Members' Research Service By / July 13, 2016

Imports of Belarusian textile products [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Naja Bentzen (1st edition), In the light of the ‘positive political developments’ in relations between the European Union…

Argus / Fotolia

Written by Naja Bentzen (1st edition),

Belarus flag with european union flag
Argus / Fotolia

In the light of the ‘positive political developments’ in relations between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus – not least due to Belarusian authorities’ release of six political prisoners in August 2015 – the Commission proposes scrapping the existing autonomous quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in Belarus.

To this end, the Commission proposes amending Regulation (EU) 2015/936, which lays down the rules for imports of textile products from certain third countries not covered by bilateral agreements, protocols or other arrangements, or by other specific Union import rules.

As the use of autonomous quotas on imports of Belarusian textile products is very limited, their abolition is deemed to have limited impact on EU trade. The move aims to improve EU-Belarus bilateral relations which have long been impaired by Belarus’s poor human rights record.

Versions

Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2015/936 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for imports of textile products from certain third countries not covered by bilateral agreements, protocols or other arrangements, or by other specific Union import rules
Committee responsible:

Rapporteur:

International Trade (INTA)

Hannu Takkula (ALDE, Finland)

COM(2016)44 final 03.02.2016

2016/0029(COD)

Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’)

Next steps expected: Discussions in INTA:

Stage: EESC


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