EU to enhance preferential trade with Pan-Euro-Mediterranean countries

On 7 December 2020, a package of 21 decisions was adopted by the Council of the EU to increase trade between the European Union and neighbouring countries in the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean region. These decisions mean that the EU and 20 trading partners in the region will update their free trade agreement by modernising the rules of origin, to make them more flexible and business-friendly. The target date for the adoption of these amendments and their entry into force is 1 September 2021.

The new rules, which are the result of ten years of negotiations, will apply alongside those of the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin (PEM Convention), pending the review of the Convention, which is currently under way.

In 2021, the European Commission will promote the new rules, which should contribute to the recovery of the regional economies of the participating countries. Online seminars and detailed guidance will be available for the business community, of customs authorities and other interested stakeholders.

For more information

MEMO

Transitional rules of origin in the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Area

Council Decisions per Country: