On the road to Cancún: a development perspective on EU trade policies

Part I: This section gives an outline of policy perspectives that inform EU trade policies as well as a development perspective in examining those policies. It discusses the issue of adjustment in the EU and evaluates the EU's track record in the liberalisation of key industries of interest to developing countries. It also evaluates the EU's commitment to environmentally sustainable policies, reviewing various EU technical regulations.The author argues that the EU must undertake major reforms of its agriculture sector and trade policies in order to fulfil its commitment to the global trading system, trade liberalisation and efficient global markets. The author recommends that the removal of distortions in global markets would be essential in enabling developing countries to exploit their comparative advantages in agriculture and other labour-intensive industries and to "export their way out of poverty". The author also advocates for tighter vigilance, transparency and participation by other interest groups in a bid to combat against capture of EU technical regulations by rent seeking protectionist interests.Part II: This section gives an overview of the factors that would influence the reform process within the EU. It also sheds some light on the issue of EU enlargement and the process of the EU CAP reform, where it argues that the reduction of protection in the EU will enable these countries (Central and Eastern Europe) to make the necessary adjustments in their economies and to compete more effectively, both within the EU and globally. In conclusion the author recommends that the leadership role played by the EU will be enhanced if it advances environmental and other social policies in a manner that is consistent with increased openness of its market. By contributing to less distorted global markets for products of interest to developing countries, the EU will also help foster the conditions necessary for the sustainable development of those countries and for poverty reduction.[adapted from author]