy ("countervailing duty") investigation into imports of solar panels and their key components (i.e. solar cells and solar wafers) originating in China.

European leaders seek Asian support on debt crisis 05 November 2012, 11:38 CET
European leaders flew to impoverished Laos Monday on a mission to reassure Asia they are finally getting a grip on the eurozone debt crisis during a major summit in the tiny landlocked nation.

EU anti-dumping investigation into solar panel imports from China 06 September 2012, 10:57 CET
The European Commission has aunched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of solar panels and their key components (i.e. solar cells and solar wafers) originating in China. EU Pro Sun, an industry association, claimed in its complaint lodged on 25 July 2012 that solar panels and their key components imported from China enter the European market at prices below market value. In terms of import value affected, this is the most significant anti-dumping complaint the European Commission has received so far: in 2011, China exported solar panels and their key components worth around €21 billion to the EU. The investigation will take 15 months in total, whereas it is possible according to trade defence rules to impose provisional anti-dumping duties within 9 months, provided there is sufficient prima facie evidence of dumping.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 05 November 2015, 21:00 CET
Since its establishment in 1991, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has become the largest financial investor in its region of operations which stretches from central Europe and the Western Balkans to central Asia. With the ability and willingness to bear risk on behalf of its clients, the EBRD helps their countries in the region to become open, market economies. The EBRD is owned by 64 countries, the European Union and the European Investment Bank. It provides project financing for banks, industries and businesses, both new ventures and investments in existing companies. It also works with publicly owned companies.

RAPEX in 2011 - guide 08 May 2012, 14:03 CET
EU consumers want to be sure that the products - whether produced in the EU or imported from third-countries - are safe. The RAPEX 2011 Report shows that the EU's rapid alert system for non-food dangerous products ("RAPEX") is increasingly effective. Dangerous products are detected earlier and more effectively and are more promptly removed from the EU market. This process involves a chain of actions including upstream efforts to design out risks at source, better risk assessment and close co-operation between EU authorities, notably customs, to identify risks at the points of entry.

EU WTO challenge to China's export restrictions on rare earths - guide 13 March 2012, 22:00 CET
The European Union has launched a second challenge of China's export restrictions on raw materials including 17 rare earths, as well as tungsten and molybdenum. Together with the US and Japan, the EU formally requested dispute settlement consultations with China in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This follows a successful EU challenge at the WTO on similar restrictions for other raw materials earlier this year.

China - EU factsheet 14 February 2012, 10:14 CET
The European Union is looking to strengthen its partnership with China at the fourteenth EU-China summit, to take place in Beijing on 14 February 2012. The EU will be represented by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. The People's Republic of China will be represented by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

EU - India Summit factsheet 09 February 2012, 23:14 CET
The 12th EU-India Summit takes place on 10 February 2012 in New Delhi. The EU will be represented by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will also be present. India will be represented by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

WTO Case on export restrictions of raw materials in China - guide 31 January 2012, 23:19 CET
The Appellate Body of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on 30 January confirmed the findings made by a Panel in July 2011 that China's export restrictions on several industrial raw materials are in breach of WTO rules. The WTO found that China's export restrictions are not justified for reasons of environmental protection or conservation policy. Today's final ruling was welcomed by Europe's trade chief.

Boost for Enterprise Europe Network in Asia, North Africa 29 September 2011, 12:55 CET
The European Commission is extending the reach of the Enterprise Europe Network - its business and innovation support network for SMEs - by opening new contact points in Japan, as well as doubling its presence in China. The aim, it says, is to see more European small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) profit from the fast growing markets in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.

EU seals first Asian free trade deal with S. Korea 16 September 2010, 17:48 CET
Europe agreed a vast free trade deal with South Korea on Thursday, hailing it as the first in a chain of bilateral pacts with Asian nations that will bind the continents together.

ASEM 8 Summit 15 September 2010, 10:41 CET
Since the inception of the ASEM process in 1996, Asia and Europe have kept their biennial appointment with remarkable regularity. The ASEM 8 Summit in Brussels on 4 and 5 October this year will be the eighth privileged occasion to give expression to the common views of Asia and Europe. Representing 58 % of global population, 50 % of global GDP and over 60% of global trade, this gathering will hopefully inspire the world community. Indeed, a month later, the first G-20 meeting to take place in a non G-8 country will gather in Seoul, Republic of Korea, to shape the policies that are required in the face of the financial and economic crisis.

2009 customs detentions of goods suspected of infringing Intellectual Property Right (IPR) - guide 22 July 2010, 17:32 CET
In 2009, EU Customs took action in 43,500 cases involving several million products suspected of being counterfeited or pirated at the external borders of the EU. This is according to the European Commission’s annual report on EU Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), which was published today. Cigarettes, clothing and brand labels were among the main articles stopped by customs on suspicion of IPR infringements. However, products for daily use and posing a potential danger to citizens’ health, such as shampoos, toothpaste, toys, medicines or household appliances, also accounted for a significant part. Today’s report gives statistics on the type, origin and transport method of IPR infringing products stopped at the external borders.

EU - India relations - background 21 June 2010, 14:24 CET
EU-India relations date back to the early 1960s when diplomatic relations were established. It was however the 1994 Cooperation Agreement (which is still the current legal framework for cooperation) that opened the door to the broad political dialogue that has since evolved, notably through annual Summits since 2000, and through regular ministerial and expert-level meetings.