The EU submits a paper on subsidies and countervailing measures

The main focus of this submission to the WTO is on how to make the existing framework for the regulation of subsidies and countervailing measures more operational. European Commission proposals impacting on the agricultural sector include calls for: a clarification of the definition of what a 'subsidy' is in order to include disguised subsidies; strengthened provisions to act against entities which may be providing the 'subsidy' under the covert direction of governments; establishment of clear and consistent rules on all types of export financing, based on the current OECD regime; establishment of mechanisms to penalise partial or non-notification of subsidies; positive consideration for a package of special and differential treatment measures for developing countries with regard to subsidies.The main focus of this submission to the WTO is..