CAUCASUS

Fact finding trip heralds first steps towards stronger trade relations with Armenia
A European Commission's expert's team went to Yerevan, the Armenian capital in order to map out a preparatory process for possible future negotiations of an ambitious free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and Armenia. Deeper economic ties are a key element in the EU's Neighbourhood Policy and the new Eastern Partnership initiative launched end of last year.

Press release

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Are IPR a barrier to the transfer of climate change technology?
Access to technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is important for developing countries to help them address the challenges of climate change whilst the innovative technologies in this domain have become increasingly patented. The study report commissioned by the European Commission elaborates on the question whether IPR are a barrier to the transfer of climate change technology and is now available.

Read the report

MARKET ACCESS

Enterprise Europe Network reaching out to SMEs
Small and Medium Enterprises who want to access international markets can start a little nearer to home by contacting one of the offices of the newly created Enterprise Europe Network. The Network is the world´s largest, comprising 550 partners in 44 countries helping businesses to make the most of business opportunities beyond national and even EU borders.

Read the latest Market Access newsletter

...protectionism
"In the face of this challenging economic environment, some governments are coming under severe pressure to shield their economies and favour local production by either raising tariff and non-tariff barriers, or by artificially boosting exports. If triggered, an escalation of new protectionist measures would lead to a fall in global trade activity further deepening the economic downturn."