EU Policy Workshops 2007 “Europe in the World”
EU Trade Policy & the WTO

When? 26-29 March 2007

Where? Madariaga Foundation, Rue Royale 87, B-1000, Brussels

Programme

Concept

The workshop will focus on EU policies regarding trade in goods and services, and will examine the contribution of the EU to the multilateral trade negotiations in the WTO. A central issue will be how EU trade policies respond to the challenges of globalization and sustainable development.

The policy process will be looked at from a variety of perspectives. Presentations by officials from the European Commission will be complemented by speakers from business, non-governmental organisations, and think-tanks in Brussels.

The workshop will include discussion sessions and interactive debate led by the Course Director. Meetings will be organised with officials at the European Commission, who have contributed to developing EU policies related to trade, WTO negotiations and globalisation.

The programme will focus on the following specific themes:

• EU Trade Policy Principles and Priorities
• Significance of EU in World Trade
• Trade & Sustainable Development
• EU in Multilateral Trade Negotiations
• Industry Interests in EU Trade Policy
• Civil Society & EU Trade Issues
• Economic Development and EU Trade
• Policy Issues about Trade in Services

Documentation will be prepared for participants prior to each workshop.

Outcome

This workshop will give participants a deeper understanding of the policy-process regarding EU Trade Policy and responses to the challenges of the WTO multilateral trade negotiations, taking account of globalisation and sustainable development. Participants will gain unique insights into how common EU Trade Policies are negotiated and its current priorities. They will have the opportunity to meet EU officials, and to gain a better appreciation of the significance of the EU in global trade.

Participants

The EU Policy Workshops will be relevant to:

• Diplomats and other national officials EU Member States, candidate and neighbouring countries working with the EU
• Officials working for international EU partner organisations
• Representatives from NGOs, trade associations and other interest-based organisations
• International consultants responsible for setting-up lobbying strategies towards the EU institutions
• Journalists specialised in coverage of EU affairs

Participants should have a good command of English, an understanding of how EU institutions work, and at least three years of relevant work experience.

Numbers will be restricted for each EU Policy Workshop to ensure a high level of interactivity and debate in the training and debriefing sessions.