By Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS, March 23 (Reuters) - The European Union's trade chief is unsure what Washington wants in return for a permanent EU exemption from steel tariffs but she warned on Friday that she would resist pressure to cut EU duties on U.S. cars. European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom, who will lead negotiations on behalf of the 28-state European Union, … [Read more...]
EU Launches Free Trade Deal with Canada as Britain Eyes Own Deal
By Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS, Sept 20 (Reuters) - The European Union and Canada will begin cutting import duties from Thursday on thousands of products and services in a reminder to Britain of the work it will take to replace the trade alliances it will give up when it leaves the EU. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will provisionally enter force … [Read more...]
EU to Investigate Tax Exemptions for Belgian, French Ports
BRUSSELS, July 8 (Reuters) - The European Commission opened on Friday two investigations into whether tax exemptions for Belgian and French ports breach EU state aid rules. In France, the EU executive cited full corporate income tax exemptions for 11 ports, including Marseilles, Nantes and le Havre, while, in Belgium, a number of ports also enjoy privileged tax regimes, … [Read more...]
EU to Accept Antitrust Offer from Maersk, MSC, and 13 Others, Sources Say
By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS, June 28 (Reuters) - World No.1 container liner Maersk, Swiss peer MSC and 13 other shipping firms are set to escape possible penalties as EU antitrust regulators plan to accept their offer to end a five-year probe, three people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The European Commission is likely to announce its decision next month, which … [Read more...]
France Wants Coordinated EU Patrols in South China Sea
By David Roman (Bloomberg) -- France will urge European Union nations to coordinate navy patrols to ensure a “regular and visible” presence in the disputed South China Sea, in the latest sign of international push back to China’s expanded military clout in the area. The French government views the protection of freedom of the seas as critical from an economic standpoint … [Read more...]