[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |

[pic] | KUMMISSJONI TAL-KOMUNITAJIET EWROPEJ |

Brussels, 18.4.2007

Brussel 18.4.2007

COM(2007) 183 final

KUMM(2007) 183 finali

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

KOMUNIKAZZJONI MILL-KUMMISSJONI LILL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW, LILL-KUNSILL, LILL-KUMITAT EKONOMIKU U SOĊJALI U LILL-KUMITAT TAR-REĠJUNI

GLOBAL EUROPE: A STRONGER PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER MARKET ACCESS FOR EUROPEAN EXPORTERS

L-EWROPA GLOBALI: PARTENARJAT AKTAR B'SAĦĦTU BIEX ITEJJEB L-AĊĊESS GĦAS-SWIEQ GĦALL-ESPORTATURI EWROPEJ

{SEC(2007) 452}{SEC(2007) 453}

{SEG(2007) 452}{SEG(2007) 453}

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

KOMUNIKAZZJONI MILL-KUMMISSJONI LILL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW, LILL-KUNSILL, LILL-KUMITAT EKONOMIKU U SOĊJALI U LILL-KUMITAT TAR-REĠJUNI

GLOBAL EUROPE: A STRONGER PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER MARKET ACCESS FOR EUROPEAN EXPORTERS

L-EWROPA GLOBALI: PARTENARJAT AKTAR B'SAĦĦTU BIEX ITEJJEB L-AĊĊESS GĦAS-SWIEQ GĦALL-ESPORTATURI EWROPEJ

1. Introduction

1. Introduzzjoni

In today's global economy European companies have never been more dependent on effective access to the markets of our trading partners. European companies are making capital-intensive investments in third countries and creating supply chains that are both complex and global. European exporters are increasingly looking to succeed not just in the large economies of the developed world, but in emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil and Russia.

Fl-ekonomija globali tal-lum il-kumpaniji Ewropej dipendenti aktar minn qatt qabel fuq l-aċċess effettiv għas-swieq ta' l-imsieħba kummerċjali tagħna. Il-kumpaniji Ewropej qegħdin jagħmlu investimenti ta' kapital intensiv f'pajjiżi terzi u qegħdin joħolqu katini tal-provvista li huma kemm kumplessi kif ukoll globali. L-esportaturi Ewropej qegħdin ifittxu dejjem aktar li jirnexxu mhux biss fl-ekonomiji kbar tad-dinja żviluppata, iżda wkoll fl-ekonomiji emerġenti bħaċ-Ċina, l-Indja, il-Brażil u r-Russja.

The Global Europe framework of 2006[1] argued that trade policy can make a key contribution to growth and jobs in Europe by ensuring that European companies remain competitive and that they have genuine access to the export markets they need. Europe is right to open its own markets in a way that stimulates competitiveness and innovation, provides access to raw materials and attracts inward foreign investment: this is the right response to globalisation. In parallel, we can and should expect open markets and fair trading conditions abroad. In particular, the emerging economies that have benefited from the global trading system to achieve high growth rates should now bring down their own barriers and further open their markets. This is in their own interests, as well as those of the global trading system more widely. In a highly competitive global economy, market access will significantly influence our economic export strength.

Il-qafas għal Ewropa Globali stabbilit fl-2006[1] jsostni li l-politika kummerċjali tista' tagħti kontribut ewlieni lit-tkabbir ekonomiku u lill-impjiegi fl-Ewropa billi tiżgura li l-kumpaniji Ewropej jibqgħu kompetittivi u li jkollhom aċċess ġenwin għas-swieq ta' l-esportazzjoni li jeħtieġu. L-Ewropa għandha d-dritt li tiftaħ is-swieq tagħha stess b'mod li tistimula l-kompetittività u l-innovazzjoni, tipprovdi aċċess għal materja prima u tiġbed lejha investiment barrani. din hija r-reazzjoni tajba għall-globalizzazzjoni. B’mod parallel, aħna nistgħu u għandna nistennew li nsibu swieq miftuħa u kundizzjonijiet ta' kummerċ ġust fl-esteru. B'mod partikolari, l-ekonomiji emerġenti li bbenefikaw mis-sistema ta' kummerċ globali biex jiksbu rati għoljin ta' tkabbir, issa għandhom ineħħu l-ostakli tagħhom stess u jiftħu aktar is-swieq tagħhom. Dan huwa fl-interess tagħhom stess, kif ukoll b'mod aktar mifrux, fl-interess tas-sistema ta' kummerċ globali. F'ekonomija globali kompetittiva ħafna, l-aċċess għas-swieq se jinfluwenza b'mod sinifikanti s-saħħa ekonomika tagħna fl-esportazzjoni.

Europe's first and clearest priority in maintaining open global markets is through its commitment to the WTO, the multilateral trading system and the Doha Round. Progressive global liberalisation is not only the most effective way of creating an open trading system, but it is the only way that genuinely delivers for all, developing and developed countries alike. However, a renewed policy on market access that focuses on particular problems or markets is an essential part of the EU's wider strategy.

L-ewwel prijorità u dik l-aktar ċara ta' l-Ewropa biex jinżammu miftuħa s-swieq globali hija permezz ta' l-impenn tagħha lejn id-WTO, is-sistema ta' kummerċ multilaterali u ċ-Ċiklu ta' Doha. Il-liberalizzazzjoni globali progressiva m'hijiex biss l-aktar mod effettiv biex tinħoloq sistema ta' kummerċ miftuħa, iżda hija l-uniku mod biex jinkisbu riżultati pożittivi għal kulħadd, kemm għall-pajjiżi li qed jiżviluppaw kif ukoll għal dawk żviluppati. Madankollu, il-politika mġedda dwar l-aċċess għas-swieq li tiffoka fuq problemi jew swieq partikolari hija parti essenzjali mill-istrateġija usa’ ta' l-UE.

This Communication proposes a stronger Partnership to deliver market access between the Commission, Member States, and business, based on extensive public consultation. It sets out a clearer, more results-oriented approach that focuses on concrete problems that EU businesses face in third country markets. It identifies both the weaknesses of the current system, and the extent to which EU policy has to change to reflect a changing global economy.

Din il-Komunikazzjoni tipproponi Partenarjat aktar b'saħħtu biex itejjeb l-aċċess għas-swieq bejn il-Kummissjoni, l-Istati Membri, u n-negozji, ibbażat fuq konsultazzjoni pubblika estensiva. Hija tistabbilixxi strateġija aktar ċara u orjentata aktar lejn ir-riżultati, li tiffoka fuq problemi konkreti li n-negozji ta' l-UE jħabbtu wiċċhom magħhom fis-swieq ta' pajjiżi terzi. Hija tidentifika kemm id-dgħjufijiet fis-sistema attwali, kif ukoll il-punt sa fejn il-politika ta' l-UE għandha tinbidel sabiex tirrifletti l-ekonomija globali li qed tinbidel.

It foresees a greater decentralisation of the current system and better use of local knowledge and initiative through the development of locally based EU Market Access Teams drawn from Commission Delegations, Member State Embassies and business organisations. It also asks if we could better prioritise the use of our capacities to ensure that, while all market access complaints are properly considered, the EU targets the most pressing problems. It sets out how we can make the current system more efficient, and more transparent for EU businesses.

Hija tipprevedi deċentralizzazzjoni akbar tas-sistema attwali u użu aħjar ta' għarfien lokali u ta' inizjattivi lokali permezz ta' l-iżvilupp ta' Gruppi Komunitarji speċjalizzati fl-Aċċess għas-Swieq, ibbażati lokalment, li jintgħażlu minn fost id-Delegazzjonijiet tal-Kummissjoni, l-Ambaxxati ta' l-Istati Membri u l-organizzazzjonijiet kummerċjali. Hija tistaqsi wkoll jekk nistgħux nipprijoritizzaw aħjar l-użu tal-kapaċitajiet tagħna sabiex niżguraw li, filwaqt li l-ilmenti dwar l-aċċess għas-swieq jitqiesu kif jixraq, l-UE jkollha fil-mira tagħha l-aktar problemi urġenti. Hija tistabbilixxi l-mod kif nistgħu nagħmlu s-sistema attwali aktar effiċjenti u aktar trasparenti għan-negozji ta' l-UE.

A strong market access policy is a key function of the common commercial policy, and a key area in which the EU can deliver real economic benefits for its Member States. When it comes to taking action against trade barriers, we need to identify ways to improve the use of the existing tools and – where possible - to develop new ones. This paper sets out how we can strengthen that policy for the future.

Politika b'saħħitha ta' aċċess għas-swieq hija l-funzjoni ewlenija tal-politika kummerċjali komuni, u l-qasam ewlieni li fih l-UE tista' tagħti benefiċċji ekonomiċi reali lill-Istati Membri tagħha. F'dak li għandu x'jaqsam ma' l-azzjoni kontra l-ostakli għall-kummerċ, neħtieġu nidentifikaw modi kif intejbu l-użu ta' l-għodod eżistenti u – fejn ikun possibbli – niżviluppaw oħrajn ġodda. Dan id-dokument jistabbilixxi kif nistgħu nsaħħu dik il-politika fil-ġejjieni.

2. Market access in a changing global economy

2. L-Istrateġija ta' l-UE għall-Aċċess għas-Swieq f'ekonomija globali li qed tinbidel

Progress since 1996

Il-progress mill-1996 'l hawn

The EU Market Access Strategy was launched in 1996[2] with the aim of enforcing multilateral and bilateral trade agreements and ensuring that third country markets were open to EU exports. This strategy aimed to provide exporters with information on market access conditions and a framework within which to tackle the barriers to trade in goods, services, intellectual property and investment.

L-Istrateġija ta' l-UE għall-Aċċess għas-Swieq tnediet fl-1996[2] bl-għan li tinforza l-ftehim kummerċjali multilaterali u bilaterali u li tiżgura li s-swieq ta' pajjiżi terzi kienu miftuħa għall-esportazzjonijiet ta' l-UE. L-istrateġija kellha l-għan li tipprovdi lill-esportaturi bit-tagħrif dwar il-kundizzjonijiet għall-aċċess għas-swieq u b'qafas li fih jintgħelbu l-ostakli għall-kummerċ tal-prodotti, tas-servizzi, tal-proprjetà intellettwali u ta' l-investiment.

The Market Access Database was created as the main operational tool of this strategy. It is a free, on-line service for EU exporters, incorporating information on market access conditions in around 100 countries and an evolving public record of currently around 500 market access barriers reported, primarily by business, to the Commission. The information sections of the database are well utilised and generally very popular with users.

Id- Database dwar l-Aċċess għas-Swieq inħolqot bħala l-għodda operattiva ewlenija ta' din l-istrateġija. Dan huwa servizz online bla ħlas għall-esportaturi ta' l-UE, li jinkorpora tagħrif dwar il-kundizzjonijiet għall-aċċess għas-swieq f'madwar 100 pajjiż kif ukoll reġistru pubbliku li qed jevolvi li bħalissa fih madwar 500 ostaklu għall-aċċess għas-swieq irrappurtati, primarjament min-negozji, lill-Kummissjoni. Is-sezzjonijiet ta' tagħrif tad- database huma utilizzati sewwa u ġeneralment popolari ħafna ma' l-utenti.

As a result of the priority the EU has given to multilateral efforts to reduce trade barriers, the Commission's focus has to some extent shifted away from specific barrier removal. There is a strong need to correct this, both because of the growing importance and complexity of non-tariff barriers and because of the demands of stakeholders. This can be achieved through improved consultation with business and Member States and a more focused approach to tackling barriers and optimum deployment of resources. Failure to improve coordination will make it much more difficult to detect, analyse and assess priority cases, and to achieve systematic success in eliminating barriers.

B'riżultat tal-prijorità li l-UE tat lill-isforzi multilaterali sabiex jitnaqqsu l-ostakli għall-kummerċ, il-Kummissjoni sa ċertu punt ma baqgħetx tiffoka fuq it-tneħħija speċifika ta' l-ostakli. Jeħtieġ bis-sħiħ li dan jitranġa, kemm minħabba l-kumplessità u l-importanza dejjem akbar ta' l-ostakli mhux tariffarji, kif ukoll minħabba l-ħtiġijiet tal-partijiet interessati. Dan jista' jinkiseb permezz ta' konsultazzjoni mtejba man-negozji u ma' l-Istati Membri, kif ukoll bi strateġija aktar iffukata sabiex jintgħelbu l-ostakli u jsir l-aħjar użu mir-riżorsi. In-nuqqas ta' koordinazzjoni mtejba se tagħmilha ferm aktar diffiċli biex każijiet ta' prijorità jiġu individwati, analizzati u evalwati u biex it-tneħħija ta' l-ostakli tirnexxi b'mod sistematiku.

The changing nature of barriers in the global economy

In-natura ta' l-ostakli li qed jinbidlu fl-ekonomija globali

The nature of barriers to trade in the global economy has changed. Where market access once focused on border tariffs, non-tariff and other “behind the border” barriers in the markets of our trading partners are increasingly important (see box below). A clear distinction should be drawn between unnecessary barriers to trade and justified and legally defensible measures to fulfil legitimate policy objectives, such as security, protection of human, animal and plant health and of the environment. While it is necessary to regulate trade, this must be done in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner, which is not more trade-restrictive than necessary in pursuing other legitimate policy objectives.

Fl-ekonomija globali inbidlet in-natura ta' l-ostakli għall-kummerċ. Fejn qabel l-aċċess għas-swieq kien jiffoka fuq it-tariffi tal-fruntieri, l-ostakli mhux tariffarji u oħrajn ta' "wara l-fruntiera" fis-swieq ta' l-imsieħba kummerċjali tagħna qed isiru dejjem aktar importanti (ara l-kaxxa iżjed 'l isfel). Għandha ssir distinzjoni ċara bejn l-ostakli għall-kummerċ li ma jkunux meħtieġa u l-miżuri li wieħed jista' jiġġustifika u jiddefendi legalment sabiex jintlaħqu l-għanijiet ta' politika leġittima, bħas-sigurtà, il-ħarsien tas-saħħa tal-bnedmin, ta' l-annimali u tal-pjanti u ta' l-ambjent. Filwaqt li jeħtieġ li jiġi rregolat il-kummerċ, dan għandu jsir b'mod trasparenti u mhux diskriminatorju, li ma jkunx aktar restrittiv fuq il-kummerċ milli meħtieġ biex jintlaħqu għanijiet oħra ta' politika leġittima.

These new types of barriers are more complicated, technically challenging and time consuming to detect, analyse and remove. Many market access problems now arise because existing rules are not correctly implemented or enforced. Furthermore, the expansion of WTO rules has not fully kept pace with the expanding range of barriers in the global economy. While the GATT and the WTO has been remarkably effective in removing tariff barriers to trade, and has moved into areas such as the policing of sanitary restrictions on trade, there are still many areas where WTO rules need to be developed and evolve in order to address non-tariff barriers. In addition, the more we can share best practice and approximation of environmental and social standards with trading partners, the better for EU business.

Dawn it-tipi ġodda ta' ostakli huma aktar ikkumplikati, joħolqu sfidi tekniċi u jieħdu fit-tul biex jiġu individwati, analizzati u mneħħija. Bħalissa qed jinqalgħu bosta problemi marbuta ma' l-aċċess għas-swieq minħabba li r-regoli eżistenti m'humiex implimentati jew infurzati b'mod korrett. Barra minn hekk, l-espansjoni tar-regoli tad-WTO ma żammitx kompletament mal-pass tal-firxa ta' ostakli li qegħdin jespandu fl-ekonomija globali. Filwaqt li l-GATT u d-WTO kienu notevolment effettivi fit-tneħħija ta' l-ostakli tariffarji għall-kummerċ, u bdew jaħdmu f'oqsma bħat-tfassil ta' politika dwar ir-restrizzjonijiet sanitarji fuq il-kummerċ, għad hemm ħafna oqsma fejn ir-regoli tad-WTO għandhom jiġu żviluppati u jevolvu sabiex ikunu indirizzati l-ostakli mhux tariffarji. Barra minn hekk, aktar ma naqsmu l-aħjar prassi u l-approssimazzjoni ta' l-istandards ambjentali u soċjali ma' l-imsieħba kummerċjali, aktar imur tajjeb in-negozju fl-UE.

Trade barriers in the modern global economy

L-ostakli għall-kummerċ fl-ekonomija globali moderna

1. Tariff barriers . Although these have been eroded by successive multilateral trade rounds, high tariffs still pose problems for EU exporters.

1. L-ostakli tariffarji . Għalkemm dawn naqsu minħabba sensiliet suċċessivi ta' kummerċ multilaterali, it-tariffi għoljin għadhom joħolqu problemi għall-esportaturi ta' l-UE.

2. Burdensome customs procedures for import, export and transit as well as unfair or discriminatory tax rules and practices .

2. Il-proċeduri doganali ta' piż għall-importazzjoni, għall-esportazzjoni u għat-tranżitu, kif ukoll regoli u prattiċi tat-taxxa inġusti u diskriminatorji.

3. Technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures that are not in line with WTO rules on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement).

3. Ir-regolamenti tekniċi, l-istandards u l-proċeduri ta' valutazzjoni ta' konformità li m'humiex konformi mar-regoli tad-WTO dwar l-Ostakli Tekniċi għall-Kummerċ (Il-Ftehim TBT).

4. Misuse of s anitary and phytosanitary measures i.e. those that are not justified on health and safety grounds within existing WTO rules.

4. L-użu ħażin ta' miżuri sanitarji u fitosanitarji jiġifieri dawk li m'humiex iġġustifikati minħabba raġunijiet ta' saħħa u sikurezza skond ir-regoli eżistenti tad-WTO.

5. Restrictions on access to raw materials , particularly restrictive export practices, including export taxes, which drive up prices for products such as hides and skins, and key mineral and metal goods, as well as dual pricing practices.

5. Ir-restrizzjonijiet fuq l-aċċess għal materja prima , b'mod partikolari l-prattiċi restrittivi ta' l-esportazzjoni, inklużi t-taxxi ta' l-esportazzjoni, li jgħollu l-prezzijiet għal prodotti bħal ġlud, u minerali u metalli ewlenin, kif ukoll prattiċi ta' pprezzar doppju.

6. Poor protection of intellectual property rights including geographical indications and the lack of proper implementation and enforcement.

6. Il-protezzjoni skarsa tad-drittijiet tal-proprjetà intellettwali inklużi indikazzjonijiet ġeografiċi u n-nuqqas ta' implimetazzjoni u infurzar xierqa.

7. Barriers to trade in services and foreign direct investment such as unjustified foreign ownership caps, joint venture obligations and discriminatory treatment.

7. L-ostakli għall-kummerċ fis-servizzi u għall-investiment barrani dirett bħal limiti mhux iġġustifikati imposti fuq proprjetà barranija, l-obbligazzjonijiet ta' l-inizjattivi bi sħab u t-trattament diskriminatorju.

8. Restrictive government procurement rules and practices that prevent EU companies from bidding effectively for public contracts in third countries.

8. Ir-regoli u l-prattiċi restrittivi għall-akkwist pubbliku li jżommu lill-kumpaniji ta' l-UE milli jagħmlu offerti b'mod effettiv għal kuntratti pubbliċi fil-pajjiżi terzi.

9. Abusive and/or WTO-incompatible use of trade defence instruments by third countries.

9. L-abbuż u/jew l-użu inkompatibbli mad-WTO ta' l-istrumenti ta’ difiża għall-kummerċ mill-pajjiżi terzi.

10. Unfair use of state aids and other subsidies by third countries in a way that constitutes market access barriers.

10. L-użu inġust , mill-pajjiżi terzi, ta' għajnuna mill-Istat u sussidji oħra b'mod li jostakola l-aċċess għas-swieq.

Stakeholders' support for change

L-appoġġ għall-bidla mill-partijiet interessati

In 2006 the Commission commissioned an evaluation study[3] and undertook an internet consultation on the European Union's approach to market access[4]. The consultation attracted more than 150 responses from Member States, EU business, and other stakeholders. The evaluation and consultation process established the following key conclusions:

Fl-2006 l-Kummissjoni kkummissjonat studju ta' valutazzjoni[3] u wettqet konsultazzjoni bl-internet dwar l-istrateġija ta' l-Unjoni Ewropea għall-aċċess għas-swieq[4]. Il-konsultazzjoni attirat iżjed minn 150 rispons mill-Istati Membri, negozji ta' l-UE, u partijiet interessati oħra. Il-proċess ta' valutazzjoni u konsultazzjoni stabbilixxa l-konklużjonijiet ewlenin li ġejjin:

- The EU needs to improve the mix of policy instruments it brings to securing and preserving market access – combining a commitment to multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations with committed action to ensuring those agreements are enforced.

- L-UE għandha ttejjeb it-taħlita ta' strumenti ta' politika li tuża sabiex tiżgura u tippreserva l-aċċess għas-swieq – filwaqt li tgħaqqad l-impenn għal negozjati kummerċjali multilaterali u bilaterali ma' l-impenn sabiex tiżgura li dak il-ftehim ikun infurzat.

- While export promotion rightly remains the essential role of EU Member States, many European companies work on a European, and increasingly a global, scale. The Commission, Member States and business need to work more closely together in partnership to maximise our leverage in tackling and preventing barriers, both in Brussels and third countries.

- Filwaqt li l-promozzjoni ta' l-esportazzjoni tibqa', kif inhu xieraq, ir-rwol essenzjali ta' l-Istati Membri ta' l-UE, bosta kumpaniji Ewropej qegħdin jaħdmu fuq skala Ewropea u dejjem aktar fuq dik globali. Il-Kummissjoni, l-Istati Membri u n-negozji għandhom jaħdmu aktar fil-qrib bejniethom bħala sħab sabiex ikabbru kemm jistgħu l-influwenza tagħna fit-trattament u l-prevenzjoni ta' l-ostakli, kemm fi Brussell kif ukoll fil-pajjiżi terzi.

- The EU needs to be better at prioritising action against barriers in order to achieve the greatest economic impact for the EU.

- L-UE għandha tiddefinixxi aħjar il-prijoritajiet tagħha fil-ġlieda kontra l-ostakli sabiex tikseb l-akbar impatt ekonomiku għall-UE.

- The EU needs a more efficient and transparent service for businesses. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly active in export markets and often face the greatest challenges in addressing trade barriers. SME problems with market access need to be taken carefully into account in the practical implementation of the strategy. The Commission adopted a Communication[5] in November 2005, which includes specific reference to addressing the needs of SMEs in this area. The Commission can further improve its Market Access Database to make it more user friendly.

- L-UE teħtieġ servizz aktar effiċjenti u trasparenti għan-negozji. L-impriżi żgħar u ta' daqs medju (SMEs) qed isiru dejjem iżjed attivi fis-swieq ta' l-esportazzjoni u spiss jiffaċċjaw l-akbar sfidi meta jindirizzaw l-ostakli għall-kummerċ. Fl-implimentazzjoni prattika ta' l-istrateġija għandhom jitqiesu b'attenzjoni l-problemi ta' l-SMEs f'dak li għandu x'jaqsam ma' l-aċċess għas-swieq. F'Novembru 2005, il-Kummissjoni adottat Komunikazzjoni[5] li tinkludi referenza speċifika għall-ħtiġiet ta' l-SME's f'dan il-qasam. Il-Kummissjoni tista' ttejjeb aktar id- Database tagħha dwar l-Aċċess għas-Swieq ħalli l-użu tagħha jsir aktar faċli.

The results of our evaluation and consultations make clear that market access is felt to be an area that deserves stronger action at the EU level. EU business wants a more result-oriented approach to help overcome the concrete problems they face in accessing third country markets with a speed and effectiveness that reflect modern commercial reality. Member States have consistently expressed their view that a more effective and assertive EU policy is needed.

Ir-riżultati tal-valutazzjoni u tal-konsultazzjonijiet tagħna juru biċ-ċar li l-aċċess għas-swieq jinħass li huwa qasam li jistħoqqlu azzjoni aktar b'saħħitha fil-livell ta' l-UE. In-negozji ta' l-UE jeħtieġu strateġija orjentata aktar lejn ir-riżultati sabiex jgħinu biex jingħelbu l-problemi konkreti li huma jiffaċċjaw biex ikollhom aċċess għas-swieq ta' pajjiżi terzi, bl-effiċjenza u l-ħeffa li jirriflettu r-realtà kummerċjali moderna. L-Istati Membri esprimew b'mod konsistenti l-opinjoni tagħhom li tinħtieġ politika ta' l-UE aktar effettiva u assertiva.

3. Proposals for a stronger Partnership to deliver market access

3. Proposti għal Partenarjat aktar b'saħħtu biex itejjeb l-aċċess għas-swieq

The reasons for focusing on market access are as valid today as they were in 1996, if not more so. Our task is to strengthen and adapt the existing framework for market access policy and improve the concrete tools that are part of that framework.

Ir-raġunjiet għaliex l-aċċess għas-swieq għandu jingħata aktar attenzjoni huma validi illum daqs kemm kienu fl-1996, jekk mhux iżjed. Ix-xogħol tagħna huwa li nsaħħu u nadattaw il-qafas eżistenti għall-politika ta' aċċess għas-swieq u li ntejbu l-għodda konkreti li jagħmlu parti minn dak il-qafas.

3.1. The right mix of policy instruments

3.1. L-aqwa taħlita ta' strumenti ta' politika

The WTO system and multilateral cooperation remain the single most important mechanism for securing and guaranteeing market access in the global trading system, although others such as the World Customs Organisation also play an important role. But we cannot rely on a single avenue or mechanism to tackle trade barriers. We must use multilateral and bilateral, as well as both formal and informal, instruments.

Is-sistema tad-WTO u l-kooperazzjoni multilaterali jibqgħu l-uniku mekkaniżmu l-aktar importanti sabiex ikun żgurat u garantit l-aċċess għas-swieq fis-sistema ta' kummerċ globali, għalkemm oħrajn bħall-Organizzazzjoni Doganali Dinjija għandhom rwol importanti wkoll. Iżda ma nistgħux inserrħu fuq soluzzjoni unika jew mekkaniżmu uniku biex negħlbu l-ostakli għall-kummerċ. Jeħtieġ li nużaw strumenti multilaterali u bilaterali, kif ukoll dawk formali u informali.

In the WTO, successful completion of an ambitious Doha Round of trade negotiations is the priority for the EU. The scope for using accession negotiations to secure greater market access is diminishing, as some of the most important trading countries such as China have now joined the WTO, and others such as Russia are entering the closing stretch of negotiations. Multilateral activity will be complemented by the launch of negotiations on a new generation of bilateral Free Trade Agreements, going beyond current WTO rules, with regions and countries such as ASEAN, Korea, India, Andean countries and Central America, as well as the pursuit of ongoing negotiations with Mercosur and the Gulf Cooperation Council, and by the conclusion of sectoral agreements.

Fid-WTO, il-prijorità ta' l-UE hija t-tlestija b'suċċess taċ-Ċiklu ambizzjuż ta' negozjati kummerċjali ta' Doha. Il-possibbiltà li jintużaw negozjati ta' adeżjoni sabiex ikun żgurat aċċess akbar għas-swieq qiegħda tonqos, peress li wħud mill-pajjiżi l-aktar importanti fil-kummerċ bħaċ-Ċina issa ssieħbu fid-WTO, u oħrajn bħar-Russja qegħdin jidħlu fil-fażi finali tan-negozjati. L-attività multilaterali se tiġi kkomplementata minn tnedija ta' negozjati dwar ġenerazzjoni ġdida ta' Ftehim bilaterali ta' Kummerċ Ħieles, li tmur lil hinn mir-regoli attwali tad-WTO, ma' reġjuni u pajjiżi bħall–ASEAN, il-Korea, l-Indja, il-pajjiżi Andini u l-Amerika Ċentrali, kif ukoll mit-twettiq tan-negozjati li għadhom għaddejjin mal-Mercosur u l-Kunsill ta' Kooperazzjoni fil-Golf, u mill-konklużjoni ta' ftehim settorjali.

We should also seek to reinforce our position in international normative bodies such as the International Standards Organisation (ISO). This will help us better influence international regulatory cooperation, for example by promoting the use of voluntary international standards drawn up by the international standardisation bodies. In addition new generation FTAs should include a regulatory approximation component. The EU should also facilitate the active participation of developing countries in such regulatory dialogues.

Jeħtieġ ukoll li nfittxu li nsaħħu l-pożizzjoni tagħna f'korpi normattivi internazzjonali bħall-Organizzazzjoni Internazzjonali ta' l-Istandardizzazzjoni (ISO). Dan għandu jgħina biex ninfluwenzaw aħjar il-kooperazzjoni regolatorja internazzjonali, per eżempju billi nippromwovu l-użu ta' standards internazzjonali volontarji mfassla mill-korpi internazzjonali ta’ l-istandardizzazzjoni. Barra minn hekk, il-ġenerazzjoni ġdida ta' FTAs għandha tinkludi komponent ta' approssimazzjoni regolatorja. L-UE għandha wkoll tiffaċilita s-sehem attiv ta' pajjiżi li qegħdin jiżviluppaw fi djalogi regolatorji bħal dawn.

However, agreeing rules is only the start of the process. A clear focus must be maintained on enforcement and in ensuring that third countries comply with their obligations under bilateral and multilateral agreements. To facilitate this, rights under the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding should be pursued actively. Multilateral and bilateral negotiations should be used to establish flexible dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms, based on mediation, in order to address problems with partner countries. We should also encourage others to make greater use, as the EU has, of the notification procedures under the Agreements on Technical Barriers to Trade to head off trade restrictions. In addition, we should amend the Trade Barriers Regulation to include complaints against violation of bilateral treaties to which we are a party. The EU may also further develop co-operation with third countries to address barriers of common concern. For example, the EU should integrate such discussions into existing strategic partnerships with key emerging and developed country markets: we are already working closely with the United States on market access issues.

Madankollu, il-qbil dwar ir-regoli huwa biss il-bidu tal-proċess. Jeħtieġ li tinżamm konċentrazzjoni netta fuq l-infurzar tagħhom u jkun żgurat li l-pajjiżi terzi jikkonformaw ma' l-obbligazzjonijiet tagħhom skond il-ftehim bilaterali u multilaterali. Sabiex dan jiġi ffaċilitat, id-drittijiet skond il-Ftehim tad-WTO dwar ir-Riżoluzzjoni ta' Tilwim għandhom jitħaddmu b'mod attiv. In-negozjati multilaterali u bilaterali għandhom jintużaw biex ikunu stabbiliti mekkaniżmi flessibbli, bbażati fuq il-medjazzjoni, ħalli jevitaw u jsolvu t-tilwim, sabiex jiġu indirizzati l-problemi mal-pajjiżi sħab. Għandna wkoll inħeġġu lill-oħrajn biex jagħmlu użu akbar, kif għamlet l-UE, tal-proċeduri ta' notifika sabiex jitneħħew ir-restrizzjonijiet fuq il-kummerċ, skond il-Ftehim dwar l-Ostakli Tekniċi għall-Kummerċ. Barra minn hekk, għandna nemendaw ir-Regolament ta' l-Ostakli għall-Kummerċ sabiex jinkludi l-ilmenti kontra l-vjolazzjoni tat-trattati bilaterali li aħna parti minnhom. L-UE tista' wkoll tiżviluppa aktar il-kooperazzjoni mal-pajjiżi terzi sabiex jiġu indirizzati l-ostakli ta' interess komuni. Per eżempju, l-UE għandha tintegra dawn id-diskussjonijiet f'partenarjati strateġiċi eżistenti mas-swieq ewlenin tal-pajjiżi emerġenti u żviluppati: aħna diġà qegħdin naħdmu fil-qrib ma' l-Istati Uniti fuq kwistjonijiet ta' aċċess għas-swieq.

The absence of efficient competition laws can also limit market access. We need to continue our efforts to promote the introduction of appropriate competition rules in third countries.

In-nuqqas ta' liġijiet effiċjenti dwar il-kompetizzjoni jistgħu wkoll jillimitaw l-aċċess għas-swieq. Jeħtieġ li nkomplu bl-isforzi tagħna biex nippromwovu l-introduzzjoni ta' regoli tal-kompetizzjoni xierqa fil-pajjiżi terzi.

Enforcement of market access rules also depends on an effective technical and administrative system. Many developing countries in particular do not have sufficient administrative capacities, training or technical equipment. Trade related assistance can assist in reducing these constraints. The Commission, and the EU as a whole, is committed to increasing trade-related assistance as part of its overall strategy on Aid for Trade[6].

L-infurzar tar-regoli dwar l-aċċess għas-swieq jiddependi wkoll fuq sistema teknika u amministrattiva effettiva. Ħafna pajjiżi li qegħdin jiżviluppaw b'mod partikolari m'għandhomx kapaċitajiet amministrattivi, taħriġ jew apparat tekniku biżżejjed. L-għajnuna marbuta mal-kummerċ tista' tgħin biex tnaqqas dawn ir-restrizzjonijiet. Il-Kummissjoni, u l-UE kollha kemm hi, hija impenjata li żżid l-għajnuna marbuta mal-kummerċ bħala parti mill-istrateġija ġenerali tagħha dwar l-Għajnuna għall-Kummerċ[6].

Finally, political contacts and trade diplomacy will play an increasingly important role in the joint efforts of the Commission, Member States and business effectively to tackle barriers, and will complement other, more medium to long-term, policy instruments.

Fl-aħħarnett, il-kuntatti politiċi u d-diplomazija kummerċjali se jkollhom rwol dejjem aktar importanti fl-isforzi konġunti tal-Kummissjoni, ta' l-Istati Membri u tan-negozji sabiex jintgħelbu l-ostakli b'mod effettiv, u se jikkomplementaw strumenti ta' politika oħra, ta' vantaġġ fiż-żmien medju u f'dak imbiegħed.

3.2. A new relationship with Member States and business

3.2. Relazzjoni ġdida ma' l-Istati Membri u man-negozji

The Commission's role at the centre of the common commercial policy is vital. But it is clear that to be more effective the Commission needs to establish a new partnership with both Member States, who have their own competences in this area, and European business.

Ir-rwol tal-Kummissjoni huwa vitali fiċ-ċentru tal-politika kummerċjali komuni. Iżda jidher ċar li l-Kummissjoni, biex tkun aktar effettiva, trid tistabbilixxi partenarjat ġdid kemm ma' l-Istati Membri, li għandhom il-ħiliet tagħhom f'dan il-qasam, kif ukoll man-negozji Ewropej.

The Commission, Member States and business need to establish improved ways of working. This implies much more systematic contact and cooperation at all levels, both within the EU and in third countries. The Commission, Member States and business should work better together to establish priorities for action in barrier removal, as well as linking up databases and developing a network of market access specialists.

Il-Kummissjoni, l-Istati Membri u n-negozji jridu jistabbilixxu modi mtejba ta' ħidma. Dan jimplika kuntatt u kooperazzjoni aktar sistematiċi fil-livelli kollha, kemm fi ħdan l-UE kif ukoll fil-pajjiżi terzi. Il-Kummissjoni, l-Istati Membri u n-negozji għandhom jaħdmu aħjar flimkien sabiex jistabbilixxu l-prijoritajiet fit-tneħħija ta' l-ostakli, kif ukoll jgħaqqdu d- databases u jiżviluppaw netwerk ta' speċjalisti fl-aċċess għas-swieq.

This is particularly important on the ground in key third country markets, where local knowledge is strongest. Commission Delegations, Member State embassies and European businesses operating in foreign markets are familiar with the local administrative structures and processes and usually best placed to offer initial reviews of market access problems, identify cases requiring coordinated action with specialists in Brussels in areas such as intellectual property, technical barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary / phytosanitary (SPS) protection, and conduct local follow-up. In practical terms, there is much already going on in third countries to pool resources and contacts. However more systematic contacts and coordination would improve intelligence gathering, make it possible to identify and react to relevant legislative proposals before they are adopted and use local knowledge and leverage to apply diplomatic pressure to tackle market access barriers quickly and effectively.

Dan huwa importanti b'mod partikolari direttament fis-swieq ewlenin ta' pajjiżi terzi, fejn l-għarfien lokali huwa l-aktar żviluppat. Id-Delegazzjonijet tal-Kummissjoni, l-ambaxxati ta' l-Istati Membri u n-negozji Ewropej li jaħdmu fis-swieq barranin, huma familjari ma' l-istrutturi u l-proċessi amministrattivi lokali u s-soltu jkunu fl-aħjar pożizzjoni biex joffru reviżjoni inizjali ta' problemi dwar aċċess għas-swieq, jidentifikaw każijiet li jeħtieġu azzjoni koordinata ma' speċjalisti fi Brussell f'oqsma bħall-proprjetà intellettwali, l-ostakli tekniċi għall-kummerċ (TBT) u l-protezzjoni sanitarja / fitosanitarja (SPS), u jiżguraw li jkun hemm segwitu lokali. F’termini prattiċi, diġà qed isir ħafna fil-pajjiżi terzi sabiex jitressqu flimkien ir-riżorsi u l-kuntatti. Madankollu l-koordinazzjoni u l-kuntatti aktar sistematiċi għandhom itejbu l-ġbir intelliġenti, jippermettu l-identifikazzjoni tal-proposti leġiżlattivi relevanti u jirreaġixxu qabel ma dawn jiġu adottati, u jużaw l-għarfien u l-influwenza lokali sabiex jagħmlu pressjoni diplomatika biex jintgħelbu l-ostakli għall-aċċess għas-swieq malajr u b’mod effettiv.

The Commission proposes the creation of Market Access Teams in third country markets involving the Commission, Member States, the private sector (for example EU Chambers of Commerce), and where appropriate other EU stakeholders. In the short term, a list of pilot countries will be established to set up stronger networks and Market Access Teams.

Il-Kummissjoni tipproponi l-ħolqien ta' Gruppi speċjalizzati fl-Aċċess għas-Swieq fis-swieq ta' pajjiżi terzi li jinvolvu l-Kummissjoni, l-Istati Membri, is-settur privat (per eżempju l-Kmamar tal-Kummerċ ta' l-UE), u fejn hu xieraq il-partijiet interessati ta' l-UE. Fiż-żmien qasir, għandha tkun stabbilita lista ta' pajjiżi pilota li fihom se jitwaqqfu netwerks u Gruppi aktar b'saħħithom, speċjalizzati fl-Aċċess għas-Swieq.

The Commission also believes that the Market Access Advisory Committee, composed of representatives of Member States and chaired by the Commission, should become more technically focused on market access issues[7], including consideration of particular cases and exchange of best practices. It should also have a renewed emphasis on co-ordination, based on feedback from local Market Access Teams, and work closely with the Trade Barriers Regulation Committee. The 133 Committee, the overall advisory committee on trade policy, should continue to be the forum for discussion of the most important market access cases. However, owing to the complexity and variety of market access issues, other specialist committees will also continue to take the lead where appropriate. The Commission will also continue to discuss these issues on a regular basis with the European Parliament.

Il-Kummissjoni temmen ukoll li l-Kumitat Konsultattiv għall-Aċċess għas-Swieq, magħmul minn rappreżentanti ta' l-Istati Membri u ppresedut mill-Kummissjoni, għandu jsir aktar teknikament iffukat fuq kwistjonijiet ta' aċċess għas-swieq[7], inkluża l-konsiderazzjoni ta' każijiet partikolari u l-iskambju ta' l-aħjar prassi. Għandu jkollu wkoll enfasi mġedda fuq il-koordinazzjoni, ibbażata fuq ir-rispons mill-Gruppi lokali speċjalizzati fl-Aċċess għas-Swieq, u jaħdem mill-qrib mal-Kumitat tar-Regolament dwar l-Ostakli għall-Kummerċ. Il-Kumitat 133, il-kumitat konsultattiv ġenerali dwar il-politika tal-kummerċ, għandu jkompli jkun il-forum għad-diskussjoni dwar l-aktar każijiet importanti ta' aċċess għas-swieq. Madankollu, minħabba l-kumplessità u l-varjetà tal-kwistjonijiet ta' aċċess għas-swieq, kumitati speċjalizzati oħra ser jieħdu wkoll rwol fuq quddiem fejn xieraq. Il-Kummissjoni se tkompli tiddiskuti wkoll dawn il-kwistjonijet fuq bażi regolari mal-Parlament Ewropew.

It is clear that there is a strong desire from business for more active participation in barrier removal. The Commission sees merit in more regular trilateral discussions between the Commission, EU business and Member States and proposes to create a specific forum for a regular Member State / Commission services / EU business meeting, possibly linked to the Market Access Advisory Committee meeting.

Jidher ċar li hemm xewqa kbira min-naħa tan-negozji għal sehem aktar attiv fit-tneħħija ta' l-ostakli. Il-Kummissjoni tqis li huwa utli li jkun hemm aktar diskussjonijiet trilaterali regolari bejn il-Kummissjoni, in-negozji ta' l-UE u l-Istati Membri u tipproponi li jinħoloq forum għal-laqgħa regolari ta' l-Istati Membri / is-servizzi tal-Kummissjoni / in-negozji ta' l-UE, possibbilment marbuta mal-laqgħa tal-Kumitat Konsultattiv għall-Aċċess għas-Swieq.

As a general principle for working together, we should use existing mechanisms better and create a framework for regular contacts, rather than creating additional institutions for intra-EU cooperation.

Bħala prinċipju ġenerali biex naħdmu flimkien, għandna nużaw il-mekkaniżmi eżistenti aħjar u noħolqu qafas għal kuntatti regolari, minflok noħolqu aktar istituzzjonijiet għal kooperazzjoni intra-UE.

3.3. Prioritising to make the best use of resources

3.3. L-iffissar ta' prijoritajiet sabiex isir l-aħjar użu tar-riżorsi

The anticipated increase in the already substantial number of trade barriers reported, coupled with the increasing complexity and difficulty of tackling them, means that it is important to ensure that we focus and act on the highest priority barriers.

Iż-żieda antiċipata fin-numru diġà sostanzjali ta' ostakli għall-kummerċ irrappurtati, flimkien mal-kumplessità u d-diffikultà dejjem akbar sabiex dawn jingħelbu, ifissru li huwa importanti li aħna niffukaw u naġixxu fuq l-ostakli ta' l-ogħla prijorità.

All complaints received should continue to be examined, but in the light of objective prioritisation indicators discussed with EU Member States and EU business, including small and medium sized enterprises. These could include:

L-ilmenti kollha li waslu għandhom jibqgħu jiġu eżaminati, iżda fid-dawl ta' l-indikaturi oġġettivi ta' prijoritizzazzjoni diskussi ma' l-Istati Membri ta' l-UE u n-negozji ta' l-UE, inklużi l-impriżi żgħar u ta' daqs medju. Dawn jistgħu jinkludu:

- the potential economic benefits for EU business as a whole in the short and the medium term,

- il-benefiċċji ekonomiċi potenzjali għan-negozju fl-UE kollu kemm hu fiż-żmien qasir u medju,

- whether or not the barrier in question represents a serious infringement of bilateral or multilateral agreements, and

- kemm jekk l-ostaklu kkonċernat jirrappreżenta ksur serju tal-ftehim bilaterali jew multilaterali, u kemm jekk le, u

- the likelihood of resolution of the problem within a reasonable timeframe.

- il-probabbiltà ta' riżoluzzjoni tal-problema fi żmien raġonevoli.

In terms of the outcomes of the prioritisation process, priorities could be defined in terms of:

F'termini tar-riżultati tal-proċess ta' prijoritizzazzjoni, il-prijoritajiet jistgħu jkunu ddefiniti f'termini ta':

- countries (both industrialised economies and emerging economies, but excluding least developed countries);

- pajjiżi (kemm l-ekonomiji industrijalizzati kif ukoll dawk emerġenti, iżda minbarra l-pajjiżi l-anqas żviluppati);

- sectors (a number of sectors have been identified, for example, in the consultation and in the framework of the industrial policy[8]); and/or

- setturi (numru ta' setturi ġew identifikati, per eżempju, fil-konsultazzjoni u fil-qafas tal-politika industrijali[8]); u/jew

- categories of problem - IPR infringements for example.

- kategoriji ta' problemi – per eżempju l-ksur ta' IPR.

However, prioritisation must not be a straitjacket, but must help provide guidance to using resources better.

Madankollu, il-prijoritizzazzjoni m'għandiex tkun restrittiva, iżda għandha tipprovdi gwida għal użu aħjar tar-riżorsi.

3.4. A more effective, efficient and transparent service

3.4. Servizz aktar effettiv, effiċjenti u trasparenti

…preventing new barriers coming into effect…

...ma jitħallewx ostakli ġodda jidħlu fis-seħħ...

A prevention based, "early warning" approach to monitoring regulations in third countries has the advantage of identifying possible barriers at an early stage, and tackling them at source, and letting our trade partners know of our concerns before draft legislation or regulations are set in stone. The Commission will encourage others to notify under the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement and increase intelligence gathering efforts on upcoming legislation in third countries directly on the ground by the Market Access Teams.

L-Istrateġija ta' "twissija bikrija", ibbażata fuq il-prevenzjoni, sabiex isir monitoraġġ tar-regolamenti fil-pajjiżi terzi, għandha l-vantaġġ li tidentifika l-ostakli possibbli fi stadju bikri, kif ukoll tegħlibhom f'ras il-għajn, u tippermetti lill-imsieħba kummerċjali li jsiru jafu dwar it-tħassib tagħna qabel ma l-abbozz ta' leġiżlazzjoni jew ta' regolamenti jsir realtà. Il-Kummissjoni se tħeġġeġ lill-oħrajn sabiex jinnotifikaw skond il-Ftehim ta' l-Ostakli Tekniċi għall-Kummerċ u jżidu l-isforzi ta' ġbir intelliġenti b'mod mill-aktar dirett minn Gruppi speċjalizzati fl-Aċċess għas-Swieq, dwar il-leġiżlazzjoni li se tittieħed ma ddumx fil-pajjiżi terzi.

…improving the process leading to barrier removal…

...it-titjib tal-proċess li jwassal għat-tneħħija ta' l-ostakli...

The biggest gap between the expectations created in 1996 and the results achieved is in the time taken for the successful removal of trade restrictions even in the most clear-cut cases of breaches of multilateral or bilateral agreements. Feedback from business makes clear that they need quicker, more responsive action. The Commission will improve and streamline the way it registers, analyses and tackles market access complaints, and the way in which it provides feedback to business.

L-akbar differenza bejn l-aspettattivi li nħolqu fl-1996 u r-riżultati miksuba hija ż-żmien li ttieħed biex ir-restrizzjonijiet fuq il-kummerċ jitneħħew b'suċċess anke fl-aktar każijiet ċari ta' ksur tal-ftehim multilaterali jew bilaterali. Ir-rispons min-negozji juri biċ-ċar li huma jeħtieġu azzjoni aktar mgħaġġla u li twieġeb aħjar għas-sitwazzjoni. Il-Kummissjoni se ttejjeb u tissimplifikail-mod kif tirreġistra, tanalizza u tindirizza l-ilmenti dwar l-aċċess għas-swieq, u l-mod kif tipprovdi rispons lin-negozji.

We will rely on EU business to provide much of the information on the barriers which affect their trade or investment with third counties, and ensure Commission-wide sharing of such incoming information. The objective would be to register in the Market Access Database all market access complaints received. We will establish web-links with other databases elsewhere in the EU (including with Member States and business, where possible) to ensure that all recorded barriers are accessible via the Market Access Database. Cases would be given a unique case number to facilitate their tracking through the system in a transparent manner.

Aħna se niddependu fuq in-negozji ta' l-UE biex jipprovdu ħafna mit-tagħrif dwar l-ostakli li jolqtu l-kummerċ u l-investiment tagħhom ma pajjiżi terzi, u niżguraw it-tqassim fil-Kummissjoni kollha ta' dan it-tagħrif li jkun wasal. L-għan għandu jkun ir-reġistrazzjoni fid- Database dwar l-Aċċess għas-Swieq ta' l-ilmenti kollha li jkunu waslu dwar l-aċċess għas-swieq. Aħna se nistabbilixxu ħoloq ta' l-internet ma' databases oħra f'postijiet oħra fl-UE (inkluż ma' l-Istati Membri u n-negozji, fejn ikun possibbli) sabiex ikun żgurat li l-ostakli kollha rreġistrati jkunu aċċessibbli permezz tad- Database dwar l-Aċċess għas-Swieq. Il-każijiet għandhom jiġu mogħtija numru tal-każ uniku sabiex ikunu jistgħu jiġu segwiti fis-sistema b'mod trasparenti.

Analysis of barriers needs to involve all actors, including the locally established Market Access Teams. And EU business should be kept regularly informed on ongoing work.

L-analiżi ta' l-ostakli teħtieġ l-involviment ta' l-atturi kollha, inklużi l-Gruppi speċjalizzati fl-Aċċess għas-Swieq stabbiliti lokalment. U n-negozji ta' l-UE għandhom jiġu mgħarrfa b'mod regolari dwar ix-xogħol li jkun għaddej.

The identification and analysis of barriers is the area where closer partnership with business and Member States could be expected to have its greatest impact in efficiency and transparency.

L-identifikazzjoni u l-analiżi ta' l-ostakli huma l-qasam fejn partenarjat eqreb man-negozji u l-Istati Membri huwa mistenni li jkollu l-akbar impatt fuq l-effiċjenza u t-trasparenza.

…and improving the Market Access Database

...u t-titjib tad- Database dwar l-Aċċess għas-Swieq

The European Commission's Market Access Database provides rapidly accessible and reliable information with regard to applied tariffs, import formalities and documentary requirements for imports into third countries and also incorporates information on trade barriers restricting access to those markets. While users are generally satisfied with the existing system, improvements should be made.

Id- Database tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea dwar l-Aċċess għas-Swieq tipprovdi tagħrif affidabbli u aċċessibbli malajr fir-rigward tat-tariffi applikati, il-formalitajiet ta' l-importazzjoni u r-rekwiżiti ta' dokumentazzjoni għall-importazzjoni fil-pajjiżi terzi u tinkorpora wkoll tagħrif dwar l-ostakli għall-kummerċ li jirrestrinġu l-aċċess għal dawk is-swieq. Filwaqt li l-utenti ġeneralment huma sodisfatti bis-sistema eżistenti, jeħtieġ li jsir xi titjib.

There will be a greater focus on user-friendliness and simplification of the Market Access Database that will make it easier to identify and report problems. The Commission will establish improved reaction times to on-line enquiries and commit to regular updates of the information available in the Database. The current 'Comments' section of the Database will be upgraded to encourage more issues and problems to be brought to the attention of the Commission via e-mail. A promotional campaign will be launched in and with Member States, to publicise widely the services of the Market Access Partnership, especially among SMEs via the forthcoming EU-wide network supporting business and innovation, and to encourage EU companies to register their complaints about barriers.

Għandu jkun hemm konċentrazzjoni akbar fuq il-faċilità ta’ l-użu u s-simplifikazzjoni tad- Database dwar l-Aċċess għas-Swieq, u din se tagħmilha aktar faċli li jkunu identifikati u rrappurtati l-problemi. Il-Kummissjoni se ttejjeb iż-żmien ta' reazzjoni għall-mistoqsijiet on-line u se tintrabat li taġġorna b'mod regolari t-tagħrif disponibbli fid- Database . Is-sezzjoni attwali tal-'Kummenti' fid- Database se tiġi mtejba sabiex jinġiebu aktar kwistjonijiet u problemi għall-attenzjoni tal-Kummissjoni permezz ta' e-mail. Se titnieda kampanja promozzjonali fi u ma' l-Istati Membri, biex tippubbliċizzabl-aktar mod wiesa' s-servizzi tal-Partenarjat ta' l-Aċċess għas-Swieq, speċjalment fost l-SMEs permezz ta' netwerk, fil-futur qrib, mifrux ma' l-UE kollha li jgħin il-kummerċ u l-innovazzjoni, u biex tħeġġeġ lill-kumpaniji ta' l-UE jirreġistraw l-ilmenti tagħhom dwar l-ostakli.

In response to requests from users and in order better to match the current challenges and needs of EU exporters, new sections of the Market Access Database will be developed over time to improve its coverage in areas such as services, IPR enforcement, and investment.

B'risposta għat-talbiet mill-utenti u sabiex jintlaħqu aħjar l-isfidi u l-ħtiġiet attwali ta' l-esportaturi ta' l-UE, se jiġu żviluppati matul iż-żmien sezzjonijiet ġodda tad- Database għall-Aċċess għas-Swieq sabiex ikopru aħjar oqsma bħas-servizzi, l-infurzar ta' IPR u l-investiment.

Locally based Market Access Teams should produce regular reports on trade barriers in their host countries which will update and strengthen the picture offered by the Market Access Database .

Il-Gruppi speċjalizzati fl-Aċċess għas-Swieq ibbażati lokalment għandhom jipproduċu rapporti regolari dwar l-ostakli għall-kummerċ fil-pajjiżi li laqgħuhom, li se jaġġornaw u jsaħħu l-istampa ġenerali mogħtija mid- Database għall-Aċċess għas-Swieq.

The Commission will also look at ways to link the Market Access Database and the Export Helpdesk for Developing Country exporters. Providing access to this information for developing countries' exporters would raise their capacity for export to other countries – a helpful boost to south-south trade in particular.

Il-Kummissjoni se tħares ukoll lejn modi biex tgħaqqad id- Database għall-Aċċess għas-Swieq u l- Helpdesk ta' l-Esportazzjoni għall-esportaturi tal-pajjiżi li qegħdin jiżviluppaw. Il-provvediment ta' aċċess għal dan it-tagħrif għall-esportaturi ta' pajjiżi li qegħdin jiżviluppaw għandu jżid il-kapacità tagħhom għall-esportazzjoni lejn pajjiżi oħra – dan jagħti spinta b'mod partikolari lill-kummerċ fi ħdan in-Nofsinhar.

4. Conclusion

4. Konklużjoni

A stronger Partnership to deliver market access is an essential component of the Global Europe Strategy and a significant contribution to the Lisbon agenda for growth and jobs. European companies – from strong global companies to up and coming SMEs – are fighting to succeed in global markets. A strong market access policy is a key function of the common commercial policy, and a key area in which the EU can deliver real economic benefits for its Member States and European citizens and businesses. The EU's policy of 1996 needs to be strengthened and adapted to a changing global economy in which both the markets to which we seek access and the barriers that prevent it are changing.

Partenarjat aktar b'saħħtu biex itejjeb l-aċċess għas-swieq huwa komponent essenzjali ta' l-Istrateġija għal Ewropa Globali u kontribut sinifikanti lill-aġenda ta’ Liżbona għat-tkabbir ekonomiku u l-impjiegi. Il-kumpaniji Ewropej – mill-kumpaniji kbar globali sa' l-SMEs – qegħdin jitħabtu biex jirnexxu fis-swieq globali. Politika b'saħħitha ta' aċċess għas-swieq hija l-funzjoni ewlenija tal-politika kummerċjali komuni, u l-qasam ewlieni li fih l-UE tista' tagħti benefiċċji ekonomiċi reali lill-Istati Membri tagħha u liċ-ċittadini u lin-negozji Ewropej. Il-politika ta' l-UE ta' l-1996 teħtieġ li tiġi msaħħa u adattata għal ekonomija globali li qiegħda tinbidel, fejn kemm is-swieq li aħna nfittxu biex ikollna aċċess kif ukoll l-ostakli li jżommuna milli nagħmlu dan, qegħdin jinbidlu.

The Commission therefore proposes:

Il-Kummissjoni għalhekk tipproponi:

- A reinforced commitment to using multilateral institutions, such as the WTO, and bilateral channels, like the new generation FTAs to encourage progressive – and enforceable – liberalisation, market opening, and approximation of standards and norms between the EU and its trading partners.

- Impenn imsaħħaħ lejn l-użu ta' istituzzjonijiet multilaterali, bħad-WTO, u l-kanali bilaterali, bħall-ġenerazzjoni ġdida ta' FTAs sabiex jiġu mħeġġa l-liberalizzazzjoni progressiva u li tista' tkun infurzata, il-ftuħ tas-swieq, l-approssimazzjoni ta' l-istandards u n-normi bejn l-UE u l-imsieħba kummerċjali tagħha.

- Establishing a stronger relationship between the Commission, Member States, and EU business, to support directly economic operators in overcoming the concrete difficulties they encounter in accessing third country markets and in a manner and timeframe that is compatible with business reality.

- Li tkun stabbilita relazzjoni aktar b'saħħitha bejn il-Kummissjoni, l-Istati Membri, u n-negozji ta' l-UE, biex tgħin b'mod dirett lill-operaturi ekonomiċi biex jegħlbu d-diffikultajiet konkreti li jiltaqgħu magħhom biex jidħlu fis-swieq tal-pajjiżi terzi u b'mod u f'perjodu ta' żmien li jkunu kompatibbli mar-realtà tan-negozju.

- Decentralising the current system and encouraging local initiative in third countries through the development of locally based EU Market Access Teams involving Commission Delegations, Member State embassies and business organisations.

- Id-deċentralizzazzjoni tas-sistema attwali u l-inkoraġġiment ta' inizjattivi lokali fil-pajjiżi terzi permezz ta' l-iżvilupp ta' Gruppi Komunitarji speċjalizzati fl-Aċċess għas-Swieq, ibbażati lokalment, li jinvolvu d-Delegazzjonijiet tal-Kummissjoni, l-Ambaxxati ta' l-Istati Membri u l-organizzazzjonijiet kummerċjali.

- Closer technical cooperation in Brussels between Member State officials and the Commission on market access issues, and intensified consultation with a wide range of industry representatives.

- Kooperazzjoni teknika eqreb fi Brussell bejn l-uffiċjali ta' l-Istati Membri u l-Kummissjoni dwar kwistjonijiet ta' aċċess għas-swieq, u konsultazzjoni intensifikata ma' sensiela wiesgħa ta' rappreżentanti ta' l-industrija.

- Stronger prioritisation in choosing which barriers to focus on to make best use of our resources in certain target markets, (but excluding the least developed countries), key sectors, and/or key areas such as intellectual property rights.

- Prijoritizzazzjoni aktar b'saħħitha fl-għażla ta' l-ostakli li fuqhom għandna niffukaw sabiex nagħmlu l-aħjar użu mir-riżorsi tagħna f'ċerti swieq identifikati, (iżda minbarra l-pajjiżi l-anqas żviluppati), setturi ewlenin, u/jew oqsma bħad-drittijiet tal-proprjetà intellettwali.

- An overhaul of the European Commission's Market Access Database.

- Eżami bir-reqqa tad- Database tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea dwar l-Aċċess għas-Swieq.

- Improved efficiency and transparency in the Commission's analysis of trade barrier complaints, including a new streamlined system for registering complaints.

- Effiċjenza u trasparenza mtejba fl-analiżi tal-Kummissjoni ta' l-ilmenti dwar l-ostakli għall-kummerċ, inkluża sistema ġdida simplifikata għar-reġistrazzjoni ta' l-ilmenti.

The success of this initiative will depend on the strength of the new partnership that we are able to establish, dedicating sufficient resources to it, and making best use of these resources that we bring, collectively, to the project. The Commission is committed to taking up this challenge and invites all involved parties to contribute to implementing this new partnership.

Is-suċċess ta' din l-inizjattiva se jiddependi fuq is-saħħa tal-partenarjat il-ġdid li aħna se nkunu kapaċi nistabbilixxu, l-allokazzjoni ta' riżorsi biżżejjed għal dan, u l-aħjar użu ta' dawn ir-riżorsi li nġibu flimkien, għall-proġett. Il-Kummissjoni hija marbuta li tilqa' din l-isfida u tistieden lill-partijiet kollha involuti biex jikkontribwixxu għall-implimentazzjoni ta' dan il-partenarjat ġdid.

[1] Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Global Europe – Competing in the world – A contribution to the EU's Growth and Jobs Strategy - COM(2006) 567, 4.10.2006.

[1] Komunikazzjoni mill-Kummissjoni lill-Kunsill, lill-Parlament Ewropew, lill-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew u lill-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni - L-Ewropa Globali - Kompetizzjoni dinjija - Kontribut lill-Istrateġija ta' l-UE għat-Tkabbir Ekonomiku u l-Impjiegi - KUMM(2006) 567 ta' l-4.10.2006.

[2] Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: The Global Challenge of International Trade: A Market Access Strategy for the European Union - COM(96) 53, 14.2.1996.

[2] Komunikazzjoni mill-Kummissjoni lill-Kunsill, lill-Parlament Ewropew, lill-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew u lill-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni: L-Isfida Globali tal-Kummerċ Internazzjonali: L-Istrateġija għall-Aċċess għas-Swieq għall-Unjoni Ewropea - KUMM(96) 53 ta' l-14.2.1996.

[3] This report can be downloaded at:http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/november/tradoc_130518.2.pdf.

[3] Dan ir-rapport jista' jitniżżel minn:http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/november/tradoc_130518.2.pdf.

[4] This report can be downloaded at http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/sectoral/mk_access/cs101106_en.htm

[4] Dan ir-rapport jista' jitniżżel minn http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/sectoral/mk_access/cs101106_en.htm

[5] Commission Communication “Implementing the Community Lisbon Programme – Modern SME Policy for Growth and Employment” - COM(2005) 551, 10.11.2005.

[5] Il-Komunikazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni "L-Implimentazzjoni tal-Programm Komunitarju ta' Liżbona - Politika moderna favur l-SMEs għat-tkabbir ekonomiku u l-impjiegi" - KUMM(2005) 551 ta' l-10.11.2005.

[6] Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: "Towards an EU Aid for Trade Strategy - the Commission's contribution" - COM(2007) 163, 4.4.2007.

[6] Il-Komunikazzjoni mill-Kummissjoni lill-Kunsill u l-Parlament Ewropew. Lejn Strateġija ta' l-UE dwar Għajnuna għall-Kummerċ - il-kontribut tal-Kummissjoni - KUMM(2007) 163 ta' l-4.4.2007

[7] Within the existing remit provided for by Council Decision 98/552/EC of 24 September 1998.

[7] Fi ħdan il-kompetenza eżistenti prevista fid-Deċiżjoni tal-Kunsill 98/552/KE ta' l-24 ta' Settembru 1998.

[8] Commission Communication: "Implementing the Community Lisbon Programme: A policy framework to strengthen EU manufacturing - towards a more integrated approach for industrial policy" - COM(2005) 474, 5.10.2005. Its technical update of 4.9.2006 can be downloaded athttp://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/enterprise_policy/industry/doc/sec_overview_update06.pdf

[8] Il-Komunikazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni: "L-Implimentazzjoni tal-Programm Komunitarju ta' Liżbona: Qafas ta' politika għat-Tisħiħ ta’ l-industrija tal-manifattura ta’ l-UE - lejn strateġija aktar integrata għall-politika industrijali" - KUMM(2005) 474 tal- 5.10.2005. L-aġġornament tekniku tagħha jista' jitniżżel minn http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/enterprise_policy/industry/doc/sec_overview_update06.pdf