Collective requests in which the EU is participating under the DDA Trade in Services negotiations

Telecommunication services

It is important therefore that the plurilateral negotiations result in significant trade commitments to provide a broad range of telecommunications services from fixed voice telephony to mobile data and high speed internet services; facilitate the establishment of foreign operators by providing them with effective majority control of their businesses and ensure the presence of a level playing field through the application of relevant regulatory principles on fair competition. The presence of EU telecoms companies helps provide jobs both in the host country and in the EU, not only through service provision but also for the suppliers of telecommunications equipment.

Transport services: Maritime

Safe, reliable and competitive maritime transport services benefit the economy as a whole, and are key factors of efficiency for the production of both goods and services. It is estimated that 80 per cent of world trade in volume terms is carried by sea. Maritime transport is thus an important facilitator of world trade, and this role becomes even more apparent and crucial in an expanded and diversified world trading system. The objective of the EU is an internationally competitive maritime industry which observes international standards of safety and environmental protection.

In this sector, the negotiations during the Uruguay Round were not concluded. The commitments of WTO members should guarantee non discriminatory conditions for international maritime transport on cargo and passengers and on a number of auxiliary services. This is key to take full advantage of the new export opportunities that will be offered to developing and developed countries by lower agricultural and industrial tariffs resulting from the future Doha Round Agreement.

Financial services

Everyone needs financial services: Home buyers need mortgages, savers need investment products, companies need loans, people need insurance against unforeseen risks, and even insurance companies need insurance in the form of reinsurance.

European insurance companies are the world's main providers of insurance and reinsurance against natural risks like earthquakes, hurricanes or floods, and European banks contribute to the financing of development in many countries around the world. For EU financial services companies, the fast-growing emerging economies will become a major source of activity that will help to offset slower growth in the more mature financial services markets.

The collective request in financial services aims at allowing EU financial services firms to set up abroad and, in some cases provide services directly to other countries from the EU. It also provides for the removal of discrimination between domestic and foreign suppliers and other obstacles, as well as a common classification of financial services. The collective request does not question the right of a country to protect the stability and integrity of its financial system in accordance with the respective GATS provisions.

Environmental services

Environmental services are part of the solution to the environmental challenges that countries face across the globe. Indeed, as countries