An email that explains Europe’s problems
I received the following email in response to what I thought was a relatively simple question. It’s so Orwellian that I just had to post it here for posterity. You can see my original enquiry at the bottom.
Subject:
[Case_ID: 0480506 / 8568693] Trade schemes – Generalize
From: “Europe Direct” <citizen_reply@edcc.ec.europa.eu>
Dear Mr Knowles,
Thank you for your message.
Unfortunately, your request falls outside Directorate-General (DG) for Trade’s mandate. DG Trade is in charge of the EU common external trade policy (covering in particular bilateral and multilateral WTO-negotiations, market access and trade defense instruments).
However, we recommend you to contact Directorate-General (DG) for Agriculture and Rural Development via the mailbox available on the following link:
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/
We hope this answers your question and we are at your disposal for any other request.
Best regards,
EUROPE DIRECT Contact Centre
On behalf of the Directorate-General for Trade
Email: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/
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Disclaimer
Please note: We will try to ensure that you receive the information requested, or to direct you to an appropriate source. However, we are unable to comment on specific issues pertaining to EU policy, and information provided by EUROPE DIRECT may not be considered as legally binding.
Date: Wednesday, 16/05/2012 09:26:29
From: “Tristan Knowles” <tristan@ecolarge.com>
Subject: [Case_ID: 480506 / 8568693] Trade schemes – Generalized System of Preference (GSP) – Everything But Arms (EBA)
——————————
Hi there,
I’m curious to know more about this line at the bottom of the page discussing EBA.
“For the period from 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2012 the importer of sugar shall undertake to purchase such products at a minimum price not lower than 90 % of the reference price.”
Can anybody give me a bit more background on why this in particular is mentioned? I’m researching investment in Lao and a few companies are making use of EBA to export sugar from Lao to the EU. I’m wondering if this is related somehow.
Cheers,
Tristan Knowles – Economist
Economists at Large
Adding value to society – www.ecolarge.com
