Introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process

2020/0051(COD)

The European Parliament adopted by 604 votes to 43, with 49 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation

(EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union’s Stabilisation and Association process.

As a reminder, the proposal aims at extending until 31 December 2025 the period of application of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories linked to the Stabilisation and Association process implemented by the European Union in respect of the Western Balkans.

Parliament adopted its position at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure, amending the Commission proposal as follows.

Members considered that extending the period of application of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 is a suitable guarantee to ensure the Union's enhanced and proactive commitment to the trade integration of the Western Balkans. They stressed that the current system of autonomous trade measures remains a valuable support for the economies of the Balkan partners.

The amended text clarifies that entitlement to benefit from the preferential arrangements introduced by the Regulation should be conditional on the willingness of the beneficiary entities in the Western Balkans to engage in effective economic reforms and regional cooperation with other countries concerned by the EU Stabilisation and Association Process, in particular through the establishment of free trade areas in accordance with Article XXIV of the GATT 1994 and other relevant WTO provisions.