The ETUC welcomes the European Commission's postponement of presentation of trade defence instruments (TDI)

Brussels, 16/01/2008

At that conference, the ETUC and its industrial federations stated that trade defence instruments (TDI) needed to be strengthened rather than weakened, because they protect not only growth and jobs, but also social progress worldwide. The Commission's proposals – apart from the fact that they did not sufficiently take account of the results of the public consultation – were in danger of accentuating social and environmental dumping by weakening procedures.

ETUC Confederal Secretary Joël Decaillon urges the European Commission to involve unions more closely in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy procedures than it has done in the past. It is essential for the European Union to contribute to the development of social progress in the world. The ETUC also observes a certain leeway in the treatment of cases in recent months and calls on the Commission to review anti-dumping cases with new diligence, whilst respecting procedures and rules in force.