Current portal location

Website content

Public consultations

Do you want to give us your opinion on EU policies and influence their direction?

Take part in shaping European policy by responding to our consultations - we are interested in hearing your views and learning from your experience.

For other consultations, please look at the Your Voice in Europe website.

Current public consultations

  1. Public Consultation on EU-US High Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth

    • At the 28 November 2011 EU-US Summit meeting, Leaders directed the Transatlantic Economic Council to establish a High-Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth, led by US Trade Representative Ron Kirk and EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht. This Working Group is tasked to identify policies and measures to increase EU-US trade and investment to support mutually beneficial job creation, economic growth, and international competitiveness.

       

      Upon completing its analysis, the Working Group will also consider and recommend the practical means necessary to implement any policy measures identified. These could include a range of possible initiatives, from enhanced regulatory cooperation to negotiation of one or more bilateral trade agreements addressing the issues mentioned in the attached Fact Sheet.

       

      DG Trade would be interested in stakeholder comments on objectives and priorities, and you are invited to submit your input to trade-eu-us-consult@ec.europa.eu by 23 April 2012.

       

       

      Target Group

      All Stakeholders

      Policy Field

      EU-US Trade relations

    • Closing Date: 23/04/2012
  2. Public Consultation on a new Trade and Development Communication
  3. Consultation on an initiative on access of third countries to the EU's public procurement market


    • Through international commitments (WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and bilateral/regional FTAs), the EU advocates an ambitious opening of international public procurement markets and has committed itself to granting market access to its public procurement market for certain foreign goods, services and companies.

      In contrast to the EU’s policy favouring greater openness, many third countries are reluctant to (further) open their procurement markets to international competition, which limits business opportunities for EU companies in these markets. Similarly, some trading partners have maintained or introduced protectionist measures hitting EU companies.

      In this context, the Commission is currently carrying out an impact assessment analysing how to set proportionate, coherent and effective terms of access to the EU public procurement markets for foreign goods, services and companies.

      The replies to this consultation will feed the impact assessment with data, information and views of stakeholders on the current situation on the public procurement market of the EU and of third countries and on the (possible) effects of EU legislation in this field.

      You can participate to the public consultation by clicking on one of the links below.

      Any questions you might still have, can be sent to the following e-mail address: markt-trade-procurement-initiative@ec.europa.eu.

      UPDATE: On 8 July a public hearing was organised by the Commission where a wide range of stakeholders interested in this initiative participated. Their input will also be considered in the preparation of the impact assessment of this initiative. You can download the presentation made by the European Commission at the hearing here.

       

      Target Group

      All stakeholders in public procurement. Contributions are particularly sought from business that sell to public authorities and utilities, trade associations representing businesses, contracting authorities (including utilities) or associations representing contracting authorities, Government institution/regulatory authority, trade unions and NGOs.

      Policy Field

      Trade - Internal Market

    • Closing Date: Completed - 02/08/2011
  4. Public Consultation on the future investment relationship between the EU and China

    • Policy field: Trade - Investment relations with China
      Target group: All parties with an interest in investment related issues regarding China and the EU
      Closing Date: 5 July 2011

       

      Objective of the consultation
      Trade between China and the EU continues to increase, but investment flows between the two regions remain limited in comparison. European investors identify China repeatedly as a location that holds great untapped potential. However, China's growth, and the prospects that it offers for foreign investors, have been accompanied by growing concerns on the part of European investors about the lack of a level playing field in China because of persistent barriers and an uncertain business environment. In the context of an Executive-to-Executive meeting on 29 April 2010, European Commission President Manuel Barroso and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao instructed their respective teams to study the options for enhancing the bilateral investment relationship between the EU and China. To this end, a "Joint EU-China Investment Task Force" was launched in summer of 2010 to explore the scope for deeper cooperation on investment, including considerations of a possible standalone investment agreement.
       

      In this context, the European Commission is launching a broad public consultation to gather views from relevant stakeholders regarding the future EU-China investment relationship. The consultation is open to all stakeholders within the EU and in third countries.


      The Commission services prepared a summary report on the consultation which you can download here. All individual contributions can be downloaded in this document, to the exception of those from respondents who indicate that they do not wish their contribution to be made public or as indicated in the questionnaire wish to keep certain information confidential.


      We welcome your input and comments on the questionnaire, by Tuesday, 5 July 2011 at the latest. If you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at: trade-eu-china-inv-consult@ec.europa.eu.

       

      Target Group

      Stakeholders

      Policy Field

      Trade - Investment relations with China

    • Closing Date: Completed - 06/07/2011
  5. Public Hearing on the protection and enforcement of IPR in third countries
    • In 2004, the Commission adopted a strategy for the enforcement of IP rights in third countries.
      This strategy is currently being reviewed, on the basis of a recent study and other sources of input, including a public consultation (which will complement the broader one conducted in 2010 regarding the EU trade policy). This review should result in the adoption of a new Commission Communication by the end of 2011.

      A public hearing took place in May 2011 on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in third countries.The results of this public hearing will be taken into account by the Directorate General for Trade in reviewing the Strategy for the enforcement of IP rights in third countries.

      Hearing outcomes
      A report summarising the outcomes of this hearing has been prepared. Stakeholders have the opportunity to provide further (written) comments by sending them to the mailbox TRADE-IPR-CONSULTATION-2011@ec.europa.eu.

       

      Target Group

      All Stakeholders

      Policy Field

      Intellectual Property

    • Closing Date: Completed - 29/04/2011
  6. Survey on IPR protection and enforcement in third countries
    • The European Commission is launching a survey on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in third countries, in order to collect feedback from EU companies and other EU right holders.
      As for similar exercises conducted in 2003 and 2007, the replies to this new survey will be taken into account by the Directorate General for Trade in reviewing its priorities regarding IPR issues. In particular, combined with other sources of input, it will enable the Commission to update its list of "priority countries" (see the IPR Enforcement Report 2009).
      This survey is linked to the Strategy for the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in Third Countries adopted in 2004 by the Commission, with the purpose to reduce the level of IPR infringements beyond EU borders, in particular in countries where it has reached worrying proportions and is seriously harming EU right holders.

      Closed 31 December 2010

       

      Target Group

      Stakeholders

      Policy Field

      Intellectual Property

    • Closing Date: Completed - 31/12/2010
  7. Questionnaire on a Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia
    • On 10 September, Member States gave the green light to start FTA negotiations with Malaysia. Malaysia seems ready to negotiate an ambitious and comprehensive FTA, including commitments on competition and government procurement.  

      Following the Council authorisation to negotiate an FTA with ASEAN countries of April 2007, EU stakeholders were consulted on priorities and concerns in the context of trade negotiations with this region. The responses received were numerous and varied. However, they do not always allow focusing on the particular circumstances of Malaysia.  

      The present questionnaire aims at providing the European Commission with an update / complement on specific market access issues affecting EU stakeholders in Malaysia.  

      Please note that we also welcome information on specific market access issues in doing business with other countries in the ASEAN region.

      The results of this consultation will feed into the Commission's position in international negotiations. Therefore, exceptionally, the replies to this questionnaire will not be made public.

       

      Target Group

      Businesses and interest groups affected by trade with Malaysia

      Policy Field

      Trade Policy

    • Closing Date: Completed - 03/12/2010
  8. Questionnaire on trade aspects of an Association agreement with Azerbaijan
    • On 26 April 2010 the European Commission was authorised to open negotiations for an association agreement with Azerbaijan. Title 4 of this agreement concerns trade and trade related matters. This part will provide for an upgrade of the current PCA (Partnership and Cooperation Agreement) with Azerbaijan. The agreement will lay the foundation for a political association and a gradual economic integration ultimately bringing the two economies as close as possible. It will aim at a very high level of ambition, within the framework of a non preferential trade agreement, and address issues such as export disciplines, access to infrastructures, SPS and will provide for a binding dispute settlement mechanism.

      DG Trade has prepared a questionnaire so as to give stakeholders the opportunity to provide input and help the Commission in establishing priorities and take decisions throughout the negotiating process.

      The results of this consultation will feed into the Commission's position in international negotiations. Therefore, exceptionally, the replies to this questionnaire will not be made public.

      Azerbaijan is not yet a WTO member. The work for Azerbaijan accession is ongoing. The replies to the questions of this questionnaire will also serve as inputs to this negotiation. The Association Agreement will also give the long term perspective of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement once Azerbaijan has met the necessary conditions, the first and foremost of those being Azerbaijan's WTO membership.

      Please send your replies to the questionnaire, which you can download below, by Monday 15 November 2010 to the following e-mail address: trade-industry@ec.europa.eu

      Should you have any questions regarding this consultation, please send your queries to the same e-mail address.

      Thank you in advance for your valuable input.

       

      Target Group

      All stakeholders with an interest in the operation of EU-Azerbaijan trade and economic relations

      Policy Field

      Trade Policies

    • Closing Date: Completed - 15/11/2010
  9. Public Consultation on the future of EU Japan trade and economic relations

    • At the 19th Japan-EU Summit of 28 April 2010, the EU and Japan decided to establish a joint High Level Group (HLG) to identify options for strengthening all aspects of Japan-EU relations – including trade and economic aspects.

      The European Commission is launching a broad public consultation to gather views from relevant stakeholders regarding the future EU-Japan trade and economic relationship, ahead of the next Summit which will be held in spring 2011. The consultation is open to all stakeholders within the EU and in third countries.

      The Commission services will prepare a report on the Consultation which will be published on the Directorate General for Trade website. All contributions will be published in a document attached to the report, to the exception of those from respondents who indicate that they do not wish their contribution to be made public

      We welcome your input and comments on the questionnaire, by Wednesday 5 November 2010 at the latest. If you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
      TRADE-EU-JAPAN-CONSULTATION@ec.europa.eu

      Closed 05 November 2010

       

      Target Group

      All parties with an interest in the operation of EU-Japan trade and economic relations

      Policy Field

      Trade with Japan

    • Closing Date: Completed - 05/11/2010
  10. Public Consultation on a future trade policy
    • Following the 'Europe 2020' paper adopted by the European Commission on 3 March 2010, the European Commission is now launching a broad public consultation on the future direction of EU trade policy. The Commission's intention is to set out its policy during autumn 2010, explaining how trade policy can help achieve the objectives of the 'Europe 2020' Strategy. The purpose of this consultation is to gather views from relevant stakeholders regarding the rationale, scope and strategic objectives for a future EU trade policy. The consultation is open to all stakeholders within the EU and in third countries.

      The Commission services prepared a report on the Consultation which you can download below. A list of Contributors to the Public Consultation which have agreed to make their contribution publicly available is also published. To read the complete individual contribution, please click on the name of the contributor in one of the two lists below.

      Closed 4 August 2010

       

      Target Group

      Stakeholders

      Policy Field

      Trade policy

    • Closing Date: Completed - 04/08/2010
  11. Consultation EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement
    • In May 2010, the European Commission decided to relaunch the negotiations on an Association Agreement with the Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay).

      A questionnaire has been prepared to give stakeholders the opportunity to provide an update of their interests in order to complete the information that the Commission has already collected during previous active negotiations. The objective is to help the Commission in establishing priorities and take decisions throughout the negotiating process.

       

      Target Group

      Stakeholders

      Policy Field

      Bilaterlal relations, Mercosur

    • Closing Date: Completed - 31/07/2010
  12. Questionnaire on Trade in Fish and Fishery Products between EU and Mercosur
    • The EU began free trade negotiations with Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) in 1995. These were suspended without agreement in 2004. During the EU-Mercosur Summit that took place in Madrid on 17 May 2010, the Heads of State and Government recalled their importance and the European Commission decided to relaunch the negotiations.

      The attached questionnaire has been prepared to give the fisheries sector the opportunity to provide us with information that will help the Commission establish priorities and take decisions throughout the negotiating process.

      Contact: Miriam Garcia Ferrer, Clare Murphy
      Tel. + 32 2 298.10.02 - +32.2.299.39.45

      Closed 5 July 2010

       

      Target Group

      Stakeholders

      Policy Field

      Bilateral relations, Fisheries

    • Closing Date: Completed - 05/07/2010
  13. Public Consultation on the revision and updating of the EU’s scheme of Generalised System of Preferences
    • The present GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) Regulation expires on 31 December 2011. The purpose of the consultation exercise is to seek comments from interested parties as inputs to the Commission's work to prepare a future proposal to the Council and Parliament on a successor Regulation. The consultation is aimed at all parties with an interest in the EU GSP scheme, including stakeholders within the EU and in third countries, including beneficiaries.

      Contact details:
      Responsible Services: Directorate-General for Trade, Unit D.1, Trade and Development
      Contact e-mail: TRADE-GSP-Consultation@ec.europa.eu
      Postal Address: European Commission, Trade D.1, CHAR 09/218, 1049 Brussels

      Period of consultation: 27 March to 4 June 2010

       

      Target Group

      All stakeholders with an interest in the operation of the EU GSP scheme

      Policy Field

      International Trade

    • Closing Date: Completed - 04/06/2010
  14. Consultation on a possible EU Singapore Trade agreement
    • In April 2007, the Council authorised the Commission to enter into FTA negotiations with ASEAN countries. As progress in these region-to-region talks were however slower than anticipated, both sides agreed to make a pause in March 2009. However, the rationale set out in the 2006 Global Europe communication for pursuing talks with ASEAN countries remains strong. The EU needs to remain engaged with this dynamic region and provide a level-playing field for European businesses. Therefore, EU Member States in December 2009 agreed that the Commission would pursue bilateral FTAs with those ASEAN countries willing to negotiate a comprehensive FTA, beginning with Singapore, and to be followed by other relevant countries in the region.

      This questionnaire has been prepared in order for you to provide us with information that will help the Commission establish priorities and take decisions throughout the negotiating process.

       

      Target Group

      All interested parties

      Policy Field

      Trade

    • Closing Date: Completed - 15/02/2010
  15. Questionnaire on a Free Trade Agreement with Libya
    • The questionnaire has been prepared in order for you to provide us with information that will help the Commission establish priorities and take decisions throughout the negotiating process.

       

      Target Group

      All interested parties

      Policy Field

      Trade with Libya

    • Closing Date: Completed - 28/11/2009
  16. Trade in Fish and Fishery Products Between EU and Canada
    • The questionnaire gives the fisheries sector the opportunity to provide the Commission with information that will help us establish priorities and take decisions throughout the negotiating process.

       

      Target Group

      The Fisheries sector

      Policy Field

      Trade in Fisheries

    • Closing Date: Completed - 30/09/2009
  17. Global Europe : The EU's Market Access Strategy in a changing global economy
    • This consultation paper asks for your views on the European Union's Market Access Strategy, and the ways in which it might be improved.

       

      Target Group

      all interested parties

      Policy Field

      Market Access

    • Closing Date: Completed - 19/01/2007
  18. CUT RED TAPE - IMPROVE THE EU'S REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
    • Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, invites you to send ideas on how to cut red tape to improve the regulatory environment in which EU businesses operate.

       

      Target Group

      BUSINESS AND NGOS

      Policy Field

      CONSULTATION FOR BUSINESS AND NGOS

    • Closing Date: Completed - 29/12/2005
  19. EU regulation on origin marking ("made in")
    • Presently, there is no obligation to indicate the name of the country of origin on most of the products that are marketed in the EC. The Commission is examining the possibility of developing an EC regulation on origin marking ("made in") with regard to some imported industrial products.

      You are invited to give your views on this issue and may submit your comments via the link below.

       

      Target Group

      All interested parties

      Policy Field

      Trade

    • Closing Date: Completed - 30/04/2005
  20. Call for comments on Sustainability Impact Assessment of World Trade Organisation negotiations - Agriculture (Mid-term report)
    • The Institute for Development Policy and Management, Manchester University, is leading a consortium which has prepared a report commissioned by DG TRADE on this topic. You are invited to submit your comments directly to the consultants conducting this assessment, The email and postal addresses are available via the next link.

       

      Target Group

      Civil Society

      Policy Field

      Trade

    • Closing Date: Completed - 18/03/2005
  21. Call for new ideas to develop the EU-US economic partnership
    • The European Commission is looking for proposals to develop the EU-US economic partnership and is consulting civil society, including business, trade unions, non-governmental organisations and academic circles to this end. You are invited to respond via a questionnaire. The US Government is running a similar consultation.

       

      Target Group

      Civil Society

      Policy Field

      Trade

    • Closing Date: Completed - 30/11/2004
  22. Sustainability Impact Assessment of EU-Gulf Cooperation Council negotiations
    • DG Trade has commissioned an assessment of the negotiations currently underway with the Gulf Cooperation Council in view of a Free Trade Agreement. The consultants' consortium headed by PriceWaterhouseCoopers has published a draft report for consultation.

      Comments may be sent via: http://www.sia-gcc.org/gcc/uk/feedback.php

       

      Target Group

      All interested parties

      Policy Field

      Trade

    • Closing Date: Completed - 19/03/2004
  23. Sustainability Impact Assessment of trade policy: Improving the methodology
    • DG Trade wants to improve the methodology used for assessing the impacts of trade policy on sustainable development. It invites written comments on a draft consultation paper. These may be sent to eric.peters@cec.eu.int.

       

      Target Group

      All interested parties

      Policy Field

      Trade

    • Closing Date: Completed - 27/02/2004
  24. The Future of Textiles and Clothing after 2005
    • On 5-6 May 2003, Pascal Lamy will host a major conference in Brussels on "The Future of Textiles and Clothing Trade after 2005". In preparation, the European Commission has launched an open consultation on the future of textiles trade policy. Through a dedicated internet forum, interested parties from all over the world can submit their ideas and contributions on trade in textile policies. "In less than two years we shall see the elimination of quota restrictions which have been a feature of world trade in textiles for 40 years. The time is ripe for a fresh, open and thorough analysis of all aspects of textiles trade and we want to hear the views from all interested parties so that we can draw the right conclusions", said Pascal Lamy.
      The main questions are:
      • Likely impact of quota elimination on developing and industrialised countries: will further adjustments in trade policy be necessary?
      • Impact of total quota elimination on sustainable development (environmental and social aspects).
      • The relevance of regional groupings and of tariff preferences in the context of further trade liberalisation under the WTO.
      • How to ensure fair and equitable trading conditions world-wide.

       

      Target Group

      All interested parties

      Policy Field

      Trade

    • Closing Date: Completed - 25/04/2003
  25. Sustainability Impact Assessment of WTO Multilateral Trade Negotiations - Phase 3
    • The European Commission has commissioned an independent assessment of the impact that trade negotiations may have on sustainable development. The work is being undertaken in a number of phases and Phase One and Phase Two have been completed. A further development of the SIA methodology has also been completed. A third stage in the SIA programme (Phase Three) is now being undertaken, and will begin with a qualified preliminary overview SIA of the Doha Development Agenda, and a number of detailed SIAs of individual sectors (market access, environmental services and competition).

       

      Target Group

      all interested parties

      Policy Field

      Market Access, Environmental Services and Competition Policy.

    • Closing Date: Completed - 10/03/2003

Open-ended consultations

None at present.